For the past several years, the world of K-Pop, or Korean popular music, has been an enduring phenomenon around the globe. In 2012, it was recognized as Korea’s greatest export by Time Magazine, and just last year, K-pop videos gained around 7 billion hits on YouTube.
As one of its major supporters, it should come as no shock to Filipinos that by this time, Korea would be knocking on our doors to personally search for the next biggest international superstar.
KISPINOY, dubbed as “a reality-based talent hunt that will discover young and talented Filipino K-Pop performers,” is a project of YU&IQ International Inc. in partnership with YU&IQ Entertainment and NH Media. The show is set to start airing weekly in June on TV5’s primetime.
Helping commence this newest K-Pop hype in the country, Korean idols U-KISS, the recently launched all-girl group LABOUM, as well as actress Seo Young-hee were personally brought to our local shores where, in addition to their appearance at KISPINOY’s grand launch, the two groups performed in a free concert at the Mall of Asia Music Hall.
The role of resident judge will be filled by no less than singer-songwriter, record-producer, and former Rivermaya lead vocalist, Rico Blanco. Joining him every week on the panel will be some of Korea’s most promising artists, the others serving as guests and mentors. The show will be co-hosted by Richard Gutierrez, and Korean model, DJ, and cosplayer, Jinri Park.
As for the contestants, they must be 13 years of age and above, and should have no existing contract with a record or management company. Booths will be set up at audition locations where they will get a chance to record songs and dance performances, which will then be sent to Korea for initial screening. The 120 selected contestants will be called back to Manila for the final screening. In the end, the winner will be brought to and further trained in Korea, where he/she will sign a multi-million recording and management contract.
The auditions officially kicked off on April 22-23 at the SM Mall of Asia, and will continue up to the end of May in several SM malls across the nation. Here are the rest of the audition dates and locations:
April 24-25, SM City Pampanga
April 27-30, Pampanga (venue to be announced)
May 2-4, SM Southmall
May 4-5, Davao City (Almendras Gym)
May 7-9, SM City Cagayan De Oro
May 9-11, Mandaluyong (City Hall Gym)
May 12-14, SM City North EDSA
May 13-15, SM City Cebu
May 21-23, CM City Dasmarinas and SM City Bacolod
For more information about KISPinoy and updates on auditions, you may visit and follow their social media accounts below.
KISPinoy
www.kispinoy.com
facebook.com/kispinoy
Twitter: @kis_pinoy
Instagram: @kispinoy
Google+, Pinterest, YouTube: KISPinoy
