K-pop audition shows: A Critical Look at Their Ratings and Production Costs

While production costs for these shows can range from 5 billion to 10 billion won, they often fail to garner significant viewership ratings and only a few of the debuting groups receive considerable attention after the shows’ conclusion. This is often attributed to non-content companies investing in K-pop with the optimistic belief that it will yield profitable returns.

In recent years, various audition programs have been organized by different broadcasting stations. For example, SBS’s “Loud”and “Universe Ticket”resulted in the debut of The New Six and Unis, respectively, but both groups failed to gain much attention. Similarly, MBC’s “My Teenage Girl”gave rise to Classy, but their impact has been limited, and the following group, Fantasy Boys, has yet to make a mark. Despite showcasing the growth and development of these groups, terrestrial broadcasting stations have lost much of their previous ability to attract widespread public support.

The influence of the parent company is evident in the success of Mnet’s “Boys Planet”and JTBC’s “R U Next?”These programs have produced successful groups, ZEROBASEONE and ILLIT, who have established themselves as prominent fifth-generation boy and girl groups. With the support of CJ ENM, which has a track record of producing successful groups such as Wanna One, I.O.I, and IZ*ONE through the “Produce 101″series, ZEROBASEONE has flourished. Similarly, ILLIT, formed through “R U Next?”, is under the management of Belift Lab, a subsidiary of HYBE, the largest K-pop company in Korea. This highlights the importance of companies with extensive expertise

In the midst of this setting, broadcasting stations are launching additional K-pop group audition programs. JTBC’s “Girls on Fire”is focused on creating a female vocal K-pop group, while KBS is initiating the global idol debut project “MAKE MATE 1”.

SBS is joining the competition as well. The second half of the year will see the launch of “Universe League,”the male counterpart of “Universe Ticket.”Applications for the show are currently open. The debut group from “Universe League”will be under the management of F&F Entertainment, a new agency under the fashion company F&F. However, while F&F Entertainment may have strong financial backing from its parent company, it may lack the industry experience of other agencies like Unis, known for their success in producing K-pop groups.

According to an industry expert, the current cost of launching a K-pop group is at least 10 billion won. With the rising global demand for K-pop, there has been a significant increase in investors entering the industry. This is because production companies cover most of the production costs, making it a profitable venture for broadcasting stations. However, there is a growing concern that the market may become oversaturated with K-pop groups, potentially resulting in a decrease in the overall quality of the music.