'I dreamed of becoming a K-pop idol - but I felt like I was scammed'

As K-pop's popularity soars, South Korea has become a destination for young people around the world hoping to break into the industry.

And many take that chance each year to enroll in programmes promising a path to stardom.

That hope brought Miyu to South Korea in 2024. Her name has been changed to protect her identity.

Armed with big dreams, the teen paid 3m yen ($19,800; £14,500) to join a six-month programme at a K-pop training academy in Seoul. In return, she was to be given professional dance and vocal lessons and the opportunity to audition for major music agencies.

"There were supposed to be weekly auditions, but that never happened," Miyu told the BBC on a street in Hongdae, a neighbourhood in Seoul known for its music scene.