K-pop music shows are weekly live broadcast programs where idol groups perform their latest songs and compete for a win. Winning a music show is one of the most important milestones in a K-pop group's career. There are six major music shows currently airing in South Korea.
| Show | Network | Airs | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inkigayo (인기가요) | SBS | Sunday | 1991 |
| Music Bank (뮤직뱅크) | KBS | Friday | 1998 |
| M Countdown | Mnet | Thursday | 2004 |
| Show! Music Core (쇼! 음악중심) | MBC | Saturday | 2005 |
| Show Champion | MBC M | Wednesday | 2012 |
| The Show | SBS MTV | Tuesday | 2012 |
Each music show has its own scoring system, but they generally combine digital streaming numbers, physical album sales, online voting by fans, broadcast points, and live audience voting. The weight of each factor varies by show — for example, Music Bank weighs digital streaming more heavily, while M Countdown gives more weight to fan voting.
A music show win — commonly called a 'first win' — is considered a major achievement for K-pop groups, especially newer ones. Many groups famously cry on stage after their first win. Accumulating multiple wins demonstrates sustained popularity and chart performance. Some legendary songs have achieved 'Triple Crown' (3 wins on one show) or 'Grand Slam' (wins on all six shows).
The 'ending fairy' is a tradition where the camera zooms into one member's face at the end of a performance. These close-up shots often go viral and have become a beloved part of music show culture. Fans eagerly anticipate which member will be the ending fairy each week.
Most music shows are broadcast live on Korean television and can be watched internationally through services like Viki, KOCOWA, or the official YouTube channels of the respective networks. M Countdown streams live on Mnet's YouTube channel, while Inkigayo clips are regularly uploaded to SBS's channel.