Who is Hee Jun Yoon? Meet the undisputed K-pop expert in Made in Korea

Who is Hee Jun Yoon? Meet the undisputed K-pop expert in Made in Korea

As a seasoned movie critic with a penchant for global cinema and a soft spot for reality shows, I must say that the upcoming series, Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience, has piqued my interest significantly. Having followed the evolution of K-pop from its humble beginnings to the global phenomenon it is today, I am eager to see how a group of British boys navigate the intense training regimen that has made Korean idols household names.


In the latest series titled “Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience,” as five lads from Britain embark on rigorous K-pop training, there’s a key figure responsible for helping them excel in their performances.

The unprecedented six-part series introduces a unique musical endeavor, where a newly-formed boy band embarks on a journey to Seoul for training under renowned choreographers, learning songs composed by top songwriters, and receiving guidance from esteemed professionals in the K-pop industry.

However, unlike many K-pop idols who spend years honing their skills, the members of Dear Alice manage to do so within just 100 days.

During this fresh training phase, they aim to make an impact on Hee Jun Yoon, whose disapproval might leave certain spectators yearning they hadn’t crossed paths with it.

But who is Hee Jun Yoon and what is her role within Made in Korea? Read on to find out more.

Who is Hee Jun Yoon?

Who is Hee Jun Yoon? Meet the undisputed K-pop expert in Made in Korea

Hee Jun Yoon serves as the director for the Artist Development Center within SM Entertainment, a role she’s held since 2005.

In her position as a talent manager (SM), she is responsible for selecting performers, nurturing their artistic abilities, and helping them achieve their maximum potential. Hee Jun has played a crucial part in launching and sustaining several successful K-pop groups, such as Red Velvet, RIIZE, Girls’ Generation, and SHINee.

During the program, Hee Jun will offer constructive feedback about the band’s advancement, making sure they perform optimally following a rigorous week of rehearsals, where they learn fresh tunes and choreographies.

According to Hee Jun, he agreed to collaborate with a British band because SME proposed a fresh opportunity focused on expanding into the European market.

In my younger years, I was deeply into Duran Duran. It’s quite significant for me, having been a young admirer of British boy bands, to eventually work in the K-pop scene. Now, being given the chance to contribute to a British team within a project, fills me with excitement. So, I am delighted to be involved in this endeavor.

In the show, viewers might perceive Hee Jun as having high demands and being somewhat stern towards the boys, but to her, these aspects aren’t the key focus.

I understand that I might come across as overly strict and harsh on the show,” she said.

Yet, the way people see me isn’t what holds significance. Frequently, our artists express that performing in my presence is more challenging than any significant stage. My purpose lies in aiding them as they ready themselves for the upcoming events.

As a passionate cinephile, I’d say, “Stepping out from the safety of the movie theater and into the real world brings tougher challenges. My method, in essence, is designed to help them forge their resilience, equipping them to handle life’s demanding scenes with grace and fortitude.”

Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience airs on BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday 17th August at 5:15pm.

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2024-08-16 12:35