Broadcasting company SBS announced recently that they're creating a new audition program titled, "K-pop Star", to find members of a brand new idol group. A representative revealed, "SBS will be beginning a new audition program called "K-pop Star" in the latter half of this year to form a new idol group. SBS will be raking in the greatest production cost in the history of our variety show programs in order to find the next generation idol group who will lead the Hallyu Wave. They are currently in the midst of finalizing details, and will soon be ready to undergo active preparations for the show." Audition programs that have aired on TV networks include Mnet's "Superstar K", MBC's "The Great Rebirth", and KBS 2TV's "Top Band". While the former two shows pick only one winner to become a future solo artist, "Top Band" is a show that picks the best band out of preexisting groups. On the other hand, the main purpose of "K-Pop Star" will be to pick a group of talented individuals which will then be set on making a debut as an idol group. A program representative expressed, "Keeping in pace with the Hallyu Boom that is not only widespread in Asia but also overflowing to Europe, we will be forming an idol group that will be the successors of the current Hayllu Wave. Whether it will be a mixed group or an all-male/all-female group, that will be decided according to the direction of the audition show." SBS plans to recruit famous singers and associates of the music and broadcasting industry for the show's judging panel. Source: No Cut News via Daum