Seoul is at the global epicenter of the K-pop industry, where those who rise can easily become household names around world. Daniel Dae Kim has come to Korea to speak with Korea’s biggest artists to find out how we got here.
In the premiere episode of CNN Original Series K-Everything, host and executive producer, Daniel Dae Kim, explores what’s behind the unprecedented rise of K-pop on the international stage. The Korean pop industry has produced some of the most successful music acts ever. Behind the catchy tunes and slick choreography, there’s a fine-tuned formula for creating hits and harnessing the power of fans. Kim meets some of K-pop’s biggest artists and examines the superfan phenomenon driving this industry.
Kim sits down with Psy, one of the most famous entertainers in Korean history, to discuss his impact on the K-Pop scene and his evolving strategy for success.
In the recording studio, he meets Taeyang, member of legendary Korean boy band BigBang and chart-topping solo artist who is working on his latest solo album. They talk about BigBang’s 20-year reunion and what it takes to have lasting success in the K-pop industry. Over lunch at a café run by her father, Kim also chats with pop superstar JEON SOMI where she reflects on her idol career and journey to gaining greater creative freedom. Kim also joins singer-songwriter eSNa for a walk in Namsan Park to go over her experiences working in the industry.
Carrying on this musical legacy, new acts are constantly breaking through – including AllDay Project, a uniquely co-ed band which debuted in June last year. Kim catches up with them on the day of the release of their first EP and follows their progress across multiple K-pop-focused awards events across Asia. He also gets to know MEOVV, a five-part girl group and part of The Black Label, an agency known for cultivating creative freedom with its roster of talent.
For a different perspective, Kim connects with some of the producers behind the soundtrack of global phenomenon “KPop Demon Hunters” – where he voiced the role of Healer Han – who share their thoughts on the movie’s success and show how they put together “Golden”.
He also speaks with David Kim, a YouTuber turned Adjunct Professor to learn more about the modern history that paved the way for today’s music scene and finds out from K-pop fans about why they spend a small fortune on tickets, merchandise, travel and more.
K-Everything continues the legacy of CNN Original Series’ host-led storytelling that examines global culture and the human experience, joining an award-winning library of premium programming streaming on the CNN app.
Additionally, a dedicated digital hub featuring a rich suite of digital and social content celebrating Korean creativity and cultural impact can be found at https://edition.cnn.com/world/k-everything.
The CNN Original Series is sponsored by one of South Korea’s largest companies, Hyundai Motor Company, a global brand deeply rooted in Korean heritage whose growth has mirrored the country’s own journey of innovation and progress.
K-Everything premieres Saturday, May 9 at 8pm HKT and replays on Sunday, May 10 at 8am and 11pm HKT and Monday, May 11 at 3am HKT on CNN International. The 4-episode series will stream live for CNN International pay TV subscribers via CNN.com, CNN connected TV and mobile apps weekly. It will be available on demand beginning Saturday, May 9 to CNN’s streaming subscribers in the US via CNN.com and CNN connected TV and mobile apps. The series will also be available to stream on HBO Max, where available.
Kim is repped by UTA, Linden Entertainment, Narrative PR and Gang Tyre.
Airtime for K-Everything (K-pop) Episode
Saturday, 9th May at 8pm HKT
Sunday, 10th May at 8am and 11pm HKT
Monday, 11th May at 3am HKT
