While fans of K-pop have known how global the medium is, K-Pop Demon Hunters has shed a whole new light on interest in the Korean industry for those unfamiliar with it. With the success of groups like Katseye, who began on a Netflix series, Apple TV+ is embracing the music with a new reality series called KPOPPED, led by two of music’s most prominent personalities.
This isn’t the first time that Apple TV+ has launched a K-Pop focused project. Last year’s K-Pop Idols was a six-episode docuseries that offered a behind-the-scenes look at the K-pop industry, focusing on the challenges and triumphs of both established and up-and-coming artists. The series features Jessi, Cravity, and Blackswan, showcasing their journeys as they navigate the demanding world of K-pop.
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What is KPOPPED?
A competition series, KPOPPED, is executive-produced by Lionel Richie and Miky Lee. The show brings together some of the biggest names in American, Latin, and British music (both active and from the past) and top K-pop idols for unexpected, high-energy reinterpretations of iconic hits. The amount of inspiration from American and other global artists is hard to deny in the genre.
Hosted by actor/comedian Soojeong Son, each episode finds American, Latin, and British chart-toppers teaming up with celebrated K-pop groups to reimagine one of their biggest songs, culminating in bold, collaborative stage performances.
With just a short window to rehearse, these genre-bending partners deliver electrifying renditions for a live audience in Seoul, who vote for the standout K-Popped performance of the night. After the song battle winner is determined, the K-pop Idols close out the episode with an exciting performance.
Who are the KPOPPED Judges?
This highly anticipated eight-part song battle series will star Park Jae-sang, who goes by the stage name PSY, the international chart-topper who helped bring K-pop to the world with his global sensation “Gangnam Style,” and who continues to sell out stadiums across Korea and abroad. The owner of a record label that continues to push the envelope with artists like Mamamoo’s Hwsa, it’s safe to say he understands collaboration.
But he won’t be alone; KPOPPED will also feature a three-time Grammy Award-winning superstar and executive producer, Megan Thee Stallion, is also starring in the series. Megan Thee Stallion’s consistent collaboration with BTS, and individual group member like Kim Namjoon (stage name: RM) has also helped K-pop reach wider audiences.
What artists are participating in the Apple TV+ series?
The talent that Apple TV+ has pulled together is no joke. With ATEEZ fresh off their latest comeback (“In Your Fantasy” was a cultural reset) and airing during their world tour, it’s a must-watch. But it’s not just a hit boy group leading the pack, ITZY is also here, with one of the strongest rap lines of K-pop girl groups.
It’s going ot be interesting to see how both well-established groups fare in the wider competition. Still, that’s not to count out newer groups like Billlie, STAY C, and Jo1, while BLACKSWAN’s international idols are sure to thrill on stage.
- K-pop acts: Billlie, ITZY, Kep1er, JO1, ATEEZ, STAYC, Kiss of Life, and BLACKSWAN
- Western artists: Megan Thee Stallion, Patti LaBelle, Spice Girls’ Mel B and Emma Bunton, Vanilla Ice, Taylor Dayne, Kesha, Eve, J Balvin, Kylie Minogue, TLC, Boy George, Jess Glynne, Ava Max, and Boyz II Men
For a full episode list, see below:
Episode 1 – Billlie
- K-Pop Performance: “Flipping a Coin”
- Western Artists: Megan Thee Stallion, Patti LaBelle
- Songs: “Savage,” “Lady Marmalade”
Episode 2 – ITZY
- K-Pop Performance: “Gold”
- Western Artists: Mel B, Emma Bunton (Spice Girls)
- Songs: “Wannabe,” “Say You’ll be There”
Episode 3 – Kep1er
- K-Pop Performance: “Wa Da Da”
- Western Artists: Vanilla Ice, Taylor Dayne
- Songs: “Ice Ice Baby,” “Tell It To My Heart”
Episode 4 – JO1
- K-Pop Performance: “Love Seeker”
- Western Artists: Kesha, Eve
- Songs: “Joyride,” “Let Me Blow Ya Mind”
Episofe 5 – ATEEZ
- K-Pop Performance: “Bouncy (K-Hot Chili Peppers)”
- Western Artists: J Balvin, Kylie Minogue
- Songs: “Mi Gente,” “Can’t Get You Out of My Head”
Episode 6 – STAYC
- K-Pop Performance: “RUN2U”
- Western Artists: TLC, Boy George
- Songs: “Waterfalls,” “Karma Chameleon”
Episode 7 – Kiss of Life
- K-Pop Performance: “Get Loud”
- Western Artists: Jess Glynne, Ava Max
- Songs: “Hold My Hand,” “Kings & Queens”
Episode 8 – BLACKSWAN
- K-Pop Performance: “Roll Up”
- Boyz II Men
- Songs: “Motownphilly,” “End of the Road”
Production Details
The series is executive produced by Moira Ross, Lionel Richie, Miky Lee, Megan Thee Stallion and Greg Foster, alongside Harry H.K. Shin and Jake Hong, with producer Ki-woong Kim for CJ ENM Co., Ltd., with its unparalleled expertise in music variety shows and content production. Chris Culvenor, Paul Franklin, Wes Dening, and David Tibballs executive produce for Eureka Productions (a Fremantle company), alongside Bruce Eskowitz.
Watch the Trailer
KPOPPED will release all eight episodes globally on Friday, August 29, on Apple TV+.
