EBS Hello Rookie Contest (Korean: EBS 헬로 루키 콘테스트) is a South Korean music competition aimed at discovering rookies, which began in 2007. The competition began as a project for rookies at The EBS space in 2007, and has been hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and co-hosted by the Korea Creative Content Agency and The EBS space since 2008.[1][2] The two teams selected through video screening and public auditions every month have been introduced as "Hello Rookie of the Month (이 달의 헬로 루키)" on the stage of The EBS space, and application qualifications will be given to rookie musicians whose first album has been released for less than 2 years, or who have never released an album.[3][4] EBS Hello Rookie Contest is considered an influential competition in the Korean independent music industry, the competition that sets the stage for rookie musicians to become famous.[5][6][7]
History
2007
Hello Rookie began in 2007, and the first year was a side program of The EBS space, where EBS's solo competition was held.[8][9]
Zoo, Areumdaoon, Nabi, Vidulgi OoyoO, The Filmstar, Demian the Band, Lune, Kim Cheol-yeon, Lunatic, Ironic HUE, Polaroid, Mary Jane, Lee Young-hoon, Cheezestereo, Sweet Guerillaz, Dusty Blue
Poe, Windycat, Telefly, Noeazy, Achime, Kimjandi band
2011
In 2011, Lee Seung-hwan was both the special stage and the host without a separate guarantee.[17]Horan co-hosted the final stage, and there were special performances by Garion, Galaxy Express and Yaya.[18]
Boni, Cho Gilsang, Ishtar, No Respect for Beauty, Gwamaegi, Should have brought a camera to dream, Nickea
2012
In 2012, Lee Seung-hwan and Younha hosted the final stage, and there were special performances by Bye Bye Badman, Daybreak and Crying Nut.[19] From the year, the Popularity Award disappeared, and it was divided into the second-place qualifying Excellence Award and the third-place qualifying Special award for judges.
Grand Prize (1st)
Excellence Award (2nd)
Special award for judges (3rd)
Finalist
Core Magazine
Because I'm lonely
Miles Away
The Electriceels Vains Guten Birds Park Soyoo
Qualification
Nuki, For the Secret, The Ninth, Fromm, Blocks
2013
Since 2013, the number of musicians who can perform in the final stage has decreased to six.[20]Lee Seung-hwan and Rooftop Moonlight hosted the final stage. Core Magazine, Hello Rookie OB Special (Gate Flowers, Lee Jeonghoon, Baek Joonmyeong) and Delispice performed a special stage.[21]
Grand Prize (1st)
Excellence Award (2nd)
Special award for judges (3rd)
Finalist
Rock N Roll Radio
Asian Chairshot
ECE
Squash Vines Young Guys Roundheads
Qualification
South Carnival, 24Hours, Square the Circle, April 2
2014
One of the final-stage bands, We hate JH failed to qualify earlier, but was selected as a wildcard.[22]Lee Seung-hwan and Lady Jane hosted the final stage and there were special performances by Rock N Roll Radio, Idiotape, Hello Rookie OB Special (Daybreak X Romantic Punch), and Jeon In-kwon Band.[23]
The Hans, Hoa, Blue turtle Land, Crocodiles, Lee Seol-a
2018
2017 was the year EBS moved to Ilsandong-gu,[26] and the competition was not held because it was difficult to proceed with the competition during this process. In 2018, a competition was held with six judges, including musicians, music critics, and performance producer. There were special performances of Moon Dancers, Romantic Punch, Kirara, Life and Time, and Daybreak.[27]
In 2019, Daybreak's Lee Wonseok and Soran's Ko Youngbae hosted the final stage. There were special performances by Peppertones, Se So Neon, Wussami and Surl.[28]
2020 and 2021 were not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[29] From July 2022, 6 musicians were selected for the final stage through two music screenings, live screenings, and the third round. There were special performances by Soran, Nucksal X Cadejo and Silica Gel.[30]