A groundbreaking new music competition series is set to bridge the gap between K-pop and Western pop music when "Kpopped" debuts on Apple TV later this month. The innovative cross-cultural show will feature unprecedented collaborations between some of the biggest names in both musical worlds.
The series presents a unique format where global pop superstars are paired with prominent K-pop acts to create collaborative performances that blend their distinctive musical styles. These high-energy performances will take place in front of live audiences in Seoul, South Korea, with viewers voting to determine the winning pair of each episode.
According to Apple TV, the competition series will span eight episodes, with each installment concluding with a special finale performance by a featured K-pop group. The format promises to showcase the creative fusion that emerges when Eastern and Western pop cultures collide.
The K-pop roster for "Kpopped" includes an impressive lineup of current chart-toppers and rising stars. Featured acts include Billie, Itzy, Kep1er, JO1, Ateez, StayC, Kiss of Life, and Blackswan. Adding star power to the mix, global K-pop phenomenon Psy is also confirmed to appear in the series, though Apple TV has not yet revealed whether he will participate as a performer or serve in an hosting capacity.
Representing the international pop music scene, the series has assembled an equally stellar cast of chart-topping and legendary artists. The lineup includes three-time Grammy Award winner Megan Thee Stallion, soul legend Patti LaBelle, Spice Girls members Mel B and Emma Bunton, rap pioneer Vanilla Ice, dance-pop veteran Taylor Dayne, pop sensation Kesha, rapper Eve, Latin superstar J Balvin, Australian pop princess Kylie Minogue, R&B trio TLC, Culture Club's Boy George, British singer Jess Glynne, rising pop star Ava Max, and legendary R&B group Boyz II Men.
Throughout the competition, these diverse artists will collaborate on reimagining classic hits that span multiple genres and decades. The performances will put fresh spins on familiar anthems, including Megan Thee Stallion's "Savage," the Spice Girls' "Wannabe," Vanilla Ice's "Ice Ice Baby," the multi-artist collaboration "Lady Marmalade," Kylie Minogue's "Can't Get You Out of My Head," Boyz II Men's "Motown Philly," and TLC's "Waterfalls." These reimagined versions promise to showcase how different musical traditions can enhance and transform beloved songs.
The series will be hosted by comedian and actor Son Soo-jeong, who has gained recognition for her roles in critically acclaimed television series. She appeared in the Emmy-nominated Apple TV series "Servant" and the comedy-drama "Search Party," bringing her entertainment industry experience to the hosting role.
Behind the scenes, "Kpopped" boasts an impressive production team that spans both the American and Korean entertainment industries. The series is executive produced by BAFTA-nominated producer Moira Ross, music legend Lionel Richie, CJ ENM Vice Chair Miky Lee, Megan Thee Stallion, and Greg Foster. The production team also includes key figures from CJ ENM, including head of music content Shin Hyung-kwan, strategy lead Hong Joon-ki, and producer Kim Ki-woong. Kim Ki-woong brings particular expertise to the project, having produced various K-pop music programming for Mnet, the Korean music channel known for launching global K-pop phenomena.
"Kpopped" is scheduled to premiere globally on August 29 through Apple TV's streaming platform. The series will be accessible through multiple viewing options, including the Apple TV app for Android devices and Tving, a major Korean streaming platform, ensuring broad accessibility for audiences in both Western and Asian markets.
The series represents a significant milestone in the ongoing globalization of K-pop and the increasing cultural exchange between Eastern and Western pop music. By bringing together established artists from different musical traditions, "Kpopped" aims to create a new model for cross-cultural musical collaboration while entertaining audiences with unexpected and innovative performances.
