There’s Now A New Documentary About Being a K-pop Star

Want to be a K-pop star?

You might not need to be the top 1% richest person in Singapore, but you need to watch this documentary, which is now available in Apple TV+.

New Documentary Shows the Life Behind Being a K-Pop Star

Being a K-pop star isn’t just about being very demure, very mindful and very cutesy.

It’s a lot of hard work, which you can get to know through Apple TV+’s six-episode documentary series, K-Pop Idols. This show, which streamed since 30 August, offers an unfiltered look at the lives of three K-pop acts—Jessi, CRAVITY, and BLACKSWAN—as they navigate the high-pressure industry.

The series follows Jessi, a Korean-American hip hop sensation, as she embarks on her first solo tour without the backing of a music label. Meanwhile, CRAVITY, a rising K-pop boy group, grapples with the immense expectations set by their management. And BLACKSWAN, a multinational K-pop girl group, faces internal conflicts and lineup changes head-on.

Through their triumphs and tribulations, these artists showcase their unwavering passion, creativity, and determination as they break down cultural and musical barriers in pursuit of their dreams.

Think of it as Singapore Social, just that instead of worrying about what do to in life (and maybe what to eat for lunch), the stars are worrying about how to excel in the K-pop industry.

The Harsh Realities of the K-Pop Industry

Of course, K-Pop Idols doesn’t shy away from exposing the intense pressures and challenges that come with being a part of the K-pop machine. From grueling training schedules that can last up to 10 hours a day to strict diets and weight control measures, the series paints a picture of an industry that demands nothing short of perfection.

Although, let’s face it: we know about it. We pretend not to know so that we can blame our “luck” for our growing waistline.

The show also looks into the lack of personal freedom many idols face, with some groups subject to curfews and restrictions on dating, drinking, and other activities. Social media’s impact on the industry is another focal point, highlighting how stars must navigate the constant scrutiny while still yearning for authenticity and privacy.

Still want to be a K-pop star? Get an Apple TV+ subscription, and watch this first, my friend.

K-Pop Idols is a production of Matador Content, a Boat Rocker company, for Apple TV+. It’s not made by any PD who happens to love (or hate) K-pop: The series boasts an impressive roster of executive producers, including Emmy winners Todd Lubin (Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry), Jay Peterson, and Jack Turner, among others.