Both Mnet and MBC have broadcasted talent show programs that captivated the nation due to the unique talents (or in some cases, the lack thereof) shown by the contestants. Since MBC's "Birth of a Great Star" and Mnet's "Superstar K" series run down the same vein, the media has compiled a comparative list drawing the similarities between the two shows. 1) When the contestants dorm together, the popularity of the program goes up: The media discovered that when contestants dorm together, the popularity of the program spikes. "Superstar K2" started off with a 4.2% viewer rating. However, when the Top 10 contestants started living together for their "Super Week," the popularity went up to 8.48%.  Meanwhile in "Birth of a Great Star",  a raise in popularity was seen when the contestants began to live together during the "Great Camp" portion of the broadcast. 2) Rivalry, Love lines, and Shocking events As the series rolls on, the contestants' relationships with one another becomes a topic of greater interest. For example, viewers loved watching the friendly rivalry between Superstar K2's most popular singers, Huh Gak and John Park. Fans also tried to link a 'love line' between John Park and his female competitors, Kang Eun Bi and Kang Seung Yoon. Rivalries and love lines could also be seen in "Birth of a Great Star." David Oh and Kwon Ri Sae reportedly expressed their interest in one another, so viewers automatically tried to link the two as a romantic couple. While overt rivalries have yet to be seen, fans were delighted with the close friendships the contestants have been building, as seen with Kim Jung In and Park Chae Rin's duet performance of Michael Jackson's "Ben". Baek Chung Kang's closeness with Han Ho also became another arena of interest for viewers after they saw how overjoyed the two were in being able to pass the second round of auditions. But let's face it. Though it's sweet to watch the human relationships blossom as the individuals go through personal trials, viewers would lose interest if there wasn't someone to rag about that week. Both programs air shocking events that surprised the viewers, and leave them wanting to come back for more. In "Superstar K2", Kim Geu Rim surprised both the viewers and contestants because of her bad attitude during "Super Week." Meanwhile, on "Birth of a Great Star", contestant A's past shocked viewers when they confessed they were a thief. Apparently, this person had an online site which sold used goods and while contestant A would take the payments from the buyers, the items were never sent out. 3) The judges' harsh criticisms and the contestants' success As with all talent shows now, a cornerstone of a great talent show lies in the judges' critiques. In "Superstar K," Lee Sung Chul was in charge of dishing out on harsh criticisms, whereas "Birth of a Great Star" found their cutting wit in Bang Shi Hyuk. Viewers experience either a perverse joy at seeing the contestants getting dressed down, or they become infuriated. Either way, this segment requires a lot of emotional investment from the viewers, who must then return next week to find out if their favorite will pass on. But it's not all about verbal cut-downs. Viewers are also interested in seeing which contestants have the inner strength to absorb criticisms and become better from them. In "Superstar K," Kim Ji Soo and Jang Jae In overwhelmed their critics by performing a powerful stage of "Cinderella". "Birth of a Great Star" had viewers gasping over Yang Jung Mo (who lost 8 kgs) and Lee Tae Kwon (who successfully overcame his weak points on-stage). Keeping all these points in mind, it seems like the two programs have discovered an entertainment formula that's sure to draw in more and more viewers as the series moves on. Source + Picture: Star News