As K-pop's popularity soars, South Korea has become a destination for young people around the world hoping to break into the industry. And many take that chance each year to enroll in programmes promising a path to stardom. That hope brought Miyu to South Korea in 2024. Her name has been changed to protect her identity. Armed with big dreams, the teen paid 3m yen ($19,800; £14,500) to join a six-month programme at a K-pop training academy in Seoul. In return, she was to be given professional