"K-Pop Star" Announces Changes, Replaces BoA with Yoo Hee Yeol as Judge

[Newsie]

On October 8, a press conference for "K-Pop Star Season 3" was held in Seoul. The show's producer, Park Sung Hun and veteran judges, Yang Hyun Suk (YG) and Park Jin Young (JYP), attended the event along with new judge, Yoo Hee Yeol.

It was announced Yoo Hee Yeol will replace BoA as the new judge for the show's third season, but this was merely a prelude to the changes to come.

Park Jin Young stated, "We are preparing for another transformation aside from a new judge. The plan is to have the winner of season 3 choose which label they want to sign under on the final live show once they are announced as the winner."

Producer Park Sung Hun added, "Having the winner choose which company they want to sign under will bring great change to the show. The judges will need to work out strategies which will add another fun element to the show."

He also added, “The issue of BoA not returning to the show surfaced since the end of season 2. She was in much deliberation. In our phone conversation, she told me she was content with the achievements she made as a judge but felt conflicted having to put aside her singing career.”

In regards to the show’s ties with SM, the producer commented, “We intend on creating content involving SM artists. We are in full cooperation with each other.”

Meanwhile, “K-Pop Star 3” began its preliminary stages in August with its first audition held in Busan continuing throughout Korea as well as L.A., Atlanta, Chicago, and other cities abroad. The audition is predicted to bring more excitement than the previous seasons due to more diversity in nationality, age, and individuality of the contestants. “K-Pop Star 3” is scheduled to air in November.

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