"K-pop + Global Pop, Proving the Power to Transcend Cultures"[K, to Hollywood]

CJ and Eureka Reveal the Secret Behind 'KPOPPED's Success
"Coordinating Production Differences Through Daily Zoom Meetings"

Jan Arzubia of Eureka Productions with Vice President (left) and Kiwoong Kim, CJ ENM PD [Jo Haneul, QK Pictures Writer]

"K-pop is already a global phenomenon and remains a powerhouse on the music charts."

Jan Arzubia, Vice President of Eureka Production, shared these insights on November 5 (local time) at the 'U-KNOCK 2025 in USA' event hosted by the Korea Creative Content Agency at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles, discussing the keys to the success of the Apple TV+ music variety show 'KPOPPED.'

'KPOPPED' is a program where Western pop artists collaborate with K-pop idols to reinterpret their hit songs in the 'K-pop style.' The show features Psy and Megan Thee Stallion as MCs, with K-pop groups such as ITZY, ATEEZ, and STAYC joining forces with pop legends like the Spice Girls and Boyz II Men for special performances. The eight-episode series was released globally on Apple TV+ on August 29.

This project was a joint effort between Korean and American production teams. In a conversation with Kiwoong Kim, PD of CJ ENM, the two emphasized that they set a new standard for global collaboration by coordinating differences in production approaches.

Vice President Arzubia remarked, "Partnering with CJ ENM was highly significant," adding, "CJ is a true expert that created and industrialized K-pop."

The collaboration process was not always smooth. Vice President Arzubia recalled, "Combining different cultures and genres was a major challenge," and added, "To create a concept that resonates with fans worldwide, we had to hold Zoom meetings across multiple time zones every day."

Jan Arzuvia, Vice President of Eureka Production [Jo Haneul, QK Pictures Writer]

He explained that they had to coordinate every detail, including time management, creative approval processes, and production methods. He continued, "Korea makes decisions quickly, while the United States sometimes needs more time," emphasizing that understanding and adapting to these differences was a form of collaboration in itself.

Vice President Arzubia stressed, "'KPOPPED' is not the end but the beginning," and highlighted that its performance on Apple TV+ proved this concept can succeed in the global market.

PD Kim also commented, "There is much greater potential for K-content to expand in the U.S. market," adding, "The key is to understand the language of the market and to refine platform strategies accordingly."