K-pop Audition Shows Spreads Rapidly [30-12-2011] sub_t_r.gif
411_national_01.gifFor the past few months, Korean pop music has been gaining popularity on an international scale. Of course, it is ever so popular in the motherland as well. Before, those who aspired to become musicians had to go through a fierce audition and training process behind closed doors. Nowadays, the process of becoming a singer is shown in front of large audiences. The various programs are also broadcast on television.

411_national_02.gif“Superstar K” was the father of audition programs. It was highly successful in Korea. “Superstar K: Season 1” aired on Mnet in July 2009. The show’s success drove other major broadcasters, like MBC and SBS, to start their own variations. These audition shows changed the way entertainment agencies recruited talent. For agencies and companies, holding these televised auditions save a lot of time and money. The contests are very competitive as well.

“It’s also a good way for producers and agencies to promote their names globally, considering the impact they can have on international fans,” said Kim Myung-jin, head of promotions for Enex Telecom. Kim’s company organizes global audition programs. They recently announced that it plans to join hands with major overseas entertainment firms in order to help Korean talent “become noticed by international star makers.”
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