‘KPOPPED’ is forging our favorite classics into K-pop diamonds

The show stars PSY and Megan Thee Stallion, with eight powerhouse K-pop groups—BILLLIE, Itzy, KEP1ER, JO1, Ateez, STAYC, Kiss of Life, and Blackswan—pitted against each other as they collaborate with iconic music superstars to reimagine their greatest hits.

The show’s featured western artists are Patti Labelle, Spice Girls’ Mel B and Emma Bunton, Vanilla Ice, Taylor Dayne, Kesha, Eve, J Balvin, Kylie Minogue, TLC, Boy George, Jess Glynne, Ava Max, and Boyz II Men, who all give some of their classic hits the “KPOPPED” treatment in show-stopping, high-energy numbers, complete with new masterings that are all trademarked with what we know of the genre.

Executive producers Jake Hong and Moira Ross note that PSY’s 2012 global hit, “Gangnam Style,” was the catalyst that made them realize that K-pop—and the industry’s well-executed music formula—was the future. That admiration for K-pop’s stamp on the music industry became a foundation for the show’s premise.

Members of Billlie in episode one of "KPOPPED."

Apple TV+

“K-pop is known for its precision and the hard work it takes to make it, and I think that’s what makes it special,” Hong says. “(KPOPPED) is about celebrating that creativity, diversity and passion.”

Ross adds, “It's a standard of excellence, and it's a standard of superb, spectacular performances. (KPOPPED) is a meeting of excellence on both sides, with all of these artists.”

From ITZY adding an earworm outro to Spice Girls’ “Wannabe,” to STAYC including an uptempo beat with choreography to match to TLC’s “Waterfalls,” the show depicts exactly why this K-pop formula is so successful, while bringing superstars of different eras together. It’s a show in its own lane, bridging leaders in music history together.

“People are interested in K-pop now more than ever, globally, and the time is now to combine the K-pop world with western artists in a way never done before,” Hong says.

“This isn't your standard music show, these are all great artists sharing the same space and collaborating, and sure, there's a fun battle element, but really, they're all winners, because (KPOPPED) is a moment in time for cross-cultural connectivity, and we can all learn from that and celebrate that,” Ross adds.

ITZY performing in "KPOPPED."

Apple TV+

KPOPPED is not just a battle show with high-production numbers made for a global stage. It also integrates segments in the series to show these K-pop groups informing the western artists on South Korean customs and traditions. Whether it’s Kiss of Life showing Ava Max the fashion scene out in Hongdae or ATEEZ taking J Balvin out to traditional street markets, these segments bring a lot of heart to the show, showcasing more than just the music, but also the culture that exists behind it.

“It was an amazing experience and very surreal showing them Korean culture. It was an honor for us to be able to do that,” NVee of Blackswan, who collaborated with Boyz II Men on the show, tells JoySauce. “Especially the bottle tricks! They loved soju!”

The series showcases real connections being formed between K-pop groups and these western artists. It’s an endearing watch to see their appreciation for K-pop grow in real time. Blackswan’s episode specifically is a standout with Boyz II Men giving the girl group valuable sit-down conversations about musical history, and notable advice given their legendary status in music.

BLACKSWAN in episode six of "KPOPPED."

Apple TV+

“They said to us, ‘You have to make sure that you have fun on stage rather than worrying about anything, because your emotions are only going to be delivered when you actually start having fun on stage.’ So that's what I took from it,” Sriya of Blackswan, says.

“I get nervous a lot when I go on stage, especially when you're performing with literal legends, but they really taught me that once the song starts, turn off your brain,” NVee adds. “Your body already knows what to do. Your voice already knows the notes. Let everything go and just perform. Just sing. Don't think about how people are going to react. Don't think about whether you're going to hit this note. Just do it, and then the crowd will go along with you. That's one of the things that I took away from them.”

While all episodes are now streaming on Apple TV+, when prompted on a dream collaboration for a potential season two of the series, NVee and Sriya were quick with their response.

“Bruno Mars,” they both say. “Apple TV+, if you want to bring Blackswan back on, if you can get Bruno Mars, we will give you the best performance of your life!”