Courtesy of SBS
The anticipation for fresh K-pop talent is reaching new heights as multiple talent search shows prepare to hit the airwaves, promising to bring aspiring stars to the forefront of the global music scene.
Local broadcaster SBS has teamed up with esteemed K-pop management company F&F Entertainment to unveil their highly anticipated audition program, "Universe Ticket." Aiming to create a dynamic new girl group, the show has already garnered tremendous attention, with a staggering number of applications pouring in from 128 countries, including far-reaching places like New Zealand, Germany, Mexico, and India. The excitement surrounding the show is palpable, as 82 contestants, including notable faces such as Eunchae (Kwon Chae-won) from the now-defunct K-pop girl group DIA and renowned trot singer Lim Seo-won, have been unveiled so far. "Universe Ticket" is set to premiere in November, sparking anticipation for K-pop's continued global success.
Adding to the excitement, another captivating audition program, "Fan Pick," is slated to air in the latter half of this year. With a unique twist, the program invites fans to step into the role of "players," the judges of the show, who will have the power to determine the members of an all-new K-pop group. Esteemed K-pop leader Leeteuk of Super Junior will take on the role of MC, elevating the show's star power.
Looking ahead to 2024, cable channel Mnet is poised to unveil a new girl group through "I-LAND 2," the second season of the immensely successful "I-LAND," which previously gave rise to the chart-topping boy band ENHYPEN in 2020. Seeking fresh talent, "I-LAND 2" is accepting applications from girls born before January 1, 2011, regardless of nationality. Notably, the program will feature internationally acclaimed music producer Teddy Park, renowned for creating numerous hits for the iconic girl group BLACKPINK. Mnet's statement echoes the determination to break conventions and reshape the landscape of K-pop with this groundbreaking endeavor.
The new girl group emerging from "I-LAND 2" will be under the management of WAKEONE Entertainment, known for cultivating boy group ZEROBASEONE (ZB1) from another popular talent search show, "Boys Planet."
As these shows prepare to introduce a fresh wave of talent to the global stage, K-pop fans and music enthusiasts alike eagerly await the unveiling of the next generation of stars set to capture hearts and redefine the ever-evolving landscape of the K-pop phenomenon.
Sayart.net
Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com
