Go behind the scenes of the burgeoning Korean pop music industry with this in-depth look at what it takes to make it in the hyper-competitive, gruelling, and frequently cruel business.
How to watch K-pop Idols season 1 in the UK
K-pop Idols season one is now streaming in New Zealand exclusively on Apple TV+.
K-pop Idols: Season 1
What is K-pop Idols season 1 about?
Over the course of six episodes, we follow three stories: Korean-American rapper Jessi, nine-man boy band Cravity and international girl group Blackswan. While free agent Jessi battles to carve out her own niche without kowtowing to the powerful managers and business interests who operate the K-pop machine, Cravity contend with relaunching their collective career after the onset of the Covid pandemic have them stumbling out of the gate. And Blackswan, the brainchild of Yoon Deung-ryong, the CEO and founder of DR Music, recruit a new member, who will be Brazilian Gabi or Indian Sriya—but not both, the two friends and roommates being forced to compete directly against each other for a coveted place in the combo.
Expect bitter infighting, rigid diet and exercise regimes plus tears, breakdowns, and the complete shattering of any dreams of stardom you may harbour.
The cast of K-pop Idols season 1
Blackswan, Cravity, and Jessi – and if you think we’re being lazy, the bands are only credited collectively. The individuals are, from the point of view of the industry, entirely interchangeable.
K-pop Idols season 1 trailer
Why we’re excited about K-pop Idols season 1
Well, look, our personal music tastes are built around the key question “how much does it sound like The Ramones?” but this look at the K-Pop industry and the culture that surrounds it sounds fascinating. It’s always interesting to see how the sausage is made, especially in a culture where image is everything – the contrast between the polished performances and the cut-throat backstage shenanigans lends the whole enterprise a piquant, if potentially bitter, flavour.
