TXT’s Soobin and Taehyun Shock Fans After Admitting They Were Hit During Trainee Days

During a recent livestream on Weverse, Soobin, the leader of TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), shared personal insights about his time as a trainee that caught global attention. Soobin spoke openly and revealed that he and fellow member Taehyun faced physical punishment while trying to master difficult choreography, especially routines by SEVENTEEN. He explained that their dance instructor showed them videos of SEVENTEEN’s performances and expected the trainees to copy the movements on their own.

soobin & taehyun talking about them getting hit as trainees as a form of punishment for not dancing well

🐿️🐱💬wow i was really scared when we were practicing for this
🐰 taehyun said that it was really scary practicing for this song and it was really scary!!!
🐰 this was when… pic.twitter.com/tCcMoyFCnP

— 💬 (@translatingTXT) August 16, 2025

As beginners, Soobin and Taehyun tried to learn the routines by watching the videos at a slower pace. When they had trouble executing the choreography properly, they faced physical discipline. Taehyun, who participated in the livestream chat, confirmed Soobin’s account. Soobin also noted that some trainees who were seen as less capable received even harsher treatment. He emphasized that physical punishment is no longer acceptable in training environments today.

hitting anyone is wrong – but hitting a bunch of kids who most likely were away from their family and home, who were directly under your care and your responsibility, is a level of evil that makes my blood boil. i truly hope those people have no power over anyone nowadays. https://t.co/2BcGRQ15qY

— max (@phosphoroki) August 16, 2025

this is fucked up, before even kai joined bighit must’ve been like 2015, ten years ago taehyun was 13 and soobin was 14, kids getting hit by grown adults it makes me sick to my stomach just thinking about it..

— ✩ (@birdofmidnights) August 16, 2025

between soobin admitting that they used to get hit AND the recent staff incompetency where they can’t even cut a fancall in which their idols are being sexually harassed, hybe/bighit staff is evil and useless and clearly have always been that way. fuck this company they will pay

— gutiepie ⭐️🍎 (@gyuetiful) August 16, 2025

Clips from the livestream quickly spread across social media, including X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, sparking widespread discussion. Fans expressed their support for the members, praising their resilience and commitment despite the difficulties they faced before their debut. Additionally, others called for stronger protections for young trainees in the Kpop industry.

@txtwerse they were KIDS. maknaes almsot died not once but TWICE ,(electrocuted & illness bc of everything) , had mushrooms growing , foggy mirrors ,bull!ed by the older trainees too, getting hit , couldn’t eat got scolded for everything , no money, didn’t have enspace for 5 of thwm after debuting ( gyu slept in wardrobe ) etc .. cr tyun1uv #txt #moa #soobin. #kpop #bighit ♬ original sound – holy moly mono poly

This revelation has sparked renewed conversations about trainee culture in Kpop, which has often involved rigorous practice schedules, strict rules, and, at times, physical punishment. Soobin and Taehyun’s experiences highlight the personal challenges behind TXT’s journey to success and underscore the need for changes in the industry to prioritize the safety and well-being of aspiring artists.