Though it's a strange phenomenon, we often associate K-pop idols with glamour and easy fame. Breezy, young-and-rich living, if you will. Granted, we only see what labels choose to show us - some of which include the hoards of screaming fans waiting at airports to get a glimpse of their idols, or pictures of stars attending red carpet events looking all flawless, without so much as a strand of hair sticking out of place.

Given the circumstances, maybe it's not so strange after all. 

But if you're under the impression that these idols are born with silver spoons in their mouths from the moment they debut, you're clearly mistaken. 

The pattern fluctuates almost restlessly

Like anything else, stardom is a process that sends idols reeling in what seems to be a relentless cycle of up's and down's. The pattern fluctuates almost restlessly - groups enjoying fame can suddenly plummet from the good graces of the public with a scandal, or groups with widespread notoriety can cleanse their image with a fresh new concept. 

Though it appears to be a rat race to fame, with unprecedented high's and low's, we've noticed some of the more classic trends in regards to an idol's active period. We've put together a few of the common milestones or "rites of passage" that idols tend to reach during their careers at one point or another. 

Being scouted - You can run, but you can't hide

Some, though not all, artists are scouted by agency representatives off the streets. Take Sehun's case, for instance. He disclosed in an interview that he was cast while eating tteokbokki (spicy rice cake; staple street food in Korea) with his friends. Taking into consideration that his mother had told him to run away from strangers, Sehun ran away from the SM representative, who took it upon herself to persevere and chase after him for 30 minutes. 

Admittedly, not all idols are scouted; some find their way into agencies via auditions or connections. Nevertheless, wouldn't the experience of being scouted be synonymous to that of being told you're insanely attractive by a complete stranger who means every word? More or less, it would be something along the lines of, "Hey, we think you're really pretty. Please come train under our wing so we can (hopefully) make you the biggest star in Asia by the time you're 16-years-old... (hopefully)." 

Training 

For however long the training period may last, the artists sacrifice their personal lives for the chance to debut. In that respect, having relationships and going out with friends become ancillary. Artists spend hours upon hours in the studio - practicing the skills they most lack and honing their stamina to make sure they'll be able to keep their heads above water once they debut. 

Pre-debut pictures are spread around the cybersphere as if it's nobody else's business...        

...including baby pictures

And unless you're hit with plastic surgery accusations, you haven't quite lived the K-pop idol experience

                        It's like a welcoming party into the K-pop sphere. Cheers!

Dorm Life

Because frankly, who doesn't find unparalleled joy in sharing miniature apartment rooms and bathrooms with the rest of the group members?

Debut performances can go both ways

In one respect, the live performance can completely transcend the excitement of watching the group's MV for the first time. Personally, I was blown away by SHINee's debut track, "Replay." I thought the MV was brilliant, but watching their live performance was somehow even better. 

Alternatively, for some artists, while watching the MV could be pure gold, they just might not have been what we were expecting once we see their live performance for the first time. I won't mention any names...

Your well-kempt image breaks down entirely on variety programs

At one point, you look at your bias and see that there's simply no way this beautiful creature can do anything to humiliate him or herself. 

But he or she laters appears on a variety program and your fantasies rise up in flames...

What would idol life be without any embarrassing pictures captured for our viewing pleasure...?

...especially pictures where idols don't have any makeup on

At some point, idols will try their hand in acting                  ...and they can only hope to be half as dramatic as Daesung

Labels might push certain members of the group together to form a sub-unit; or, they might just push the artist as a temporary solo act altogether... 

...for which we're forever grateful for

And sometimes, after a L O N G wait, some of your favorite idols come back with distressing concepts that leave you miserable                         "I gave you everything, but you made me wait all this time for this train wreck?"

But in the end, it's okay, because the idols end up coming back with really hot bodies makeovers                          

And in the end, with enough single-minded persistence, the members finally win their first award...                    

...to which we react like so