Yeonkyu Lee of CJ ENM Discusses "Kpopd" via Video Call
JO1's Participation Sparks Debate: "Closer to K-pop"
No Comment on Editing Psy's Scenes Amid Drug Allegations
"K-pop is a universal language that people around the world can enjoy and relate to. The most important thing is the music itself."
On the 29th, Yeonkyu Lee, a producer at CJ ENM, spoke via video call to explain the Apple TV+ music competition series "Kpopd." The program will be released globally on Apple TV+ on this day.
"Kpopd" features international pop stars rearranging their hit songs in the style of K-pop and performing them on stage. The show consists of eight episodes, and the winners are determined by audience votes at live performances in Seoul. Lee said, "Although it is a competition format, we put more emphasis on the moments when global artists connect through music rather than on winning or losing."
The project began in 2021. Lee explained, "At the time, CJ Group Vice Chairwoman Miky Lee and Lionel Richie met to discuss ways to connect people worldwide through the power of music. We expected that if top artists reinterpreted their existing songs in fresh ways, it would yield new results."
The cast includes 14 teams such as Megan Thee Stallion, Patti LaBelle, Spice Girls members Melanie B and Emma Bunton, Boyz II Men, as well as K-pop groups including ITZY, Ateez, Kep1er, Billlie, and STAYC. Regarding the casting process, Lee confidently stated, "There were no difficulties."
The participation of the group JO1 has sparked some controversy. JO1 is an 11-member Japanese boy group formed through the final episode of the Korea-Japan co-produced "Produce 101 Japan" in 2019, leading to criticism that the show was incorporating J-pop. Lee countered, "JO1 is a team that emerged from the K-pop system," adding, "Listening to their music, I felt their style was closer to K-pop." He continued, "Their overflowing energy on stage is impressive. Please watch and judge for yourself."
K-pop culture was naturally reflected throughout the show. Lee said, "When we suggested the signature 'ending fairy' pose of K-pop singers to the international artists, they were initially unfamiliar with it, but soon they were searching for the camera and striking poses. Many participants were also overwhelmed by the enthusiastic cheers of the K-pop audience."
The international artists had to complete their collaborative performances in Seoul within 48 hours. Lee commented, "The biggest challenge was finishing practice and rehearsals in such a short time, but they completed it professionally."
Cast member Psy is currently under police investigation for allegedly receiving sleeping pills through his manager since 2022. He reportedly plays a central role in the show and appears in a significant portion of the program. When asked about editing, Lee said, "I have no comment," and declined to elaborate. A representative for the production added, "It is difficult to comment on the personal matters of the cast."
Executive producers include Lionel Richie, CJ Group Vice Chairwoman Miky Lee, Greg Foster, and Moira Ross, with the show hosted by actress and comedian Son Sujeong. Lee stated, "Through 'Kpopd,' I want to showcase the streets of Korea, its youth culture, and everyday life."
He hopes this program will establish itself as another major K-pop content offering, following "K-Pop Demon Hunters." "I hope even those unfamiliar with K-pop will find Korean culture and music interesting. Ultimately, music is a language everyone can share," he emphasized.
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