‘Superstar K’ looks for U.S. talent

Mnet is once again calling on future K-pop stars in the U.S. to grab their mics, touch up their dance moves, and audition for “Superstar K.”

The popular Korean audition program will be holding auditions in Los Angeles on June 9, and New York on June 10.

Solo and group acts who pass the U.S. auditions will get to perform in Seoul during Mnet’s “Superweek” following the final round of the U.S. auditions.

“Superstar K” will air on Mnet in the U.S. for the first time so fans stateside will be able to show support for their favorite artists.

The audition show has been a huge hit, with more than 5.6 million people voting via text message for live shows last year, according to Mnet. Contestants went through a massive competition involving 2 million aspirants from all over the world.

Contestants will vie for 500 million won in prize money and a chance to perform live at the 2012 Mnet Asian Music Awards in Singapore.

Auditions will be held at the Hollywood Musicians Concert Hall in Los Angeles on June 9, and the Manhattan Best Buy Theater in New York on June 10. Mnet will accept applications online through the Superstar K site http://superstark.mnet.com.

By Robert Lee (robert@heraldcorp.com)