As producers prepare for the upcoming season of K-Pop Star, many viewers are wondering what is going to happen now that SM Entertainment has essentially backed out of the show.

After two seasons of the reality TV singing contest where Korea's top three entertainment agencies hold auditions to find their 'next big star' - SM Entertainment's representative on the judging panel, Queen of K-Pop BoA, will not be joining this year's competition. She has been officially replaced by singer-songwriter You Hee-yeol.

Now that the changes have been made, the format of K-Pop Star must also be adjusted. The three judges no longer represent the top agencies, but merely themselves, and are there to offer guidance and critique to the competitors.

This doesn't, however, mean that SM Entertainment has left the show entirely. The ultimate winner of the program will still be able to choose from record deals with any of the 'Big 3' agencies, YG, JYP, or SM Entertainment.

Proponents of SM have been arguing that the company has made the right decision as their trainee program isn't really suited for acts that already have a fan following, preferring instead to build idols from the ground up in their particular style.

Additionally, in the previous two seasons, the top finishers have all been considerably more interested in the other two companies anyway.

But others have argued that the new system doesn't seem entirely fair. They are asking that if SM isn't officially participating in the program's months of episodes, why then are they still considered an option for a final prize?

It has thus been suggested that other, smaller record labels should be able to get in on the chance to sign the fresh new talent found through K-Pop Star. Why not give agencies like CUBE, TS, or Stardom a chance to join the fun?

In the end, it likely comes down to finances. The larger companies have the money to spend on funding projects surrounding these sort of reality TV shows, but it does seem that changing the format of the program may also change the integrity of the competition.

The third season of K-Pop Star is set to begin airing next month. Stay tuned for more updates on the popular singing competition program.