By Honorary Reporter Preeti Rawat from India
Photos = DR Music Entertainment

"Don't give up on your dreams. You may fail more than a hundred times, but you'll succeed one day if you're determined to improve yourself and show your best side. Your uniqueness is what sets you apart from others. You are unique and beautiful just the way you are."

This was Sriya Lenka's message in my email interview with her on July 18 through her management agency DR Music Entertainment. As an Indian, I was naturally interested in Lenka, the first Indian to join a K-pop group.

Sriya Lenka from India (left) and Gabriela Strassburger Dalcin from Brazil on May 26 joined the K-pop group Blackswan.

Following this motto, Lenka overcame trials to fulfill her dream. Along with Gabriela Strassburger Dalcin from Brazil, she joined the multicultural K-pop group Blackswan on May 26, beating out more than 4,000 global applicants and undergoing six months of rigorous training. 

"I can't describe the feeling in words. I've always wanted to be an artist. Finally, after a lot of hard work, I got this title (of the first Indian in a K-pop group). I feel very proud and happy to represent my country on such a big platform. I will continue to make my country proud," Lenka said.

Sriya Lenka visited her native India after she joined Blackswan.

Her K-pop journey began a few years ago when she saw the music video for Exo's "Growl"; this prompted her to research K-pop. As a trained dancer and vocalist, she decided to apply for DR's online auditions and made it into the group after a year.

As a K-pop trainee, she spent most of her day in many sessions. "In the morning, we had language classes, and after that, we went to our practice sessions. This starts with hardcore workouts and running while singing songs. Additionally, there were dance and singing lessons. We also had exams every month, so we had to prepare well," she said.

Though she found learning Korean difficult at first, she eventually learned it quickly. The same was true for the challenges she faced. "I accepted every challenge and tried to give my best. I learned so many things every day. Everyone in our company helped us a lot, so I didn't encounter many difficulties," she said.

Sriya Lenka was among more than 4,000 applicants worldwide to audition for Blackswan.

Philip YJ Yoon, managing director at DR, also praised her. "We initially chose her in the auditions because of her dance skills. However, once she began training in our company, her improvement in vocals was tremendous. If she keeps sharpening her vocal skills, she can become a good lead vocalist," he said. 

Initially, the agency wanted just one new member for Blackswan, but both Lenka and Dalcin were eventually selected. Yoon said, "As time went by, both of them showed us really good chemistry. Additionally, any time a mission was given to them, they tried to look for solutions together though it was a competition. So our staff grew supportive of their chemistry."

On her fellow Blackswan members, Lenka said, "They're very sweet and kindhearted. We practice together every day, and they help us a lot. They corrected our mistakes and taught us how to show good performances on stage."

Having spent over six months in Korea, the Indian has nothing but praise for the country and its people. "It's such a beautiful country. Here, everyone is so kind and humble. I like Korean culture and food," she said.

The group's new lineup will appear next month or in October.

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.