Korean entertainment fans received surprising news as reports surfaced that “The Show,” the popular weekly music program, may conclude in November 2025. SBS FunE has issued clarifications regarding the show’s future, leaving viewers uncertain about what lies ahead for one of K-pop’s significant music showcase platforms.
“The Show” Program Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Program Name | The Show |
| Network | SBS FunE (formerly SBS MTV) |
| Launch Year | 2013 |
| Format | Weekly music showcase |
| Broadcast Day | Tuesday |
| Duration | 12+ years |
| Significance | Rookie artist platform |
| Status | Possible conclusion November 2025 |
What Is “The Show”?
“The Show” has served as a crucial platform for K-pop artists since 2013, particularly benefiting rookie groups and soloists seeking exposure. Unlike larger music shows on major networks, “The Show” provides emerging artists opportunities to perform and compete for weekly wins that boost their careers significantly.
The program’s importance extends beyond simple performances—winning on “The Show” often represents an artist’s first music show trophy, creating memorable career milestones that fans and artists celebrate enthusiastically.
The show’s format includes live performances, artist interviews, and weekly rankings based on digital sales, physical album sales, broadcast points, and viewer voting—a comprehensive system reflecting multiple metrics of artist popularity.
SBS FunE’s Official Clarification
Following initial reports about the November conclusion, SBS FunE (the rebranded SBS MTV) issued statements addressing the speculation. While not completely denying potential changes, the network’s clarification left room for interpretation regarding the show’s exact future.
Network Statement Ambiguity – The clarification acknowledged discussions about programming changes without explicitly confirming or denying “The Show’s” continuation beyond November, creating uncertainty within the K-pop community.
Industry Context – Korean broadcasting networks regularly evaluate programming performance, with decisions influenced by viewership ratings, advertising revenue, and strategic direction changes. According to Variety, entertainment programming faces constant evolution as networks adapt to changing consumption patterns.
Why “The Show” Matters to K-Pop
Rookie Artist Platform – New groups often secure their first music show wins on “The Show,” providing crucial momentum for careers. These victories generate media coverage, increase fanbase enthusiasm, and validate artist efforts during competitive debut periods.
Fan Engagement – The voting system allows international fans to support favorite artists directly, creating participatory experiences that strengthen fan-artist connections across geographical boundaries.
Performance Opportunities – With major music shows having strict appearance criteria, “The Show” offers more accessible performance slots for artists from smaller agencies who might struggle securing spots on higher-profile programs.
Career Milestones – First wins on “The Show” become treasured memories, with artists often crying during trophy acceptance speeches—genuine emotional moments that resonate deeply with audiences.
Fan Community Reactions
News of potential conclusion sparked immediate reactions across social media platforms:
Twitter Trends – Hashtags expressing concern about “The Show’s” future trended as fans shared favorite memories, first-win clips, and expressed gratitude for the platform’s role in supporting beloved artists.
Petition Campaigns – International fan communities organized petition efforts urging SBS FunE to continue the program, demonstrating the passionate investment viewers have in preserving this platform.
Nostalgia Sharing – Fans posted compilation videos of memorable moments, highlighting how “The Show” documented K-pop’s evolution over twelve years through countless performances and artist interactions.
The Changing K-Pop Landscape
Music shows face evolving challenges as content consumption shifts toward digital platforms. YouTube, TikTok, and streaming services provide alternative artist exposure methods that traditional television broadcasts historically monopolized.
Digital Competition – Artists now reach global audiences through online content without depending solely on television appearances, potentially reducing traditional music show importance for established acts.
Cost Considerations – Producing weekly music shows requires significant resources including studio space, production crews, and artist coordination—expenses that networks continually evaluate against viewership returns and advertising revenue.
What Happens If “The Show” Ends?
Should the program conclude, the K-pop ecosystem would lose an important entry point for emerging artists. While larger shows like “Music Bank,” “Inkigayo,” and “Music Core” continue, “The Show’s” accessibility made it uniquely valuable for rookies building careers.
Alternative Platforms – Artists would need to rely more heavily on digital content, fan communities, and remaining music shows, potentially making debut periods more challenging for groups from smaller agencies.
Historical Legacy – Regardless of conclusion, “The Show’s” twelve-year run documented significant K-pop history, with archived performances serving as time capsules capturing industry evolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When exactly will “The Show” end if the reports are accurate?
A: While reports suggest a November 2025 conclusion, SBS FunE has not confirmed an exact final broadcast date. The network’s clarification acknowledged potential changes without providing specific timelines, leaving the situation uncertain. Fans should monitor official SBS FunE announcements through Soompi and the network’s official channels for confirmed information about the program’s future.
Q: Will there be a replacement music show if “The Show” concludes?
A: SBS FunE has not announced plans for a replacement program. When networks discontinue shows, replacement decisions depend on various factors including budget, strategic direction, and market research. The network may introduce alternative K-pop content, continue with different programming genres, or adjust their broadcast schedule without a direct “The Show” successor. Official announcements would clarify any new programming plans.
