In a time when audition programs are becoming less and less popular, will "K-Pop Star" be able to pull through without BoA? 

Starting with Mnet's "Superstar K" in 2009, there have been many other audition programs that emerged, such as Mnet's "Voice Korea," MBC's "Star Audition," and SBS' "K-Pop Star." However, because of the diminishing interest in audition programs, these shows are in danger. After ULALA Session and Busker Busker's appearance on "Superstar K3" and Park Ji Min and Lee Hi's appearance on SBS "K-Pop Star Season 1," there has been decreased popularity in such shows. This year's "K-Pop Star Season 2," "Star Audition Season 3," and currently airing "Superstar K5" have seen a significant shrinkage in viewership ratings and participant popularity. And now "K-Pop Star Season 3," which is scheduled for broadcast in November, has lost SM Entertainment representative BoA as a judge on the show, and potentially might be in more danger than before. However, the "K-Pop Star" staff decided to bring in indie label agency singer Yoo Hee Yeol in BoA's place, and there's speculation as to whether the show is making a wise decision.

Too Many Audition Programs, Are Korea's Talented Drying Up?

"We've recruited many participants from various countries overseas, and now they are like representatives of their respective countries. The top contenders in other countries' audition programs have joined our program. Also joining the show are many people who previously couldn't make it because of the far distance. Also, Yoo Hee Yeol is joining the judge panel, and he will be able to offer the participants a new perspective. We've brought on many people that previously would never had the opportunity to join our show." (PD Park)

Flood of Audition Shows, Aren't Viewers Tired of the Seemingly Endless Competition in Audition Programs?

"As the staff of this audition program, we might be the only ones who aren't tired of it all. When we see our participants receiving the world's attention and feeling happy or crying, we are very moved. Although we might not be able to transfer all of this touching emotion, we hope to help our viewers feel the same way." (PD Park)

"All shows can be split into 2 categories - whether it is scripted or unscripted. Audition programs must be unscripted in order to work. However, there could be a tendency for participants or production staff to create a script. From the beginning, Yang Hyun Suk and I have drilled it into the production team, 'Please don't ever accept these kinds of requests.' The 'realism' of 'K-Pop-Star' is its best quality. Also, we'll be able to judge more fairly with Yang Hyun Suk and Yoo Hee Yeol, both of whom I've known for the past 20 years." (Park Jin Young)

Why Did BoA Leave the Show?

"After Season 2 ended, BoA called and set up a meeting. She said, 'Although there has been growth for me in the past 2 years as a judge on the show, there were many times I've looked at the participants through the eyes of a singer.' From the production team's point of view, we want her to resume her singer activities and see her succeed in that aspect. Also, as we started preparing for season 3, we felt as if the show needed a big change. Since we've offered a similar fostering session from the 3 agencies until now, we wanted a different person to approach the participants in a new way. Yoo Hee Yeol was a prime choice for this role. The other 2 judges unanimously agreed that Yoo Hee Yeol was a perfect fit for the 3rd judge." (PD Park)

How Do You Feel About this New Judge?

"After it was confirmed BoA would no longer be participating as a judge, we thought a lot about whether we wanted to continue with the 3 agency system. Large company bakeries are important, but just as important are the alley bakeries. (Yang Hyun Suk is comparing the size of music agencies to bakeries, not talking about actual bakeries.) And now, looking back on the participants from season 1 and season 2, there are many that don't fit the mold of a typical idol. Lee Hi, Park Ji Min, and especially Akdong Musician would more appropriately match with Yoo Hee Yeol." (Yang Hyun Suk)

Will There Be a Change in Rules for Season 3?

"The most important change is that the winner will have to choose one of the 3 agencies right on the spot. The viewers will be able to see which agency the winner has chosen in live time. Although the judges are in an advantageous position all throughout the season as they teach and deal with the participants, in the end there is a bit of push and pull relationship there. Besides that, there aren't very many small detail rule changes, but rather an overall flow change we want to make. That's why we decided to recruit Yoo Hee Yeol as the new judge. Other competitive programs like to make big changes to the rules, but such a change doesn't seem to appeal to the viewers." (PD Park)

"The scene where the participants pick their new agency will be like a drama without a script. As you know, there are contract employments. Think about it. Whether it is a youth or an older woman or man, Yang Hyun Suk, Yoo Hee Yeol, and I will all plead with the winner, 'Please come to my agency.' From the perspective of a musical person, it's a really thrilling thing." (Park Jin Young)

What Kind of Style Do You Hope the Next Star Has?

"JYP audition applicants and 'K-Pop Star' participants have very different characteristics. I want to see participants who are different from the ones currently residing with our agency." (Park Jin Young)

"The production staff informed me, 'There are an unexpected large number of indie-style participants.' I specialize in mumbling with a guitar. (Laughter) I'll try to pick well." (Yoo Hee Yeol)

"I want to choose someone who gives me the same feeling I felt when I met my wife for the first time. Even the public doesn't really care about who sings better. They look at the personality and uniqueness, and the key is someone who can tell their story." (Yang Hyun Suk)