K-Pop Idols

As I delve deeper into the lives of these aspiring K-pop artists, I find myself awestruck by their resilience and determination. These young men hail from diverse backgrounds, each with unique stories that led them to pursue their dreams.

Add Made in Korea: the K-Pop Experience to your watchlist

A quintet of spirited youths stand as potential sensations in the burgeoning K-pop scene, as they’re being groomed for Britain’s next boy band sensation. They excel in dancing, singing, striking poses, and pouting with panache, and they hold their mothers dear. Reminiscent of Simon Cowell’s endeavors, this talent show presents an unexpected twist: BBC1’s Made in Korea: the K-Pop Experience. Although it shares creative roots with Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor, the five trainees – Blaise, Dexter, James, Olly, and Reese – are embarking on an exciting journey to master the intricate art of K-pop in Seoul, South Korea. K-pop, known for its effervescent, infectious melodies, elaborate choreography, distinctive style, and rigid discipline, has swept across the globe over the past decade.

In the past year, six out of the top 20 international best-selling artists and groups were from the K-pop scene, collectively streamed approximately 90 billion times. Notably, Coldplay, who headlined Glastonbury in June, showcased BTS, the massive boy band they collaborated with on the hit song “My Universe” from 2021. Recently, Stray Kids took over Hyde Park’s stage to a crowd of 65,000 fans. Interestingly, Blackpink had headlined the same venue the previous year, making them the first K-pop group to top-bill a UK festival.

Achieving such widespread popularity in K-pop is primarily due to natural talent combined with intense effort. Young hopefuls, often between their early and mid-teens, are usually selected from extensive auditions because it’s simpler to shape younger individuals into proficient dancers and vocalists, as explained by culture writer Lucy Ford who specializes in K-pop. However, passing the demanding audition round is just the beginning. Aspiring stars then endure rigorous training at academies for up to six years before they become part of the devoted K-pop fanbase – yet many don’t make the cut and are let go along the way.

K-Pop Idols

“Nigel Hall, a longtime judge on Britain’s Got Talent and part of the team responsible for Made in Korea, shares concerns about K-pop that are often exaggerated: ‘You might find yourself needing surgery on your ears or nose.’ However, he clarifies that these rumors are baseless. He stresses that there is indeed a strong drive for perfection within the industry.”

The relentless pursuit for beauty undeniably results in heartbreaking outcomes, including instances of suicide among young celebrities. As Olive Pometsey, deputy editor of culture magazine The Face, puts it, “The drive to be attractive is indeed alarming, more so for women.” She goes on to express concern about videos showing some collapsing onstage due to extreme weight loss. It’s hard not to ponder over the immense pressure these often very young individuals face.

At the outset of the first episode of Made in Korea, our UK newcomers find themselves immersed in Seoul’s K-pop factory for an intense, 100-day training regimen, forming the band Dear Alice. They encounter the demanding nature of this industry during their initial evaluations, where they must impress Hee Jun Yoon, a figure known for her significant influence on popular K-pop bands over the past two decades. As stated by BBC’s unscripted entertainment director Kate Phillips, she can be intimidating, with some even comparing her to Simon Cowell’s calmness, while another describes her as a “Bond villainess.”

Yoon questions the group through a translator, “Given your performance, do you believe you excelled?” She expresses her concerns, stating their choreography seems simple, they’re hitting off-key notes, and they’re essentially wasting time. She asks them, “Are you truly confident that you can become artists with this kind of performance? I fear you may not fully grasp the gravity of your current situation.”

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I find myself reflecting on the heightened scrutiny surrounding the behavior of judges and mentors in reality shows these days. It’s a challenging climate, but I stand by my conviction about Hee Jun Yoon from “Made in Korea.” Despite some critics viewing her as harsh, Russ Lindsay, our producer, believes she operates from a place of encouragement.

As an ardent fan, I ponder if Dear Alice possesses the potential to conquer the vibrant British music scene – their melodies are catchy enough to lodge in one’s mind for days, and since One Direction’s disbandment, there’s been a noticeable void in our charts that a boy band could fill. However, I wonder if they could navigate the more challenging landscape of K-pop? Ford expresses uncertainty, stating that success in K-pop demands a significant personal sacrifice. Idols can’t afford scandals or maintain active personal lives publicly – they are essentially commodities for consumption. It’s a tough call for any Western group to accept such terms. If you’re after that level of fanatic devotion, that’s the trade-off.

MEET THE BOY BAND

The five-piece group from the UK who are aiming for K-pop success

BLAISE, 19

Previously a student at The Brit School, Blaise is the most youthful among the team. “By blending our knowledge gained from the Korean training regimen with it, we can produce a unique fusion. It’s truly fortunate that we have such experience.”

DEXTER, 22

Dexter recently completed a three-year performing arts diploma. “Some of the feedback from the experts in Korea was hard to hear… but looking at it now, it was all worth it. And it came from a place of love.”

JAMES, 23

In their circle, the most senior member often shares dance clips on TikTok alongside his identical sibling. He acknowledges that the others are more physically fit, admitting he hasn’t had much preparation – a fact that will likely be evident in his videos.

OLLY, 20

As a chorister, Olly spent his childhood years honing his singing skills, aiming to bring pride to his loved ones. His explanation: “Both my mother and grandmother harbored the desire to perform. I believe they instilled that dream in me, and I’ve been following it ever since.”

REESE, 20

Previously, I was employed as an entertainer on a luxurious ocean liner. In my opinion, by drawing inspiration from some of the most renowned artists we adore, we could potentially form a sensational ensemble.

2024-08-13 15:04