K-Popped Review: Wild Singing Contest Must-Have
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KPOPPED Review: Star Power Can’t Save Apple TV+’s formulaic Singing Contest
(Last updated: October 26, 2023)
Introduction
Apple TV+’s KPOPPED arrived with a bang – a dazzling trailer featuring Megan Thee Stallion, Patti LaBelle, Kylie Minogue, and Spice Girls members reimagining their hits with K-pop flair. The initial 109 seconds promised a dynamic collision of musical worlds. Sadly, the series itself doesn’t quite live up to that initial hype, falling into a predictable format despite its remarkable roster of stars. This review will delve into the show’s strengths, weaknesses, and whether it successfully delivers on its aspiring premise.
what is KPOPPED? The Concept Explained
KPOPPED centers around a unique format: established Korean boy or girl bands are divided into two groups. Each half is then paired with a different Western solo artist to reimagine one of the guest’s signature songs.The resulting covers are performed with meticulously choreographed dance routines, judged by a studio audience based on energy and impact. The show aims to showcase the fusion of musical styles and cultural exchange.A notable quirk: when featuring groups like Boyz II Men, the show has the group compete against itself, performing twice with each half of the Korean band.The Star Power: A Who’s Who of Music Icons
The series boasts an undeniably impressive lineup.The initial trailer showcased:
Megan Thee Stallion: Bringing her signature rap style to a K-pop rendition of “Savage.”
Patti LaBelle: A soul legend lending her voice to the mix.
Kylie Minogue: A pop icon embracing Korean dance traditions.
Spice Girls (Emma Bunton & Mel B): Representing 90s pop nostalgia. Boyz II Men: A classic R&B group navigating the unique self-competition format.
Beyond these initial stars, the series also features appearances from other prominent artists, though specific details are limited. The Korean groups involved include ITZY and Ateez, both highly popular acts with dedicated fanbases. Psy, the “Gangnam Style” sensation, is billed as a co-host but appears primarily in pre-recorded segments.
The Format: Repetitive and Lacking Depth
While the concept is intriguing, KPOPPED quickly becomes formulaic. Each of the eight episodes follows the same structure: pairing, rehearsal, performance, and audience vote. The lack of clear judging criteria (“which is the most up-tempo, and maybe a little menacing”) feels arbitrary and undermines the competitive aspect.The 48-hour turnaround for mastering lyrics and choreography, while impressive, also contributes to a sense of rushed production.
Cultural Exchange: Superficial or Meaningful?
The show attempts to incorporate cultural exchange, with moments like Megan Thee Stallion trying spicy ramen and Kylie minogue learning a traditional Korean dance. Though, these exchanges frequently enough feel superficial and serve as brief interludes between performances. The Korean artists generally offer respectful but vague praise for their Western counterparts, and vice versa. while these interactions are pleasant, they lack the depth needed to create a truly meaningful cross-cultural dialogue.