Idols ≠ singers (all the time)

With the rise of (despite the controversy) of the variety show program "I am a Singer" and even with programs like "Superstar K" and "Birth of a Great Star" (whether you agree that they are "good singers or not"... Is the next expectation and movement towards singers who sing? I mentioned in a previous post that I did not associate the word idol and singer for a couple of reasons. I think it's the square and rectangle argument. An idol is always an idol but not always a singer. (sorry for the weird analogy) In any case, we mentioned in class how variety shows can instantly rise people to fame (see the Gwanghee article if you don't know what I am talking about). 

The program "I am a singer" takes 7 of the best most recognized singers in Korea (already establish singers, like other shows, they are already celebrities) and they compete against each other. The person who gets last place (7th place) is eliminated and a new singer comes in to take their place. There is a "challenge" every week, this past week singers sang one of the other 7 singers' hits and made it their own. 

Also, we talked about "Seh Si Bong" (세시봉) and the older generation of actual singers. Even YG entertainment CEO commented and said that he thinks the next movement will be focused on idols who can actually sing. Is it a movement towards better singers or just more diversity? I saw this article about a music program about indie bands in Hongdae on Mnet (Mnet, as you know, is a cable network that started "Superstar K"). Hongdae has a huge underground indie music scene which is really popular, but in no way mainstream. Because television companies play a pivotal role in exposure through music programs and variety shows, certain musical genres like indie rock (or even underground hip hop) do not get exposed to the public. 

The program is going to be giving exposure. I have no idea how popular the show will be, but it is interesting to see this development. 

Singers like Lee Sora (and even Yoon Do Hyun, who is a rocker & has mentioned on the show that "no one likes rock") are getting exposure through "I am a Singer". Indie rock bands are getting exposure through this new show. 

Also, with regards to the inde rock program, is it a good thing or bad thing it is potentially going mainstream. Do you think it will take away the unique color of the scene or it will be a way to finally get some exposure? And do you think that shows like "I am a singer" will actually raise the popularity of singing singers? Or is it idols all the way? If, especially, idols get money primarily from CFs, variety shows, events, ect. then is it impossible for singers to actually gain fame, recognition and wealth?