Made in Korea review: An ambitious experiment, but does it pay off?

Made in Korea review: An ambitious experiment, but does it pay off?
3.0 out of 5 star rating

5 lads aiming to transform into a complete band within 100 days. Sounds straightforward, doesn’t it? That was precisely the challenge Moon&Back Media, SM Entertainment, and SM & Kakao Entertainment America took on – and they discovered these 5 young talents to form Dear Alice.

A Fresh Musical Venture Unique in its Kind: “Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience” – Follows the journey of five lads hailing from diverse origins who unite to create a band, undergo rigorous K-pop training in Seoul with dreams of debuting their act in the UK.

Introducing Blaise, Dexter, James, Olly, and Reese – these lads made a brief appearance in the initial episode. They embarked on an extensive nationwide hunt for Britain’s next sensational boyband, and before long, they found themselves bidding farewell to their loved ones and flying off to South Korea.

Right off the bat, both the boys and the audience are plunged straight into the thick of things, picking up a fresh tune and dance routine to impress the uncontested K-pop master, Hee Jun Yoon.

As a devoted fan, one tune that lingers long after an episode and even beyond the season is “Can You Feel the Vibe?”. We, the boys, dedicate ourselves to mastering the perfect pitch and choreography to win over Hee Jun – but be warned, she remains untouched by our efforts.

Made in Korea review: An ambitious experiment, but does it pay off?

It’s clear Hee Jun means business and, as described in the series, she is the best of the best and will ensure the boys reach their potential, even if it means giving them some harsh home truths.

Although Hee Jun is frequently spoken of with great admiration, striking terror into the hearts of the boys before they’ve ever encountered her, it isn’t until the closing moments of the episode that we are finally introduced to her.

In a recent interview, Hee Jun acknowledged that his demeanor on the program may seem too firm and critical.

Yet, it’s less about how I’m viewed and more about the essence of what I do. Frequently, our artists express that appearing before me can be as nerve-racking as a significant performance. My purpose is to assist them in readying themselves for the upcoming events ahead.

“Stepping outside into the actual world may bring tougher and more challenging circumstances. In this light, consider my method as a means to help them develop their ability to cope and bounce back.”

As a die-hard movie buff put it, it’s evident that Hee Jun is just what these fellows are missing. You see, each member, with their impressive resumes in musical theater, dance, and live performance, have never ventured into the world of banding – not one even close to this magnitude.

Viewers see the boys pouring their best into the performances, yet some find learning the choreography challenging, while others grapple with hitting the right pitch for the song. However, it’s evident that each one possesses the dedication and ability to make the performance successful.

Made in Korea review: An ambitious experiment, but does it pay off?

As a movie enthusiast immersed in all things K-pop, Made in Korea doesn’t just entertain by showcasing the boys’ training and performances; it also sheds light on the intriguing history of this global phenomenon, giving us insights into the idols who capture the hearts of fans across the globe.

It is no secret how much of an influence is K-pop has been on popular culture, and within the music industry, over the years, and the series offers an insight into the industry’s rise to the top and the training the idols must go through, which makes what the boys are going through seem like a walk in the park.

In a unique and groundbreaking fashion, I’ve found myself captivated by “Made in Korea,” a series that brilliantly portrays the transformative journeys of these talented young men as they navigate through their rigorous training regimens. It masterfully demonstrates their versatility in adapting to various music and dance styles. However, one area where it could improve is by delving deeper into the backstories of how these boys came to be in this extraordinary position.

The video showcases testimonials from the boys, providing glimpses into their pasts and their aspirations to be performers. However, it doesn’t reveal the process or criteria used for selecting each boy to join the group.

Made in Korea review: An ambitious experiment, but does it pay off?

Viewers only catch glimpses of the audition process, missing out on witnessing how they undoubtedly impressed the judges, providing additional understanding of their talents. Nevertheless, it’s not necessary to be discouraged, as their exceptional musical and dance abilities are prominently showcased during training days.

Spectators should keep watching to find out if the boys can reach the global stage, and it’s important to acknowledge their courage as they dive fearlessly into an entirely unfamiliar realm that was previously unknown to them.

Regardless if you’re a dedicated K-pop fan or someone just seeking fresh entertainment, the show “Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience” promises to leave an impact on everyone who watches it.

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

Read More

2024-08-17 20:34