JTBC created an official page for Superband 2 and posted a notice for the audition on the 4th. Regarding the eligibility for applying, the production team specified, ŌĆ£Any talented musician in various fields such as applied music, K-Pop, classical music, Korean traditional music, rock, EDM, hip-hop, musical, Jazz, and world music can apply regardless of age, nationality, and academic background.ŌĆØ However, they emphasized the requirement to be a ŌĆ£male musician.ŌĆØ In response, many pointed out that such restriction is discriminatory towards female musicians, especially when band activities are not limited to male musicians. Although the show advocates an ŌĆ£open auditionŌĆØ that does not limit age, nationality, or academic background, it ironically prevents some applicants from getting an opportunity, with its biggest precondition against gender. The same controversy arose in Superband season 1, aired back in 2019. While being criticized for restricting female artists, the showŌĆÖs producer Kim Hyung Joon said, ŌĆ£The intention was to create a global pop band like Maroon 5. We focused on men to clarify the direction of the show.ŌĆØ This further drawn public outrage as it disclosed the production teamŌĆÖs sexist views which equated a specific gender to the global pop band. Now, the production team has completely ignored the controversy and imposed the same restriction in season 2. On the matter, the production team of Superband 2 told SpoTV News on the 5th that ŌĆ£Superband 2 was planned to be a program for boy bands.ŌĆØ With ŌĆ£Your colorful pleasureŌĆØ as its catchphrase, JTBC has limited the band artists to male-only; hence, it is noteworthy to see whether Superband 2 will be able to truly satisfy the ŌĆ£colorfulnessŌĆØ that the viewers deserve. ┬Ā Source (1)
