K-Pop Music Show ‘The Show’ to End Broadcast After 14 Years, Leaving a Void for Emerging Artists

SBS funE’s beloved K-pop music program, The Show K-Pop, will air its final episode on November 11, 2025, concluding a significant 14-year run. The permanent cancellation of the weekly music show, which first premiered in April 2011, marks the end of an era for many K-pop fans and artists, signaling a notable shift in the K-Pop industry shifts and television programming landscape. This marks a pivotal moment for K-Pop music shows.

The Show K-Pop’s Enduring Legacy

For over a decade, The Show K-Pop has been a consistent staple for K-pop enthusiasts, airing live every Tuesday from the SBS Prism Tower in Sangam-dong, Seoul. Beyond its domestic audience, the program significantly extended its reach, broadcasting live to over 20 countries through networks like Paramount Network, MTV France, and TBS in Japan since January 2019. This international presence underscored its role in the global phenomenon that is K-pop. Throughout its history, The Show K-Pop featured a diverse array of talent, with over 40 K-pop artists taking on hosting duties, contributing to its dynamic presentation and solidifying its status as a significant platform in the music industry. The show’s dedicated chart system, “The Show Choice,” served as a coveted recognition for performing artists seeking music show wins.

A Vital Launchpad for Emerging Artists on The Show K-Pop

A crucial aspect of The Show K-Pop‘s identity was its function as a vital stage for artists, particularly those from smaller or less established agencies. In the highly competitive K-pop ecosystem, where larger music shows often favor established acts, The Show K-Pop provided a critical opportunity for rookie groups and mid-tier artists to gain essential visibility, secure music show wins, and cultivate their fanbase. The permanent cancellation of this program is expected to disproportionately impact these emerging K-Pop artists, as their avenues for achieving chart success and broader recognition may become more limited on other platforms. This void left by The Show K-Pop raises concerns regarding the future promotional landscape for less prominent K-pop acts in the trending music scene.

Broader Industry Shifts and The Show K-Pop’s Final Farewell

The conclusion of The Show K-Pop occurs amidst broader transformations within the K-pop music show industry. While traditional television music programs have seen a decline, there has been a notable shift towards online platforms like YouTube, which offer diverse content and performance-focused formats. The Show K-Pop nevertheless maintained its relevance as a weekly broadcast event and a key part of SBS funE programming. This news also follows strategic realignments for broadcaster SBS, including exclusive content supply contracts with Netflix, which may influence future programming decisions across its affiliated channels such as SBS funE. The possibility of The Show cancellation was a growing concern.

The final episodes of The Show K-Pop are anticipated to be a memorable farewell, celebrating its significant legacy and the countless artists it has supported throughout its run. As the K-pop industry continues to evolve, the permanent cessation of The Show K-Pop will undoubtedly be felt by artists, agencies, and fans alike, prompting discussions about how emerging talents will find their footing and gain exposure in the dynamic K-pop industry shifts. With its final broadcast on November 11, 2025, The Show K-Pop leaves behind a significant chapter in K-pop history, remembered for its dedication to showcasing diverse talent and its invaluable support for artists striving to make their mark through international K-Pop broadcast opportunities and a strong K-Pop fan base growth.