Korea’s top entertainment agency SM Entertainment said it would hold overseas auditions for future K-pop stars starting January.

Starting Jan. 7 in Daegu, Korea, the auditions will go to 15 cities in five countries including the U.S., China, Canada and Japan, S.M. said.

The talent agency has produced many famous musicians and pop groups including Girls’ Generation, Super Junior and f(X), becoming Korea’s largest entertainment firm in the past decade.

The auditions are open to anyone and everyone who loves music and has talent regardless of nationality, age and gender, S.M. said.

Those who pass the auditions will be given the chance to sign a contract with the entertainment giant to debut as professional musicians.

Applicants must send their applications to 2012korea@smtown.com or via YouTube account www.youtube.com/audition. For more information, visit www.smtown.com.

By Shin Hae-in (hayney@heraldcorp.com)