Audition Program Stars - Yay Or Nay?

From Eddy Kim to Park Ji Min, as well as Eric Nam, Park Si Hwan, 2000 Won, and more, there are plenty of audition program rookies that are scrambling about. Since even before their official debut they've been broadcast on television, their faces are not unfamiliar despite the fact that they are rookies.

At one point there was a boom of audition programs that made them extremely popular. It all started with cable channel Mnet's "Superstar K," and continued with MBC's "Star Audition: The Great Birth," Mnet's "Voice Korea," and SBS' "Survival Audition K-Pop Star." What's interesting to note is that "Superstar K" recorded a viewership of over 10%, despite being a cable channel show. Thereafter, the other broadcasting companies followed suit, and have been releasing new seasons. Besides "The Great Birth," each of these audition programs has aired a new season each year.

Thus, the situation gave birth to a plethora of audition program participants turned singers. There were many participants who ranked high or became a hot topic that debuted shortly thereafter, even though they were eliminated from the show. There are those that succeeded using their popularity and topicality from the show, and again others that quietly faded into the background once they were no longer a hot topic.

Seo In Guk is a first generation audition star. He debuted as the victor of the 1st season of "Superstar K." He also showed great talent in acting, so he's been working as a singer and actor. The band Busker Busker appeared in "Superstar K3," and they've really hit a home run. Busker Busker's debut song "Cherry Blossom Ending" did extremely well, and is so well loved by fans that every spring it goes up in music chart ranking. Seo In Guk and Busker Busker are prime examples of singers that used their high recognition and popularity from "Superstar K" to debut as signers.

For rookie singers who want to get their name out there quickly, it may be a great opportunity for them to appear on audition programs. Since they're already recognized, they can be acknowledged of their talent through their appearance on the show, and debut right after. They may even be ahead of other rookie singers in the running using this tactic. It's also likely that audition stars gain a wide fan base even before they actually debut.

On the other hand, there are yet others whose images are so strong at the time of the audition, that sometimes it feels like they are not professional. Although appearance on these shows plays a significant part in making their name known, there's a chance that they could always be referred to as "audition program star so and so." So their images while appearing on the audition programs stick with them throughout their careers.

Also, it could potentially become more difficult for audition stars to appear on other programs. Since there are so many audition program singers, other shows often limit the number of appearances by such persons.

Tags
Eddy Kim
Park Ji Min
eric nam
Park Si Hwan
2000 Won
Voice Korea
Superstar K
K-Pop Star
star audition
Seo In Guk
Busker Busker
cherry blossom ending
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