The new docuseries K-Pop Idols recently made its debut on Apple TV+, offering viewers a rare glimpse into the rigorous world of K-pop. With six episodes running at 40 minutes each, the series delves into the demanding life of K-pop stars, from the glamour on stage to the intense pressure behind the scenes. Executive producers Todd Lubin, known for his Emmy-winning work on Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry, along with Jack Turner, Elise Chung, Bradley Cramp, and others, have collaborated to bring a raw, authentic portrayal of the K-pop industry. The show highlights the experiences of solo artist Jessi, boy group CRAVITY, and girl group BLACKSWAN.
Jessi, also known as Jessica Ho, is a Korean-American solo artist who has made waves in the K-pop scene with her powerful vocals and bold rap style. Known for challenging conventional beauty standards and promoting body positivity, Jessi’s unapologetic personality and blend of hip-hop, R&B, and pop give her a distinct voice in the industry. She’s widely recognized for shaking up the status quo, and K-Pop Idols provides viewers with an unfiltered look into her world.
Jessi in K-Pop Idols, now streaming (Apple TV+)
CRAVITY, an all-male K-pop group that debuted in 2020, consists of nine members: Serim, Allen, Jungmo, Woobin, Wonjin, Minhee, Hyeongjun, Taeyoung, and Seongmin. Their unique blend of pop, hip-hop, and electronic music, combined with dynamic choreography, has cemented their place in the K-pop world. The series captures the group’s relentless dedication to their craft and the personal sacrifices they make to pursue their dreams.
CRAVITY in K-Pop Idols, now streaming (Apple TV+)
BLACKSWAN, formerly known as RANIA, stands out not only for their talent but also for their diversity. The group includes Gabriela “Gabi” Strassburger Dalcin from Brazil, Larissa “Leia” Ayumi Cartes Sakata, who is Brazilian-Japanese, Fatou Samba who is Senegalese-Belgian, and Sriya Lenka from India. Each member’s unique cultural background influences their sound. K-Pop Idols captures their journey as they navigate the pressures of the music industry, while staying true to their roots.
BLACKSWAN in K-Pop Idols, now streaming (Apple TV+)
In an exclusive interview, the executive producers discussed the creation of K-Pop Idols and their hopes for the show’s impact. Bradley Cramp explained “The impetus for this series really began with me coming four years ago to Korea to make a movie that got delayed because of COVID and because of some personal relationships that I had in the K-pop music industry that evolved. It really was just pure human relationships that really kind of started this project.” He emphasized that the project, which spanned several years, was built on trust and respect with the artists and their agencies. This trust granted the production team unprecedented access to behind-the-scenes moments that go beyond the polished stage performances.
When asked about the day-to-day production, Cramp and Turner highlighted the unique challenges of filming across Korea and the U.S. Turner states, “We did have a Korean crew that was local that was working with us and we did have label PR teams with us on set. I think the best way to describe that relationship was that we were communicating with them as to what we were going to be shooting and then they were there with us at certain shoots.” Turner also stressed the importance of handling the more vulnerable moments of the artists’ lives with care and respect.
According to Cramp, the target audience for the series isn’t just K-pop fans. “At the end of the day, these are just great human stories about people following their dreams and what they’re willing to sacrifice in order to achieve them,” he said. The hope is that the show resonates with a global audience, regardless of their familiarity with K-pop.
For Elise Chung, one of the most touching moments during production was witnessing the idols reuniting with their families stating “That always struck a chord with me emotionally, made my heart feel things, and I think it really puts into perspective the sacrifices that these idols make being apart from their families and also makes their motivation so much more rounded.” She believes these scenes provide a deeper understanding these artists make in such a demanding industry.
In an interview with BLACKSWAN, the group members shared their experiences of life outside of music. For them, downtime often involves rest, a much-needed break from their rigorous work schedules. Fatou and Leia both mentioned their love for anime, while Gabi expressed her passion for drawing. Despite their busy lives, the members cherish the simple joys of hanging out together when they have the energy.
When asked about what sets their music apart from other K-pop idols, Fatou pointed out,oh “We tend to add each of the member’s culture, their country sounds into our songs. So I feel like that is the difference.” By mixing elements from their respective countries into their songs, BLACKSWAN has carved out a unique space in the K-pop industry.
Their fan interactions have also left a lasting impact on the group. Fatou recalled a heartfelt letter from a 12-year-old fan in South Africa, expressing her dream of one day sharing the stage with her idol. For Sriya, meeting their fans in person brings an overwhelming sense of gratitude, often moving her to tears.
Looking ahead, BLACKSWAN is eager to expand their reach, including plans to tour in the U.S. Gabriela shared her excitement about the possibility of visiting America again and connecting with their global fan base.
BLACKSWAN in K-Pop Idols, now streaming (Apple TV+)
K-Pop Idols showcases not only the glitz and glamour of the industry but also the emotional and physical toll it takes on the artists. As Jessi, CRAVITY, and BLACKSWAN share their personal stories, viewers gain a new appreciation for the resilience and determination required to succeed in the world of K-pop. From grueling training schedules to the sacrifices made in pursuit of stardom, the docuseries paints a comprehensive picture of the highs and lows that come with being a K-pop idol.
Whether you’re a die-hard K-pop fan or completely new to the genre, K-Pop Idols offers a captivating look into the world of these global stars, reminding us all of the universal pursuit of dreams.