Earlier this year, JTBC created a buzz with the announcement of its survival show “Girls On Fire.” The program promised to form a powerful girl group and featured famous figures such as comedian Jang Do Yeon as MC, along with judges such as Day6’s Young K and rapper Gaeko.
The stakes were high, with the winners promised 200 million KRW (about $138,000), an album release, a national concert tour and a global showcase. The show’s contestants, aged between 19 and 30, were chosen for their exceptional vocal talent.
However, after the show concluded, fans noticed 6 months of silence with no updates on the group’s debut. Concerns grew when Yang Irae, one of the winners, spoke about the lack of communication in a video circulated online, saying the members also had no news about their future plans.
On December 22, Yang Irae shared another update on TikTok, confirming fans’ worst fears: the group would not debut. He thanked supporters for their love and shared his plans to continue pursuing his musical dreams despite the setback.
Fans were heartbroken and expressed their frustration online. Comments ranged from sadness at the contestants’ wasted effort to anger at the company for leaving both members and fans in the dark. Some said, “It’s so sad… The whole group was a powerhouse,” while others vented, “Would the company keep us in the dark forever?”
For now, JTBC has not released an official statement on the situation, leaving fans wondering why the group’s debut was cancelled. Many continue to support the former contestants and hope they find success in other endeavors.
