‘Simply K-Pop’ to Air Its Final Episode After 13 Years
After over a decade of giving K-pop fans an inside look at up-and-coming idols, Simply K-Pop has announced it will air its final episode. The beloved music show first launched on Arirang TV back in 2012, carving out a special space for rookie groups and artists from smaller agencies who often struggle to get screen time on major broadcasts. Known for its solid live stages and high-quality fancams, the program has been a crucial platform for lesser-known talents to connect with fans worldwide.
News that Simply K-Pop was ending came out on July 16 and quickly spread through fan communities. Alongside the final broadcast announcement came word that MC Lee Dae Hwi of AB6IX, who had been hosting since March 2022, would wrap up his run with the show. Lee Dae Hwi wasn’t new to hosting music programs — his previous stint on M Countdown from 2019 to 2021 made him one of the longest-serving idol MCs in recent years. Fans and viewers applauded his steady and professional presence throughout his time on Simply K-Pop.
The decision to end the show left many Korean fans feeling genuinely sad, especially because Simply K-Pop was one of the few programs where rookies and mid-tier idols could regularly perform. It stood out as an important stage for artists who might otherwise struggle to find visibility. Online, netizens expressed mixed feelings — disappointment mixed with understanding that declining viewership probably led to this tough call.
Comments from fans on popular Korean community sites captured the mood:
"Whoa, I thought only Dae Hwi was leaving, but the whole program is ending… Dae Hwi, you worked hard."
"Dae Hwi, thank you for your hard work. I’m so sad… One precious music show is gone."
"It was such a valuable stage for rookies and idols from small companies. This is really disappointing."
"Whoa nooo… This was one of the few shows I could keep up with. This is such a loss."
"My idol actually got popular thanks to their ‘Simply K-Pop’ fancam… I’m so sad…"
"I attended a live recording of ‘Simply K-Pop’ once… This is disappointing."
"Now it’ll be even harder to see smaller agency idols on music shows."
"Whoa… First, Arirang ended ‘After School Club,’ and now they’re ending ‘Simply K-Pop’ too."
"It was the best among public live recordings."
"Whoa, Simply K-Pop had such great live recordings. This is such a loss."
"It was the only place even really small company idols could go…"
"It’s a shame… My idol doesn’t appear anymore because they’ve been around for too long, but still…"
"Dae Hwi, you did great for 4 years!"
"Honestly, a show needs enough demand to keep going, but not enough people were watching. It was bound to get canceled…"
"Whoa, it’s really disappearing…"
"I used to watch it a lot when I was into small-agency idols. This was one of the rare places where small-agency idols could perform… This sucks."
"Whoa ‘Simply K-Pop’??? That’s insane… It was one of the few shows that small agency idols could actually appear on."
For many fans, Simply K-Pop wasn’t just another music program; it was a rare, open stage that welcomed smaller agencies and newcomers. With its end, the K-pop community feels a noticeable gap in places for these artists to shine. The show not only helped idols gain exposure but also brought a special kind of energy to fans who wanted to support rising stars beyond the mainstream spotlight.
Lee Dae Hwi’s four-year run as the final MC wraps up another chapter in the show’s history, closing an important door for many performers and viewers alike. While the reasons for cancellation seem tied to shrinking audience numbers, Simply K-Pop’s influence and the goodwill it created will be remembered for years to come. Fans and idols will surely miss this supportive and unique platform that truly put the spotlight on those still climbing the K-pop ladder.