After over a decade of providing a vital platform to rising K-pop artists, ‘Simply K-pop’ has officially announced its final broadcast—ending a remarkable 13-year journey that began in 2012.
A staple on Arirang TV, the show was known for offering stage time and quality fancams to rookie idols and artists from smaller or lesser-known agencies, who often struggled to get noticed on larger music programs.
Unlike shows like Music Bank, Inkigayo, or M! Countdown, which typically spotlight top-tier artists and comeback-heavy lineups, Simply K-pop carved out a niche by championing diversity in exposure, helping many now-popular idols take their first steps on a public stage.
A Platform for Growth—and Gratitude
When the news of the show’s cancellation broke on July 16, K-pop fans flooded online communities with messages of disappointment and nostalgia.
Many credited Simply K-pop for helping their favorite idols gain initial traction through well-captured fancams and live performances that would otherwise have never seen the light of day on mainstream music shows.
“This was one of the rare places where small-agency idols could perform… This sucks.” “My idol actually got popular thanks to their ‘Simply K-pop’ fancam… I’m so sad…”
The loss of Simply K-pop follows the earlier cancellation of ‘After School Club’, another Arirang TV show known for international fan engagement and smaller-artist features.
Together, their departures underscore a shrinking number of platforms where rookie or mid-tier idols can showcase their talents on a broadcast scale.
Lee Dae Hwi’s Final Bow as MC
The end of Simply K-pop also brings a close to an impressive chapter in AB6IX’s Lee Dae Hwi’s career.
As solo MC since March 2022, Dae Hwi’s warm presence and professionalism earned him widespread praise, particularly from artists he helped introduce to the K-pop world.
“Dae Hwi, thank you for your hard work. I’m so sad… One precious music show is gone.” “You did great for four years!”
Before hosting Simply K-pop, Dae Hwi was also a key MC for M Countdown from 2019 to 2021, making him one of the longest-serving idol MCs in recent years.
His steady performance and relatability became a comforting constant for viewers and artists alike.
A Fan-Loved Show That Prioritized Music Over Metrics
Part of Simply K-pop’s charm was its accessibility and genuine focus on music, not just metrics like streaming numbers or social media buzz.
It often welcomed groups in their debut stages or those from independent labels, allowing them to build a stage presence, connect with fans, and gain credibility in a tough industry.
For many fans, it was the only show that spotlighted idols beyond the mainstream, capturing raw performances that resonated deeply.
“It was the only place even really small company idols could go…” “It had the best among public live recordings.”
However, even beloved shows are not immune to the pressures of the digital age. Despite its loyal niche, Simply K-pop suffered from declining viewership, which many believe contributed to its cancellation.
“Honestly, a show needs enough demand to keep going, but not enough people were watching. It was bound to get canceled…”
Industry Impact: What This Means for K-pop’s Future
The show’s departure raises serious questions about opportunities for emerging artists in today’s oversaturated market.
With high competition and limited broadcasting slots, many newer idols now rely heavily on social media, TikTok, or YouTube for exposure—but those platforms don’t offer the credibility and production value of a televised stage.
Simply K-pop was often viewed as the first stepping stone—a gateway into larger performances, tour invitations, or even viral recognition.
Losing that platform means an already uphill battle for artists without major-label backing just got steeper.
“Now it’ll be even harder to see smaller agency idols on music shows.” “This is really disappointing… a rare stage is gone.”
Looking Back with Gratitude
As fans reflect on the impact of Simply K-pop, many are choosing to focus on the legacy it leaves behind.
For 13 years, it opened doors, launched careers, and gave countless fans their first glimpse of future stars.
From heartfelt performances to viral fancams, the show’s influence will linger in the hearts of fans and idols alike.
“Whoa, Simply K-Pop had such great live recordings. This is such a loss.” “I used to watch it a lot when I was into small-agency idols.”
Whether it was your first introduction to a now-famous group or a place to discover hidden gems, Simply K-pop did what few shows dared to do—celebrate the underdogs of K-pop.
Farewell, But Not Forgotten
As Arirang TV closes this chapter, fans and industry insiders alike are left hoping for new platforms that can fill the void.
Until then, Simply K-pop remains a bittersweet symbol of what can happen when passion, accessibility, and music come together.
It may be gone—but its impact won’t be forgotten.
In the dazzling world of K-pop, idols appear flawless, composed, and deeply connected with their fanbases.
But beyond the curated performances and fan service lies a disturbing reality many idols face daily: sasaeng fans—individuals whose obsession leads to stalking, privacy invasion, and even physical threats.
These fans don’t just cross boundaries—they erase them entirely, often putting idols in unsafe and traumatizing situations.
While many fans respect the personal lives of their favorite stars, sasaeng fans represent a darker side of fandom that continues to plague the K-pop industry.
Sasaeng (사생팬) fans are known for extreme behaviors that violate idols’ privacy and security.
These actions range from bombarding idols with phone calls, waiting outside their homes or dorms, following them on flights, and even planting GPS trackers in their cars.
Despite efforts from agencies and idols themselves to raise awareness and strengthen security, sasaeng activity remains a serious problem in the K-pop world.
The Reality of Sasaeng Behavior
Sasaeng fans are not simply overenthusiastic supporters—they are often obsessive individuals who track idols’ locations, steal personal information, and sometimes attempt physical contact without consent.
Several idols have spoken out about the extreme behavior they’ve encountered.
For instance, BTS’s Jungkook has revealed during livestreams that he frequently receives phone calls from unknown numbers- later confirmed to be sasaeng fans attempting to reach him directly.
During one stream, he calmly but firmly stated that he blocks these numbers instantly and encouraged fans to respect his privacy.
Similarly, Red Velvet’s Seulgi and Wendy ended a livestream prematurely after constant call interruptions from sasaengs.
Their decision to address the issue publicly highlighted how intrusive these behaviors have become, even in real-time interactions.
EXO members have long been targets of sasaeng fans. D.O. once admitted that these encounters made him develop a constant “victim mentality.”
Meanwhile, EXO’s Lay has also expressed discomfort and fear, especially after discovering that sasaengs had followed him across international borders.
EXO’s dorm once became a target of break-ins, and some fans even installed GPS tracking devices in members’ vans.
These incidents underline the seriousness of the threat and the psychological toll it takes on idols.
Idol Responses: From Calm Reprimands to Direct Confrontation
Some idols have opted for a more direct approach in dealing with sasaeng fans. NCT’s Renjun recently made headlines after exposing a sasaeng who harassed him via private messages and phone calls.
Instead of remaining silent, he boldly responded on social media:
“Don’t hide and type like a rat… talk to my lawyers instead.”
His unapologetic tone earned praise from fans who admired his bravery in confronting the issue head-on.
NCT’s Yuta reportedly gave sasaengs the middle finger after spotting them lurking near his dorm, a bold gesture reflecting his frustration.
Similarly, BTS’s V took matters into his own hands when he encountered stalkers at an airport.
He flipped the script by recording them with his phone—mirroring their behavior and shocking them into backing off.
Even older generation idols like Shinhwa’s Kim Dong Wan have fought back. He famously sprayed water on sasaengs who had been trailing him and his bandmates.
Later, he publicly stated,
“Shinhwa is not responsible for your lives,” drawing a clear boundary between healthy admiration and invasive obsession.
Legal Measures and Agency Actions
To address the growing problem of sasaeng behavior, entertainment companies have begun implementing stricter rules.
Agencies like SM Entertainment and HYBE have pledged to take legal action against fans who harass their artists online or in person.
The South Korean government also amended the Minor Offenses Act in 2011, expanding penalties for those who stalk public figures.
Despite these efforts, enforcement remains inconsistent. Some police officers have reportedly dismissed cases involving idols, arguing that fame comes with public attention-even if that attention crosses legal lines.
In response, idols and agencies have started keeping detailed records, issuing public warnings, and installing more robust security systems at dorms, airports, and venues.
Traumatic Impact and Mental Health Strain
The psychological impact of sasaeng behavior is profound. TVXQ’s Yunho once described the sensation of being followed and watched as “living in a prison.”
JYJ’s Jaejoong shared multiple stories about stalkers who rang his doorbell at all hours or snuck into his building.
His experience was so distressing that he expressed doubt about the law’s ability to protect him, saying,
“The police didn’t help. They said it was ‘normal’ for idols.”
This chronic stress can lead to anxiety, paranoia, sleep disturbances, and in severe cases, withdrawal from the public eye.
Some idols stop going live or avoid fan interactions altogether to protect themselves, ironically distancing them from the very fans who respect them the most.
Building a Healthier Fandom Culture
Fortunately, many K-pop fans are now actively working to combat sasaeng culture. ARMY (BTS’s fanbase), for example, has repeatedly called out other fans who overstep boundaries, especially when BTS members are spotted during personal vacations.
Fans online also spread awareness, sharing what not to do as a fan and urging respect for idols’ private lives.
The most effective solution lies in shifting fandom culture from obsession to appreciation.
Fans must understand that idols are not public property—they are people. Respecting their space and personal time is the ultimate form of support.
While admiration and connection lie at the heart of K-pop fandom, there’s a clear line between fan enthusiasm and dangerous obsession.
K-pop idols are increasingly using their voices, platforms, and legal avenues to reclaim their privacy and safety from sasaeng fans.
As the industry continues to grow, both companies and fans have a role in creating a respectful environment—one that cherishes idols not as products of fantasy, but as real people deserving dignity, safety, and peace.
