'Superstar K' to return after 11-year hiatus, auditions set for next month

Superstar K, the talent show that produced stars including Heo Gak, John Park, Jang Beom-jun and Roy Kim, is making a comeback after 11 years off the air.

M.net's Superstar K is in production with a target broadcast date of next year, according to Mydaily. The show plans to release a recruitment notice next month and begin holding open auditions.

The title has yet to be confirmed, with "Superstar K 2027" under consideration, but producers say the show will stay true to its identity as a nationwide music talent search. The plan is to cast a wide net — placing no restrictions on age, gender, genre or nationality — in search of new stars.

Superstar K launched its first season in 2009 to widespread popularity. Season 2 in 2010, which featured standout contestants including Heo Gak, John Park, Jang Jae-in and Kang Seung-yoon, was a particular highlight — its finale drew an 18.1 percent viewership rating, a landmark in Korean cable television history. The show's success set off an audition craze, prompting the launch of MBC's "Great Birth" and SBS's "K-pop Star," and the format was exported to China, where it spawned "Superstar China." As competition shows multiplied, however, audience fatigue set in, and Superstar K wrapped up with its eighth season in 2016.

Many Superstar K alumni remain active and popular in the Korean music scene. Past winners include Seo In-guk in the first season, followed by Heo Gak, Ulala Session, Roy Kim, Park Jae-jeong, Kwak Jin-eon, Kevin Oh and Kim Yeong-geun. Contestants who did not win but went on to stardom include Busker Busker's Jang Beom-jun, John Park, Kang Seung-yoon, Park Hye-won, Bolbbalgan4, Kim Pil and Kim Ye-rim.

All eyes are now on whether Superstar K can carve out a new space in a music market dominated by idol groups and trot music.