K-pop mogul Park Jin-young of his eponymous label JYP Entertainment emphasized good character over singing skills when it comes to becoming a successful singer.

Park on Tuesday gave advice to contestants on the new survival-style K-pop debut program “Sixteen” on cable channel Mnet. During the program, 16 contestants vie for a spot in the new seven-member group from JYP.

Park Jin-young (OSEN)

“When I later announce the final members, I would like them to be good people, more than good singers,” Park said. “At JYP, the three most important qualities we value in a person are honesty, sincerity and modesty.”

“Out of the three, honesty is the most important,” he said. “Also, do not use swear words and do act wholeheartedly to those who help you.”

“Sixteen” airs weekly on Tuesdays at 11 p.m.

By Ahn Sung-mi (sahn@heraldcorp.com)