Article Summary:

• The BBC launches “Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience” this summer on BBC One and iPlayer.
• The series follows five UK boys undergoing the K-pop training process in Seoul.
• SM Entertainment and Moon&Back Media collaborate to produce the six-part series.
• The series offers an in-depth look at K-pop culture, training, and the creation of a new boy band.

The BBC is set to launch an unprecedented entertainment series, “Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience,” on BBC One and iPlayer this summer. This six-part series, produced in collaboration with K-pop giants SM Entertainment and Kakao Entertainment America, promises to take viewers on a captivating journey into the heart of the K-pop phenomenon.

“Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience” will follow five boys from the UK as they undergo the rigorous K-pop training process in Seoul, South Korea. Over the course of 100 days, these aspiring performers will immerse themselves in K-pop culture, honing their skills with some of the industry’s top choreographers, vocal coaches, and performance experts. This groundbreaking series offers an unprecedented look behind the scenes at SM Entertainment, revealing the intense preparation and dedication required to succeed in the world of K-pop.

The boys will face a demanding schedule of choreography, vocal lessons, life coaching, and cultural immersion, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Seoul’s iconic K-pop locations. Each week, their progress will be evaluated by Hee Jun Yoon, a renowned K-pop expert who has been instrumental in shaping some of the biggest K-pop bands over the past two decades. The series promises to showcase the ultimate boot camp experience, with success far from guaranteed.

SM Entertainment, credited with creating the K-pop genre, has launched over 100 groups and solo artists, including NCT, aespa, and RIIZE. Their innovative artist development system and global influence have made them a cornerstone of the K-pop industry. With this new series, SM Entertainment aims to bring their expertise to a global audience, highlighting the rigorous training and dedication behind their success.

The production team for “Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience” includes Moon&Back Media, known for developing and producing some of the world’s most successful entertainment formats, such as “Got Talent” and “The X Factor.” This collaboration between K-pop’s finest and global entertainment production specialists promises to deliver a unique and compelling television experience.

Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC, expressed excitement about the series, stating, “This unique acquisition will showcase exactly what it takes to make it in the world of K-pop. Witnessing the band come together and be put through their paces promises to be a very exciting prospect for audiences.”

Nigel Hall, Co-founder of Moon&Back Media, added, “Forming a British boy band and schooling them through the unrivalled rigours of the K-pop process is creating both a world first and unmissable television.”

Daniel Jang, CEO of SM Entertainment, emphasized the synergy between SM Entertainment’s K-pop production prowess and Moon&Back Media’s expertise in music-genre TV shows. He anticipates that this collaboration will captivate pop music fans worldwide.

Joseph Chang, Co-CEO of Kakao Entertainment Corp, highlighted the project’s significance in connecting with a global audience. He expressed confidence that the series will open a new chapter for K-pop, offering a unique entertainment experience to music enthusiasts.

“Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience” (6 x 45) is produced by Moon&Back Media and has been acquired by the BBC for BBC One and iPlayer. ITV Studios will handle international distribution for both the format and the finished program. Further details about the band and broadcast information will be announced in due course.

Source: BBC