EBS Hello Rookie Contest

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]

Since 2008, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Korea Creative Content Agency, and Naver have co-hosted the competition with The EBS space, and with the final stage and award newly held.[10] The competition have been divided into the first place "the Grand Prize", and the second plcae "the Special award for judges" and the "Popularity Award". Cha Seung-woo and Jang Yoon-ju hosted the final stage, and Kim Chang-wan Band and Onnine Ibalgwan performed special performances.[11][12]

In 2009, 22 new musicians and bands were named Hello Rookie, and 7 of whom made it to the final stage.[13] There were special performances by Guckkasten, Kiha & The Faces, Kim Soo-chul and Lee Seung-hwan.[14] Kim C and Jang Yoon-ju hosted the final stage.[15]

In 2010, Jang Ki-ha and Jang Yoon-ju hosted the final stage, coinciding with the sixth anniversary of EBS Space Hall.[15] There were special performances by Bom Yeoreum Gaeul Kyeoul, Crying Nut, Clazziquai Project, Sweet Sorrow, Guckkasten, Apollo 18 and Supreme Team.[16]

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]

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.

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]

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]

In 2015, Lee Seung-hwan and Choi Hee hosted the final stage, and there were special performances by Ham Chun-ho & Jang Pil-soon, Guckkasten, The Solutions X The Koxx, and Cranfield.[24]

In 2016, Lee Wonseok of Daybreak and Joo Woo-jae hosted the final stage. There were special performances by Song Chang-sik, Lee Seung-yeol x The Monotones, Sultan of the Disco, and A-Fuzz.[25]

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]