K-pop Star (2011)
The South Korean reality competition where SM, YG, and JYP Entertainment searched the globe for the next generation of K-pop talent.
K-pop Star - Series Information
- Original Title: K팝스타
- First Air Year: 2011
- Last Air Year: 2017
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Reality
- Number of Seasons: 6
- Number of Episodes: 128
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- First Air Date: December 4, 2011 (South Korea - 12)
- Networks: SBS
- Alternative Titles: Survival Audition K-pop Star (US), 서바이벌 오디션 K팝 스타 (KR)
- Production Companies: Seoul Broadcasting System, Chorokbaem Media
- Production Countries: South Korea
K-pop Star - Plot
Survival Audition K-pop Star is a South Korean reality TV competition series where the three largest entertainment/talent agencies in South Korea hold worldwide auditions to find the next potential K-Pop stars. Preliminary auditions are held around the world in Asia, North America, South America, Europe, and Australia. The final winner will debut with the company of his or her choice, along with a cash prize of three hundred million won, two brand new vehicles, opportunities to become commercial models and casting in dramas, and many more. The three judges for the series have been Yang Hyun-suk, founder of YG Entertainment and former member of the popular South Korean act Seo Taiji & Boys, Park Jin-young, singer/song-writer and founder of JYP Entertainment, and Korean pop icon BoA, from SM Entertainment. SM, YG, and JYP are the three largest management companies in Korea. K-pop Star is a part of SBS's Good Sunday lineup, along with Running Man. The show's first season aired on December 4, 2011, every Sunday evening at 6:30 pm, until April 29, 2012. The second season aired from November 18, 2012 to April 14, 2013 at 4:55 pm. Singer, Yoon Do-hyun, and entertainer, Boom, host the live competition. Yoon Do-hyun has also been narrating through the entire process. The program was renewed for a third season with the same judges and possibly a new time slot, scheduled to be aired in October 2013.
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K-pop Star - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Yang Hyun-suk
- Park Jin-young
- You Hee-yeol
- Jeon Hyun-moo
- Lee Min-ho
- Kwon BoA
- Yoon Do-hyun
- Lee Chan-hyuk
- Lee Soo-hyun
- Lee Hi
K-pop Star - FAQs
Who are the judges on K-pop Star?
The series featured three iconic judges representing Korea's biggest agencies: Yang Hyun-suk of YG Entertainment, Park Jin-young of JYP Entertainment, and K-pop icon BoA representing SM Entertainment. Their contrasting personalities and scouting philosophies made their on-screen dynamic one of the show's most compelling elements.
Which K-pop stars were discovered on K-pop Star?
K-pop Star launched several major careers. Lee Hi became a successful solo artist under YG, AKMU (Lee Chan-hyuk and Lee Soo-hyun) went on to become one of Korea's most beloved sibling duos, and Baek A-yeon and Jamie also built strong careers in the Korean music industry after appearing on the show.
What is K-pop Star about?
K-pop Star is a South Korean reality audition series where the three biggest entertainment companies — SM, YG, and JYP — hold worldwide auditions to discover the next K-pop sensation. The winner earns a debut contract with their chosen agency, a cash prize of 300 million won, and numerous commercial opportunities.
Where can you watch K-pop Star?
K-pop Star originally aired on SBS in South Korea every Sunday. For current streaming availability in your region, check JustWatch, which aggregates all viewing options including subscription, rental, and free ad-supported platforms. Availability may vary depending on your country.
How many seasons does K-pop Star have?
K-pop Star ran for six competitive seasons plus a specials collection, totalling 128 episodes. It aired from December 2011 to 2017 on SBS. Each season featured 21 to 22 episodes, with the specials season adding 10 more. The show concluded after Season 6 without a renewal.
Is K-pop Star worth watching for K-pop fans?
For K-pop enthusiasts, K-pop Star is a fascinating watch. Beyond the competition format, it offers rare behind-the-scenes insight into how Korea's top three agencies evaluate and develop talent. Watching future stars like AKMU and Lee Hi in their earliest performances adds a genuinely exciting retrospective dimension to the viewing experience.
What prize did the winner of K-pop Star receive?
The grand prize package was remarkably generous: 300 million Korean won in cash, two brand-new vehicles, commercial modeling opportunities, drama casting prospects, and most importantly, a debut contract with the winner's agency of choice among SM, YG, and JYP Entertainment — a life-changing opportunity in the Korean entertainment industry.
What shows are similar to K-pop Star?
Fans of K-pop Star often enjoy I-LAND, Mnet's intense idol training competition, and American Idol for its comparable audition-to-finale format. The Voice offers a similar panel-judge dynamic, while Squid Game: The Challenge and BTS In the SOOP appeal to viewers drawn to Korean entertainment productions more broadly.
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