“This has never been done before,” Megan Thee Stallion declared in Apple TV+’s newest K-pop-centric unscripted series, KPOPPED. And she’s right.
The reality series, premiering later this month, brings together Western chart-toppers with K-pop and J-pop acts for a collaboration stage. K-pop legend Psy and Grammy Award-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion are set to star in the show from executive producers Lionel Richie and Miky Lee. Comedian Soojeong Son is set to host the series.
ATEEZ, Billlie, Itzy, Kep1er, JO1, STAYC, Kiss of Life and BLACKSWAN are the K-pop (and J-pop in JO1’s case) participating in the series. Megan Thee Stallion, Patti LaBelle, Mel B and Emma Bunton of the Spice Girls, Vanilla Ice, Taylor Dayne, Kesha, Eve, J Balvin, Kylie Minogue, TLC, Boy George, Jess Glynne, Ava Max and Boyz II Men are set to perform alongside the K-pop artists.
KPOPPED will also feature a competition element, according to a release. A synopsis of the show reads, “Each episode finds Western chart-toppers teaming up with celebrated K-pop groups to reimagine one of their biggest songs, culminating in bold, collaborative stage performances. With just a short window to rehearse, these genre-bending partners deliver electrifying renditions for a live audience in Seoul, who vote for the standout “K-popped” performance of the night. After the song battle winner is determined, the K-pop Idols close out the episode with an exciting performance.”
In addition Richie and Lee, Moira Ross, Megan Thee Stallion and Greg Foster are executive producing alongside Harry H.K. Shin and Jake Hong. Ki-woong Kim serves as a producer for CJ ENM. Chris Culvenor, Paul Franklin, Wes Dening and David Tibballs are executive producing for Eureka Productions.
KPOPPED premieres on Aug. 29 on Apple TV+. Watch the show’s trailer below.