He auditioned for SM Entertainment but failed to make the cut 2008 and auditioned once more in only to fail again. Due to his admission for rock band nell , he initially audition at Woollim Entertainment under the recommendation of nell's manager whom he'd meet coincidentally at the cafe where he worked at part - time with a hurting stomach , Sunggyu went to his audition and lightly threatened them saying " if you don't pick me , i'm going to bother you forever ". Afterwards he rushed to the hospital immediately and got an appendectomy. on the day of his release. he received the notification that he has passed his audition