By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
An array of programs by cable channels are presenting programs that beckon viewers to stand in front of the camera themselves.
Cable music channel Mnet leads these programs, with a total of three programs open for viewers to join in and become a part of them. One of the most anticipated is ``Superstar K,'' which is the Korean version of the United States' hit program ``American Idol.'' With a winning prize of more than 100 million won and the chance to make a debut this coming fall backed by music mogul Mnet, more than 5,000 viewers applied on the first day of admissions.
``There were plenty of similar music programs that held auditions for aspiring singers but the problem with most of them was the lack of support and interest given to the winners after the program. Another important feature we focused on is that literally anyone can participate and try out to become the next top singer of Korea,'' the makers of ``Superstar K'' said through a statement.
The program toured around the nation in search of talented contestants for the past two months and brought out interesting participants from different regions of the country.
Kim Byung-soo, 69, is one of the many interesting contestants; just the type the program makers were searching for.
Kim is a North Korean defector who arrived here in 2002 after living five years in China. Being a talented entertainer, even when he was living in the Stalinist state, he explained that his dream was to become a singer and to hold a concert back home after unification. His dreams of unification may be far away for now, but the music program has brought him a step closer to becoming a singer.
``The happiest moments of my life was the day I stepped into South Korea and the news that I made it to the first round of the `Superstar K' audition,'' Kim was quoted as saying.
``We realize through this program that music can become everyone's dream, not only those in their teens and twenties,'' said Hong Soo-hyun, the director of the program.
``Superstar K'' will start airing on July 24 at 11 p.m.
While ``Superstar K'' is gathering aspiring viewer-turned-singers to the small screen, ``Mnet Scandal,'' ``Seo In-young's Brand New Friend'' and MTV's ``KARA's Meta Friend'' are bringing viewers thanks to the star power of celebrities and the viewers' drive in becoming the next talk of the town.