Overseasidol.com — Chinese actress Li Yitong recently opened up about her early experience with a talent scout from South Korea’s SM Entertainment.

She revealed that her first encounter happened when she was around 15 or 16 years old while studying at Shenzhen Arts School.

The scout claimed that SM wanted her to sign a ten-year trainee contract and promised she could debut quickly by filling the “Chinese member spot” in the girl group The Grace.

Li Yitong decided to turn down the offer because she never dreamed of becoming an idol. She also felt uneasy about going abroad at a young age.

Her family strongly opposed the idea, as they feared it could be a scam or even involve personal safety risks.

Later, it became clear that the scout’s promise was questionable. The Grace debuted in 2005 when Li Yitong was still a minor, and the group never had plans to replace a Chinese member.

Years later, she unexpectedly met another SM scout after entering Beijing Dance Academy. The encounter surprised her, as she never thought she would be approached a second time.

Despite the renewed interest, Li Yitong still chose to continue her studies and pursue her own path in the performing arts.

Looking back, she feels grateful for the journey that eventually led her to become an actress.