Welcome back to Fan Chant, a weekly column for K-pop fans, followers, and newbies. This week, with the release of K-Pop idols On Apple TV+, two of the groups featured in the docuseries reflect on the process. If you like what you're reading, feel free to… subscribe Sign up for my complimentary newsletter to receive Fan Chant straight to your inbox every week!
There's never been a better time to be a K-pop fan; we live in an era with a plethora of tours, festival appearances, and content. The latest to hit the market is Apple TV+, where a new docuseries titled K-Pop idols Premiering August 30th.
The episodic show delves into three artists from the world of K-pop and aims to highlight the ups and downs of working in this very specific industry. They include solo artist JESSI, Starship Entertainment's boy group CRAVITY, and DR Music's girl group BLACKSWAN.
“We’re all very excited and thrilled to be a part of such a big project that goes on behind the scenes in the K-pop industry,” Allen says of CRAVITY, noting that filming began a few years ago and captured him and his eight groupmates in what Seongmin calls “fetus versions” of the band. “Looking back now, I’m really glad we made the decision,” Allen continues. “We’re very honored to be a part of it.”
For CRAVITY, K-Pop idols It offers a chance for new fans to fall in love with their story and maybe even join the fanbase, known as LUVITY. “I want people to see and think, ‘Oh, they really take this seriously,’” says Minhee. “We want people to see that we’re passionate about CRAVITY and that we’re passionate about our fans,” confirms Taeyoung.
The documentary looks at the harsh nature of the trainee system and the pressures that continue long after debut. “When I was a trainee, I would beat myself up every day,” Taeyoung says in one episode. “I felt like I was doing worse than the other trainees. Back then, my only goal was to perform better.”
“With this documentary, people will understand more about what idols go through,” says BLACKSWAN’s Sriya. Consequence“Basically, it’s also about being a human being. We just do our own job… but it’s never really been perfect.”
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