Veteran South Korean actor Lee Jong-hyuk recently opened up about his son's brief experience as a K-pop trainee, revealing the intense physical demands that led him to turn down the opportunity.

In a video posted on June 10 on the YouTube show XIUMIN's Ramyeon Place, hosted by EXO member Xiumin, Lee shared that his younger son, Tak-soo, was once offered a trainee spot at Starship Entertainment after showing interest in broadcast dance.

However, the grueling schedule soon proved unsustainable for the young hopeful.

"He used to want to learn K-pop dance, and Starship offered him a spot as a trainee," Lee said during the broadcast. "But after school, he would go to training, then take the last subway home.

He wasn't getting any sleep and eventually decided to quit."

Lee, 50, added that the physically draining lifestyle may have affected his son's development. "He's 181 cm tall, but I think he could have been taller. I believe it's because he wasn't sleeping enough during that time."

The actor contrasted Tak-soo's experience with that of his older son, Joon-soo, who now stands at 194 cm and did not undergo the same level of physical strain.

"My eldest got more sleep, and I think that made a difference," he said.

Reflecting on his own youth, Lee recalled with a laugh, "Back in high school, I was second in my class when it came to sleeping. The first place went to a friend who had rhinitis and was always dizzy—so he slept even more than I did!"

Lee's candid comments provided a rare glimpse into the intense routines that many young trainees face in South Korea's fiercely competitive entertainment industry, where former idols and insiders often cite sleep deprivation, physical exhaustion, and long-term health risks.

"He made the right choice for himself," Lee said, acknowledging the tough decision his son had to make at a young age. "I think a lot of kids go through this kind of dilemma."

While his son ultimately decided against pursuing a music career, Lee's story has resonated with viewers and fans, sparking conversations about the pressures placed on aspiring idols and the importance of prioritizing health and well-being.

Starship Entertainment has not commented on the remarks.