(Mnet)

Following an eight-year run, “Superstar K” will be taking a break for now, the company said Tuesday.

It is an iconic singing audition program on cable music channel Mnet.

“There is no ‘Superstar K’ in this year’s program lineup,” Mnet said.

However the company denied the rumor that it will not be continuing with the show anymore. It is in the process of re-examining the show, leaving the door open for possibilities including a change of its title and format.

Started in 2009, the show achieved record-breaking success for a cable program, drawing a viewership rating of 18.1 percent at its peak.

Its success led to a boom in audition programs among Korean broadcasters, including MBC’s “Star Audition: The Great Birth,” SBS’ “K-pop Star” and KBS’ “TOP Band.”

“Superstar K” has produced many Hallyu stars, such as Seo In-guk, Huh Gak, Busker Busker and Roy Kim. The rumor that the show might be cancelled came about as its viewership rating has been declining, falling below 2 percent for its latest season in 2016.

(Mnet)

By Kim So-yeon (syk19372@heraldcorp.com)