On October 24, 2025, reports surfaced that SBS funE’s long-running K-pop music program “The Show” might soon come to an end. According to a report from Star News, the beloved music show, which has aired for over 14 years, is reportedly set to broadcast its final episode on November 11, 2025.
The news immediately sparked emotional reactions among fans, viewers, and artists who have been part of its long history.
“The Show” has been a cornerstone in the K-pop music scene since its debut in April 2011, offering a stage for both emerging and established idols to showcase their performances.
Its possible conclusion marks the end of an era in Korean music broadcasting, prompting questions about why the program may be wrapping up and whether it might return in the future.
SBS funE Responds to Cancellation Reports
Shortly after the initial report, a representative from SBS funE addressed the speculation to clarify the situation.
The network confirmed that while November 11 will indeed mark the final broadcast of the current season, a final decision about the show’s complete cancellation has not been made yet.
The representative explained:
“It’s true that the November 11 broadcast will mark the end of this year’s season, as ‘The Show’ has always been run on an annual seasonal system.
However, whether the program will officially come to an end has not yet been decided. We’re currently in the process of confirming.”
This statement makes it clear that while the current season will end, the program’s overall fate remains undecided.
This clarification provides some hope that the series may return for a new season in the future rather than ending entirely.
A Look Back: “The Show” and Its Legacy
Since its first broadcast in April 2011, “The Show” has been known for giving exposure to both rookie and mid-tier K-pop acts, allowing them to connect with international audiences.
Airing every Tuesday evening on SBS funE, the program became a weekly ritual for fans eager to see their favorite idols compete for first place.
Unlike other major network music shows, “The Show” carved out a unique identity through its global voting system, which incorporated international fan participation via social media and global platforms.
This feature made it particularly popular among overseas K-pop fans and helped many groups — especially those outside the top-tier agencies — gain recognition on a global stage.
Over the years, “The Show” has featured performances from hundreds of artists, from rookie groups making their debut to industry veterans celebrating comebacks.
It also served as an early milestone in the careers of now world-famous acts like BTS, EXO, TWICE, and SEVENTEEN, all of whom performed on the program in their early years.
Current Hosts and the 2025 Season
The current season of “The Show,” which began airing on March 4, 2025, is hosted by a vibrant trio of idols:
- Xiaojun from NCT and WayV,
- Hyeongjun from CRAVITY, and
- Jeong Saebi from izna.
The chemistry among the hosts has been praised by viewers, who appreciate their youthful energy and genuine camaraderie.
Each week, the MCs have guided live performances, award announcements, and behind-the-scenes segments that highlight artists’ personalities beyond their stage personas.
As the season approaches its reported end date in November, fans have begun expressing nostalgia and gratitude toward the cast and production team for keeping the show entertaining and artist-focused over the years.
Industry and Fan Reactions
The news of “The Show” potentially concluding has prompted a mix of shock, sadness, and appreciation among K-pop fans and artists.
Many took to social media to share memories and clips from the show, expressing how significant it has been for smaller agencies and rookie idols who often found their first exposure through its stage.
Some industry insiders have also speculated that the possible conclusion may be tied to changes in broadcasting strategies or the increasing dominance of digital platforms, which have transformed how music shows are consumed.
However, until SBS funE officially confirms the program’s status, fans are holding onto hope that this is merely a seasonal pause rather than a complete farewell.
Why “The Show” Mattered
For over a decade, “The Show” has served as a launchpad for countless K-pop groups, offering visibility at crucial moments in their careers.
The program’s global reach — facilitated through live streaming and international voting — played a key role in expanding K-pop’s footprint beyond South Korea.
It also became known for its friendly and supportive environment, where artists could promote their new releases in a less pressured, more fan-interactive setting compared to major network shows.
The show’s flexible seasonal format allowed it to evolve with industry trends while maintaining its distinct character.
What Lies Ahead
As of now, SBS funE has not made a definitive announcement about whether “The Show” will return after November.
Given its established history and the affection it commands from the K-pop community, many believe that the network might opt to revive it with a new format or refreshed structure in future seasons.
Until official confirmation is released, fans are preparing to bid farewell — at least temporarily — to a program that has been instrumental in shaping K-pop’s television culture for 14 years.
The final episode of the current season is expected to air on November 11, 2025, marking what could be a historic and emotional broadcast.
Whether it returns or not, one thing is certain: “The Show” has left an unforgettable legacy in the world of K-pop music programs, representing the excitement, inclusivity, and passion that define the genre’s global spirit.
After two decades away from music production, Lee Sang Min, one of Korea’s most legendary producers and entertainers, is officially returning to his roots.
On October 24, a teaser for the new YouTube reality project “Producer Lee Sang Min” was released, confirming that he will be making his first comeback as a K-pop producer in 20 years.
The project is not just another show—it’s a full-scale music journey chronicling Lee’s comeback from financial hardship to artistic rebirth.
Viewers will witness his hands-on process of discovering, mentoring, and producing a brand-new co-ed idol group, marking his return to the creative spotlight where he first made history.
From Roo’ra to Legendary Producer
Lee Sang Min first made his debut in 1994 as a member of the co-ed dance group Roo’ra, which became one of the defining acts of the 1990s Korean music scene.
Roo’ra’s vibrant sound and bold stage presence cemented their legacy, and Lee quickly gained recognition not only as a performer but as a visionary music producer.
During the late 1990s, he helped launch and produce hit K-pop acts such as Diva, Chakra, Sharp, and Country Kko Kko.
His name became synonymous with catchy hits and creative group concepts, making him one of the most influential hitmakers of his generation.
However, by the early 2000s, Lee’s career took a dramatic turn when he was forced to halt his activities due to massive debt and financial controversies.
Lee Sang Min (Credit: YouTube)
The incident pushed him out of the industry for years, leaving behind an unfinished legacy.
A Decade of Struggle and a New Beginning
Following his hiatus, Lee reemerged in 2012 through Mnet’s mockumentary-style show “God of Music”, where he showcased his humor and musical insight.
Over the next decade, he became a beloved television personality, appearing on variety programs such as tvN’s “The Genius,” SBS’s “My Little Old Boy,” and “Dolsing Fourmen.”
His charm, wit, and self-deprecating humor earned him the affection of audiences, but fans of classic K-pop always hoped he would someday return to music production.
Now, with his debts finally cleared and his passion reignited, Lee Sang Min is ready to create again. In the teaser for his new show, he confessed:
“From 1994, I worked nonstop as both a group leader and producer for about eight to nine years. I didn’t have a single minute of leisure in my life, and during that time, I created several teams. I’m finally ready to do it again—with a clearer heart.”
Redefining the Future of K-Pop
What makes Lee Sang Min’s new project especially exciting is his decision to form a co-ed group—a rarity in today’s idol industry.
He believes that modern K-pop audiences have moved beyond traditional gender divisions in fandoms.
He explained:
“These days, fandoms are no longer divided by gender. Fans can love one team together, so I realized there’s no need to separate male and female groups anymore.”
Lee also expressed admiration for Teddy’s co-ed project ALLDAY PROJECT, noting that it inspired his decision to bring back the co-ed concept that once defined his career in the 1990s.
Despite his long absence from the producer’s chair, Lee remains confident in his instincts. In one candid moment from the teaser, a listener praised his new track, saying,
“This sounds like a Billboard hit.”
Lee smiled and replied,
“My instincts are still alive.”
Behind the Scenes of ‘Producer Lee Sang Min’
The YouTube reality series “Producer Lee Sang Min” promises an unfiltered look at what it takes to create a K-pop group from the ground up.
Viewers will follow Lee as he scouts talent, conducts auditions, holds creative meetings, and develops new music in real time.
The show’s production quality is also noteworthy. It is co-produced by global content studio Kapes Planet, a rising powerhouse in digital entertainment.
The studio is led by PD Yoo Chi Kok, the acclaimed producer behind iconic Korean shows such as Mnet’s “Superstar K,” “Show Me the Money,” and “No Mercy,” the survival show that launched MONSTA X.
Kapes Planet is also known for creating global digital platforms like Dingo and Hello82, both of which helped internationalize K-pop content.
Recently, the studio partnered with Lee Jung Jae’s Actor’s Studio and UK-based Imaginarium to co-develop the upcoming K-pop film “Secret Idol.”
With such an impressive production team and Lee Sang Min’s creative genius, the project is expected to deliver both nostalgia and innovation.
A New Chapter Begins
For Lee Sang Min, this comeback is more than a professional revival—it’s a deeply personal victory.
After decades of public and private struggles, he is returning to the stage not as an entertainer but as a mentor and creator, eager to inspire a new generation of artists.
Fans and industry insiders alike are eager to see whether he can recreate the magic that once made him a driving force in K-pop’s early days.
The “Producer Lee Sang Min” YouTube series will continue rolling out teasers and new episodes sequentially starting this week, inviting fans worldwide to witness his long-awaited return to music.
With his signature creativity, sharp instincts, and renewed passion, Lee Sang Min’s comeback might just mark the beginning of a new era in co-ed K-pop—one that bridges the golden age of the past with the global stage of the future.
