Many Korean teenagers are looking for a way to become superstars. However, it is not an east way to go. It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than to become a top star. They must have several 'good factors' that could make them into famous singers. Recently, the world television market has heated up with audition programs such as American Idol (the Us), Deutschland Sucht Den Superstar(Germany's looking for superstar/Germany), Superstar Avenue (Taiwan). In Korea, Superstar K2 recorded the highest audience rating as a cable TV program. So what is an audition program and why do people become so crazy about it?
The Korean pop music market underwent an upheaval in 90’s. Many idol stars, who had been training for a long time in entertainment management agencies, were introduced. They had an attractive appearance rather than just singing ability. Therefore, those programs followed the trend and transformed into more ‘idol star producing auditions.’ MBC’s Goal achieving Saturday- Akdong-club (bad-boy’s club) and SBS’s The Project of Discovering Talented Kid-the Challenge of 99% are the best examples. Some idol stars such as Jo Kwon in 2AM and Sun-ye in Wonder Girls were selected in audition programs.
Now, there are only programs for the young generation. However, from 2009, Superstar K became a famous audition program known as an ‘open audition’ where people of all ages can participate and compete or 1st place. This program searches for a great singer with potential ability to become a big star. Some critics say that at last this audition program has comvined all types of Korean audition programs.
“I’m trying to become a professional singer.”
A woman with no fashion sense in her late 40’s spoke confidently without any hesitation. Everyone was laughing and shrugged aside the middle aged woman’s words. As the music ”I Dreamed a Dream” started, Susan Boyle showed off her beautiful voice to the world. Again, the world stunned by her singing. She did not just sing but gave the message that appearance should not become an obstacle to one’s dream. She dreamed a dream of becoming a singer and her dream came true.
A young woman, who had dreamt of working as a professional singer, had to taste the bitterness of failure. She came back to her home town and worked in a restaurant, She never thought another opportunity would come. At last, Kelly Clarkson’s dream came true when she became the winner of ‘American Idol.’ Her songs, especially those in her second album., touched many people’s hearts.
An overweight part time worker of a record shop, Lin Yu Chun wanted to be a great singer but his hope was scorned by many people because of his appearance. However, no one could resist loving his beautiful voice. His story of overcoming those obstacles and winning first place in ‘Superstar Avenue’ became a famous story worldwide. What do you find in these stories? All of these stories are about ordinary people who loved to sing and become famous overnight. Even though they worked hard, audition programs gave them an opportunity to become famous. We can also find similar cases in the Korean audition program, Superstar K2. For instance, Huh Gak had to give up his education career as a teenager and worked as a fan mechanic. We all have dreams, but it is getting harder to achieve them. When people hear stories about a person who puts effort into dreams, they admire that person. This is one of the things that make people crazy about the program.
People have two different opinions about the audition programs. First, the program gives a person
On the other hand, some critics say that this transformation brought change to public taste. Since many idol singers have good appearances, elaborate choreography was the equation of succeeding in K-pop. Audition program winners have now let people have a chance to enjoy music over dancing and beauty.
so-hj@cnu.ac.kr