From Paramount and HYBE’s K-pop Films to Apple TV+’s “K-Popd”: Global Platforms Expanding K-pop Content

As K-pop solidifies its position as a core content pillar in the global media industry, major Hollywood studios and streaming platforms are focusing on producing K-pop-based visual works. A prominent example is the K-pop film project launched by Paramount Pictures and HYBE America. Directed by filmmaker Benson Lee, this untitled film is scheduled for release on February 12, 2027, and follows the story of a Korean-American teenage girl who pursues her dream of joining the next generation of K-pop girl groups through a television competition show. Starring JiU and Eric Nam, this project will mark the first time a major U.S. studio conducts all filming in South Korea. Shooting is set to begin in South Korea this September, with Brian Oh, Paramount’s senior vice president, overseeing production. Director Benson Lee stated in a statement, “This film is my love letter to K-pop’s energy, passion, magic, and the amazing community that supports it.” He is recognized as a storyteller focused on music, having directed dance-documentary series such as “Planet B-Boy” and “Seoul Searching” (2015). Meanwhile, Apple TV+ is expanding K-pop content in a different format through its K-pop music battle series “K-Popd.” Set to debut on August 29, this series is centered around PSY and Megan The Stallion, with Megan The Stallion and Lionel Richie serving as executive producers. The format of “K-Popd” involves Western pop stars and K-pop idols collaborating to reinterpret their hit songs before competing live before an audience in Seoul. In each episode, groups such as ITZY and Spice Girls, ATEEZ and J Balvin·Karli Kloss, Billlie, and Megan The Stallion·Patty Label team up. The series consists of eight episodes in total, with K-pop idols performing the “K-Popd” versions of the guest artists’ songs after each battle. The production team said, “This is one of the funniest shows we’ve created—a feel-good music battle that combines iconic hit songs we all know with a big twist of K-pop.” This investment by global media companies in K-pop content appears to be driven by the success of Netflix’s “K-pop Demon Hunters.” Paramount stated that it plans to strengthen international collaboration and deepen its relationship with Korean pop culture through this project.