Recording K-Pop Like a Star: Kien's Personal Vocal Journey at KING STUDIO with CHAEYOUNG's 'SHOOT'

Dream of singing like your favorite K-Pop idol during your Seoul travel? This is your sign to make it happen.

If you've ever wondered what it feels like to step into a professional K-Pop recording booth, work with expert vocal directors, and discover your true vocal potential—just like the idols you admire—then welcome to KING STUDIO, Seoul's premier destination for authentic K-Pop recording experiences. When Kien from Hong Kong landed in Seoul with one mission on his Seoul travel bucket list, it wasn't just about sightseeing or shopping. This passionate ONCE wanted to record TWICE CHAEYOUNG's solo debut track "SHOOT (Firecracker)" through the studio's exclusive Personal Vocal Gold program, a transformative 2-hour experience that combines scientific vocal analysis, professional K-Pop training, and real recording studio production.​

• The Personal Vocal Gold Experience: Your Complete Journey
• Seoul Travel Guide: Top 4 CHAEYOUNG & TWICE Favorite Spots for ONCEs

This isn't your average karaoke session. KING STUDIO has pioneered a K-Pop recording system that mirrors the exact process used by actual K-Pop artists—complete with professional vocal directors, sound engineers, bilingual managers, and personalized vocal reports that reveal your unique "vocal fingerprint". Whether you're preparing for auditions like Kien, dreaming of becoming the karaoke superstar among friends, or simply seeking a one-of-a-kind Korea experience during your trip, the Personal Vocal Gold service delivers an unforgettable journey into the heart of K-Pop production.​

Meet Kien: A Philippines ONCE's Dream Come True

When 24-year-old Kien booked his Seoul travel itinerary from Philippines, he made sure KING STUDIO topped his list of must-visit destinations. As a devoted ONCE (TWICE's fandom name), Kien has been following the group since their 2015 debut and has attended multiple concerts across Asia. But this trip was different. With serious aspirations to audition for K-Pop entertainment companies, Kien needed more than fan enthusiasm—he needed professional guidance, technical skills, and honest feedback about his vocal capabilities.​

"I've always admired CHAEYOUNG's unique artistry and how she carved her own musical identity separate from TWICE's signature sound," Kien shared during his consultation at KING STUDIO. When CHAEYOUNG released her solo debut album Lil Fantasy Vol. 1 with the title track "SHOOT (Firecracker)" in September 2025, Kien immediately connected with its dreamy, retro-pop vibes and breezy vocal style. The song represented exactly the kind of contemporary K-Pop sound he wanted to master—soft yet confident, stylish yet approachable, and entirely in English, which aligned perfectly with the global direction of K-Pop.​

Born on April 23, 1999, in Seoul, CHAEYOUNG (real name: Son Chae-young) serves as TWICE's main rapper and sub-vocalist. Standing at 158.9 cm with an INFP personality type, she's known for her artistic talents, tattoo designs, and distinctive rap flow within TWICE. Her solo debut marked a significant departure from the group's bright, energetic concepts, showcasing a more indie, laid-back aesthetic that resonated with fans seeking authenticity. For Kien, choosing "SHOOT" wasn't just about fandom—it was a strategic decision to challenge himself with a contemporary K-Pop style that requires nuanced vocal control, emotional delivery, and understanding of Western pop production techniques.​

Understanding CHAEYOUNG's 'SHOOT': A Vocal Analysis

Before diving into Kien's recording journey, let's explore what makes "SHOOT (Firecracker)" such an ideal choice for vocal training and assessment. According to music critics at The Bias List and KpopReviewed, "SHOOT" presents a dreamy retro-pop instrumental foundation layered with CHAEYOUNG's characteristically soft, stylish vocals. The track sits comfortably in a mid-range tempo, avoiding the vocal acrobatics of traditional K-Pop power ballads while still requiring precise breath control, consistent tone, and emotional authenticity.​

The song's production features prominent rhythm guitar with disco grooves, creating a buoyant, breezy arrangement that supports rather than overpowers the vocals. This makes it particularly suitable for vocal analysis because the stripped-down production allows vocal directors to clearly assess a singer's natural tone, pitch accuracy, and stylistic choices without heavy electronic manipulation. The hook—repetitive yet catchy—tests a singer's ability to maintain engagement and add personal flair to simple melodic patterns, a crucial skill in modern K-Pop where memorable choruses define hit songs.​

Critically, "SHOOT" earned ratings of 8-8.5 out of 10 from major K-Pop review sites, praised for its "satisfying efficiency" and "comforting longevity" despite its intentionally understated approach. Reviewers noted that while the verses feel "featherweight," the chorus delivers "the perfect level of breezy thrill"—exactly the balance that aspiring K-Pop artists need to master. The song's all-English lyrics eliminate language barriers for international fans while providing clear pronunciation targets for vocal assessment. For KING STUDIO's vocal directors, "SHOOT" offers an excellent diagnostic tool: it reveals vocal weight, tonal color, breath support, stylistic understanding, and emotional delivery all within a 3-minute package.​

The Personal Vocal Gold Experience: Your Complete Journey

STEP 1-3: Pre-Session Preparation & Song Selection
The Personal Vocal Gold experience begins before you even arrive in Seoul. After booking through platforms like Web Site, guests receive a comprehensive pre-session questionnaire via email. This survey asks about your musical background, favorite genres, vocal concerns, and specific goals—whether you're preparing for auditions, improving karaoke skills, or discovering your ideal song repertoire.​

Kien submitted his questionnaire along with a demo recording of himself singing a TWICE medley, including snippets from "Feel Special," "Fancy," and "The Feels". KING STUDIO's vocal director analyzed this demo over several days, assessing Kien's natural range, tone quality, pitch accuracy, and current vocal habits. Based on this analysis, the director recommended CHAEYOUNG's "SHOOT" as the perfect training song—it matched Kien's comfortable mid-range, complemented his naturally warm tone, and would challenge him to develop more nuanced emotional expression without straining his voice.​

The final song selection happens through collaborative consultation between the guest and vocal director, ensuring mutual agreement before the session date. This personalized approach distinguishes KING STUDIO from generic karaoke experiences—every aspect is tailored to your unique vocal profile and goals.​

STEP 4-6: Welcome to KING STUDIO - Meet Your Dream Team

On the day of his session, Kien arrived at KING STUDIO's location in Gangnam, Seoul's entertainment district where actual K-Pop companies operate. He was greeted by his dedicated team of three professionals: the Vocal Director (a seasoned K-Pop vocal coach with years of experience training debut-ready artists), the Manager (providing bilingual support and session coordination), and Producer Aiden (the sound engineer who would later handle the recording and mixing).​

The session began with a comfortable consultation over coffee, where Kien discussed his audition goals, concerns about his vocal technique, and what he hoped to achieve through the Personal Vocal service. This 10-15 minute conversation established rapport and helped the vocal director customize the session's focus areas.​

Next came the studio tour—a moment that makes every K-Pop fan's heart race. Kien entered the professional recording booth equipped with industry-standard Neumann microphones, the same equipment used in actual K-Pop album production. The manager demonstrated how to use the cue box (the communication system between booth and control room) and explained the recording process. Standing in that booth, surrounded by acoustic foam panels and professional gear, Kien felt the reality of his K-Pop dreams materialize.​

STEP 7-8: The Diagnostic Deep Dive - Finding Your Vocal Identity

Before any training begins, KING STUDIO conducts a "Before" recording—singing "SHOOT" without any coaching. This baseline recording serves as a comparison point for later improvement and helps the vocal director identify specific technical issues. For Kien, this initial recording revealed tendency toward shallow breathing during longer phrases, slight pitch drift in the verses, and hesitation in the emotional delivery of the chorus.​

The core of the Personal Vocal Gold experience is the 40-minute vocal analysis and training session. The vocal director began with foundational warm-ups: lip trills, humming scales, and vowel exercises that gradually expanded Kien's range while assessing his tessitura (the comfortable singing range where his voice sounds most natural). These diagnostic exercises revealed that Kien's optimal range sits in the baritone-to-tenor transition zone, perfectly suited for "SHOOT's" melodic contours.​

The director then introduced more advanced diagnostic techniques, evaluating Kien's vocal weight (the natural thickness or lightness of his voice), register transitions (how smoothly he moved between chest voice and mixed voice), breath support, and vocal agility. Throughout this process, the director provided real-time feedback: "Your tone has a naturally warm, honey-like quality—similar to some of TWICE's ballad sections. But you're holding tension in your throat during higher notes. Let's work on releasing that."​

The training became highly specific to "SHOOT's" requirements. The director coached Kien on achieving that signature breezy, effortless delivery that defines the song's appeal. They practiced the repetitive hook, experimenting with subtle variations in dynamics and phrasing to prevent monotony. They worked on breath placement for the longer lyrical lines in the verses, ensuring Kien could maintain consistent tone without gasping. Most importantly, they explored the song's emotional core—that confident yet vulnerable energy CHAEYOUNG embodies in her solo debut.​

After the intensive training, Kien took a 5-minute break while the team prepared for the Live Singing Performance segment. This 15-minute session focuses on performance skills beyond pure vocals: microphone technique, stage presence (even without an actual stage), and audience connection. The vocal director taught Kien how to hold and angle the microphone for optimal sound capture, how to use body language to enhance emotional delivery, and how to maintain energy throughout a full performance—skills essential for anyone serious about K-Pop auditions or public performance.​

STEP 9-10: Recording Like a Real K-Pop Idol

With training complete, it was time for the main event: recording "SHOOT" using authentic K-Pop production methods. Producer Aiden explained the punch-in recording technique used by actual K-Pop artists—recording the song in small sections, sometimes even line-by-line, to capture the perfect take. This method allows singers to focus intensely on each phrase without worrying about stamina for a complete one-take performance.​

Kien stepped into the booth, headphones on, cue box volume adjusted. Through the talkback microphone, Producer Aiden's voice guided him: "Let's start with the opening lines. Remember the breath placement we practiced. Just like CHAEYOUNG—soft but confident." The instrumental track filled Kien's ears, and he began singing.​

The first verse required multiple takes to achieve the desired texture—not because Kien sang incorrectly, but because professional K-Pop recording demands perfection in every detail: pitch, tone, timing, emotional nuance, and technical execution. The vocal director provided constant feedback: "Great tone on that line! Let's do one more take with slightly more air in your voice for that dreamy quality." This level of attention mirrors exactly what K-Pop idols experience during album production.​

The chorus proved both challenging and exhilarating. The repetitive "shoot, shoot, shoot" hook required finding fresh energy on each repetition without sounding mechanical. Kien experimented with subtle variations in dynamics and vowel shaping, guided by the director's expertise. After 6-7 takes, they captured the perfect combination of catchiness and authenticity.​

The entire recording process took approximately 20-30 minutes, with Kien singing the first verse and chorus (rather than the full song, which would extend beyond the session time). But this concentrated section provided more than enough material for the comprehensive vocal analysis and final deliverable.​

STEP 11-12: The Reveal - Your Personal Vocal Report & Ruff Mix

Following the recording session, the vocal director sat down with Kien for the feedback and consultation session. This is where the "vocal fingerprint" concept comes to life. Using both the diagnostic exercises and recording performance as evidence, the director explained Kien's unique vocal characteristics in accessible language:​

"Your Vocal Identity: You have a naturally warm, medium-weight baritone voice with a honey-toned quality in your mid-range. Your comfortable singing range spans approximately D3 to F4, with potential to develop higher mixed voice with training. Your vocal color leans slightly toward the 'dark warm' spectrum—think of artists like BTS's V or DAY6's Young K rather than brighter tenors."​

"Current Strengths: Excellent natural tone quality, good pitch accuracy in your comfortable range, strong emotional connection to lyrics, and fast learning ability—you applied technical corrections very quickly during training."​

"Growth Areas: Breath support needs strengthening for sustained phrases, slight tension in throat on notes above E4, and performance confidence—you're more capable than you believe! With focused training, you could definitely prepare competitive audition material."​

The director then answered all of Kien's questions about vocal technique, training recommendations, and audition preparation strategies. This consultation provides invaluable guidance that extends far beyond the single session.​

While they talked, Producer Aiden worked his magic in the control room, applying professional rough mixing to Kien's recorded vocals. He balanced the vocal levels against the instrumental, added subtle reverb and compression to enhance the tone, and created a polished rough mix. Kien then experienced the ultimate K-Pop studio moment: sitting in the sweet spot (the optimal listening position in the control room) and hearing his professionally recorded and mixed vocals through studio monitors. The transformation from his bathroom karaoke attempts to this polished recording was almost overwhelming.​

Before leaving, Kien received KING STUDIO's welcome kit—branded merchandise and materials to remember his experience. But the most valuable deliverable would arrive within one week: his comprehensive Personal Vocal Report (PDF).​

This detailed report includes scientific measurements of his vocal range and tessitura, description of his unique tone characteristics, technical assessment of breath support, resonance, and register transitions, list of his current strengths and improvement areas, and most excitingly, personalized song recommendations organized into three categories:​

Perfect Match Songs: Tracks that suit his current voice perfectly and will showcase his natural strengths​

Growth Challenge Songs: Slightly more difficult pieces that will help develop specific technical skills​

Exploratory Recommendations: Songs in different genres or styles to expand his versatility​

The report also includes recommendations for K-Pop artists with similar vocal qualities, giving Kien reference models for his continued training. This personalized roadmap transforms a single session into a long-term vocal development plan.​

Seoul Travel Guide: Top 4 CHAEYOUNG & TWICE Favorite Spots for ONCEs

Now that you're planning your Seoul travel itinerary centered around K-Pop experiences at KING STUDIO, why not complete your journey by visiting the actual restaurants and cafes frequented by CHAEYOUNG and TWICE members? As an ONCE from Hong Kong or anywhere in the world, walking in the footsteps of your favorite idols adds magical authenticity to your Korea experience.​

Here's your ultimate countdown of TWICE-approved dining destinations in Seoul, complete with English and Korean addresses for easy navigation:

Top 4 Superzip / 슈퍼집

Nayeon's Cheese Heaven

While not specifically CHAEYOUNG's pick, TWICE's eldest member Nayeon has repeatedly recommended this Gangnam institution famous for its triple cheese tteokbokki. The dish features cheddar, mozzarella, and sliced cheese topped with parmesan powder—a cheese lover's paradise. If you're not into spice, this is one of the milder tteokbokki options in Seoul, though still authentically Korean. The restaurant's trendy concrete walls and sensational lighting create an Instagram-worthy atmosphere perfect for your Seoul travel feed.​

📍Address(Google) : 14, Eonju-ro 130-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
📍Address (Naver) : 서울 강남구 언주로 130길 14
⏰ Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30-23:00, Sun 11:30-22:00​

Top 3 Bangi Donga / 방이돈가

Momo & Sana's KBBQ Spot

According to K-Pop travel bloggers, this Korean BBQ restaurant near Lotte World in Jamsil is frequently visited by TWICE's Japanese line members, Momo and Sana. The restaurant specializes in premium cuts of Korean beef and pork, grilled tableside according to perfect specifications. For international visitors, the staff is experienced with foreigners and can guide you through the grilling process. After your meal, you're perfectly positioned to visit the nearby Music Star Zone at Jamsil Olympic Stadium, which features life-size handprints of all TWICE members.​

📍Address(Google) : 1F 4, Ogeum-ro 15-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul
📍Address (Naver) : 서울 송파구 오금로15길 4 1층
💡 Insider Tip: Make reservations for weekend dinners​

Top 2: Beam Balm Cafe / 빔밤 카페

TWICE MV Filming Location

K-Pop fans will instantly recognize this cafe's aesthetic—it served as a filming location for TWICE content. Located in Sangsu near Hongdae, Beam Balm features a signature digital screen that constantly rotates different images, creating an ever-changing backdrop for photos. The cafe has a distinctly cute and calm atmosphere despite the digital elements, with vintage touches throughout the interior. Order one of their specialty beverages and position yourself where your favorite members once stood. Note that full-size cameras aren't allowed (phone cameras are fine), so this is perfect for casual Instagram content.​

📍Address(Google) : 2F 21, Wausan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
📍Address (Naver) : 서울시 마포구 상수동 333-1 2층
💡 Photo Tip: The screen rotates frequently, so stick around to catch different backgrounds​

Top 1 Pairing Room / 페어링룸

CHAEYOUNG's Date Night Destination

And here it is—the number one spot for CHAEYOUNG fans. This Italian-Korean fusion restaurant in Cheongdam-dong's luxury district is where CHAEYOUNG has been spotted enjoying date nights. The restaurant's exterior features a clean white aesthetic, while the interior boasts high ceilings creating an airy, sophisticated ambiance. The menu brilliantly fuses Italian cuisine with Korean ingredients—think kimchi, Korean soybeans, and makgeolli (rice wine).​

According to ONCE visitors who've made the pilgrimage, CHAEYOUNG's favorites include the Soy Bean Pasta with Pork (creamy, peppery mafaldine pasta that sounds weird but tastes incredible) and the Truffle Paccheri with Prosciutto (rich, salty, and utterly decadent). Don't skip the Balsamic Glazed Seared Scallops with yuzu glaze—the flavor combination is explosive. Prices range from $28-40 USD per person depending on your order, positioning this as a splurge-worthy celebration meal.​

The restaurant offers wine pairings with each dish, or you can opt for their tea and dessert selections. Given its location in Cheongdam-dong, you're surrounded by high-end shopping and other celebrity-favorite venues. Reservations are strongly recommended (book via Catchtable website), especially for weekend dinners when Seoul's fashionable crowd fills the space.​

📍Address(Google) : 14, Dosan-daero 81-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
📍Address (Naver) : 서울 강남구 도산대로 81길 14
☎️ Phone: +82 10-3100-8861
⏰ Hours: Daily 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Midnight)​
💳 Price Range: ₩30,000-50,000 per person ($28-40 USD)​
🎫 Reservation: Required via Catchtable website​

Why KING STUDIO Deserves a Spot on Your Seoul Travel Bucket List

As Kien's story demonstrates, KING STUDIO offers something no amount of tourist sightseeing can replicate: active participation in the K-Pop industry you love. Instead of watching K-Pop from the outside, you step inside the process, using the same equipment, learning from the same type of professionals, and experiencing the same recording methods that created the songs filling your playlist.​

For aspiring artists preparing for auditions, the Personal Vocal Gold service provides professional-grade assessment and training at a fraction of what private vocal coaching would cost over multiple sessions. The detailed vocal report alone—with its scientific analysis and personalized recommendations—serves as a roadmap for months of continued development. For casual K-Pop fans seeking memorable Korea experiences, recording your favorite song in a professional studio creates tangible proof of your Seoul travel adventure beyond standard tourist photos.​

The accessibility of KING STUDIO's services makes them suitable for everyone from serious audition candidates to enthusiastic beginners. The three-person team (vocal director, manager, producer) ensures language barriers never interfere with the experience, while the scientific approach to vocal analysis removes subjectivity and guesswork from your vocal development. You don't need prior training or perfect Korean language skills—just passion for K-Pop and willingness to learn.​

Perhaps most importantly, KING STUDIO exemplifies the evolution of Seoul travel experiences beyond passive consumption. Modern travelers, especially Gen Z and Millennials, crave active, skill-building experiences that create personal transformation, not just photo opportunities. Recording at KING STUDIO checks every box: it's educational, personalized, Instagram-worthy, directly connected to Korean culture, and produces a tangible result (your recording and report) that extends value long after you've returned home.​

When you combine a KING STUDIO session with visits to CHAEYOUNG and TWICE's favorite restaurants, you've created the ultimate ONCE pilgrimage itinerary. You're not just visiting Seoul—you're living like your idols, singing like your idols, and eating where your idols eat. That's the kind of Seoul travel story worth sharing.​

Ready to Make Your K-Pop Dream Come True?
Kien left KING STUDIO that day with a professionally recorded track, a comprehensive vocal analysis report arriving within the week, newfound confidence in his vocal abilities, and concrete next steps for his K-Pop audition preparation. But more than that, he left with an experience he'll carry forever—the day he stood in a real K-Pop recording booth and sang CHAEYOUNG's "SHOOT" like an artist, not just a fan.​

Whether you're visiting Seoul from Hong Kong, Singapore, the United States, or anywhere around the globe, KING STUDIO's Personal Vocal Gold experience welcomes you. At approximately USD $225.89 for a 2-hour transformative session, you're investing in professional training, expert analysis, studio recording time, and personalized guidance that would cost thousands in traditional vocal coaching. Book through Klook or Seoul travel experience platforms to secure your spot.​

Your Seoul travel itinerary isn't complete without this bucket-list K-Pop experience. After all, when will you next have the chance to record like a real K-Pop idol in the heart of Seoul, guided by the same professionals who work with actual K-Pop artists?​

Just like Kien discovered, the difference between dreaming about K-Pop and actually living it is just one recording session away. See you at KING STUDIO!

📍 KING STUDIO Location: 52, Samseong-ro 75-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
⏰ Session Duration: 90 minutes
🌐 Booking: kingstudio.co.kr/en
📧 Languages Supported: Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese