What’s the Secret to Making Someone a K-pop Star?

Artists who are doing so-so in the music industries are becoming stars after their entertainment program appearances.

This applies especially to singers, who appear on entertainment shows and show off charm that you would otherwise be unable to see on stage. It's not uncommon for singers to appear on entertainment shows as a last resort. One music rep said, "The group's survival depends on this album. We are clutching at straws and having the members featured on various entertainment programs." Basically, the group won't survive if they don't do well on the entertainment shows.

This doesn't apply only to idols. It's the same for musicians as well. One rep who promotes new singer songwriters said, "Music programs are disappearing, and there aren't many stages to perform on. It's come to the point where singer songwriters must gain popularity through entertainment programs to keep making music. Thankfully, this singer songwriter has a good sense of entertainment and is currently being featured on shows."

Although it's not the first time singers are using entertainment programs to become stars, instead of having a drawn out competition against other singers for the top ranks on music charts, they are using their appearances on such shows to rise to the top quickly. This is especially true for idol groups who have a big teen fandom. One idol group rep said, "Teen fans are not as concerned about the music as much as they are about the members' personalities. They are fans of the members themselves. And to showcase idols' personalities, entertainment show appearances are essential."

As entertainment programs have moved toward reality television shows, they have become the main spot for self-promotion. MBC Every1's "Weekly Idol" features up and coming idols such as EXO. John Park, who has a smaller fandom than Roy Kim, recently captured the fans' attentions with his naengmyun (cold summer noodle) mania and silly camel character on MNet's "Enemy of Broadcasting." He then appeared on MBC "Infinite Challenge." Even top artists are becoming bolder. Charismatic 2NE1 is showcasing their 4D charm on "Double Park TV."

Especially to note among stars that have risen from entertainment programs are SISTAR and ZE:A. SISTAR appeared on athletic programs and proved themselves to be an athletic and healthy girl group, and naturally displayed their talent on KBS "Immortal Song." Using their synergy they have made SISTAR into a "healthy and talented girl group."

ZE:A's activities are even more dramatic. Dongjun became known as the "athletic idol," Siwan became popular through MBC "Moon Embracing the Sun," and Hyungsik proved himself on MBC "Real Man."

In an industry where K-pop is rising and music programs are diminishing, the competition is getting fierce. Then it would seem that entertainment is the secret weapon that gives artists an upper hand in winning their rivals.