MANILA -- Who would have thought that from being a "Star Circle Quest" runner-up, Sandara Park will eventually become one of the top Korean pop stars in Asia?

For the 31-year-old trendsetter, practice is the key.

And by that, she means years of hard training.

Just like many aspiring K-pop stars, Park also had to undergo years of training to become a "total performer." Two years to be exact.

"Very short 'yon (It was very short)," she said on "Tonight with Boy Abunda" on Monday.

According to Park, the rigorous training included singing, dancing and acting lessons.

They were also taught different foreign languages, such as English, Japanese, and Chinese. This was to ensure that they can be marketed internationally.

Looking back, Park believes the training served her well.

In no time, she became part of the Korean girl group 2NE1, which made international hits such as "Fire," "Can't Nobody" and "I Don't Care."

There was a time, she recalled, that she could not just walk unguarded on the streets of Seoul because people, mostly students, would go crazy upon seeing her.

"That was eight years ago," she quipped.

Now, she is back in the Philippines to be one of the judges of the upcoming reality talent search "Pinoy Boyband Superstar."

When asked about the most important thing she is looking for in a band, Park said: "'yung appeal, 'yung charisma."

"Kahit hindi ka cute o kahit hindi ka magaling, ang importante 'yong may appeal ka, kasi you can practice naman. Puwede kang mag-improve (Even if you are not cute or good at what you do, what is important is that you have an appeal to the audience. Anyone can practice to improve)," she added.

And by that, of course, she meant rigid training, the Korean way.

(READ: What is Sandara looking for in a boy band?)