Welcome back to Fan Chant , a weekly column for K-pop fans, stans, and newbies alike. 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 enjoy what you’re reading, feel free to subscribe to my companion newsletter to get Fan Chant delivered right to your inbox each week!
There’s never been a better time to be a K-pop fan; we’re living in a time with an abundance of tours, festival appearances, and content. The latest to jump into the market is Apple TV+, where a new docuseries titled K-Pop Idols premiered on August 30th.
The episodic program digs into three acts within the K-pop world and aims to highlight the highs and lows of working in this highly specific industry. This includes soloist JESSI, Starship Entertainment boy group CRAVITY , and DR Music’s girl group BLACKSWAN.
“We’re all very excited and very psyched to be a part of such a big project going behind the scenes of the K pop industry,” says Allen of CRAVITY, noting that filming began a few years back and captured him and his eight groupmates in what Seongmin calls “fetus versions” of the band. “Looking back at it now, I’m so glad that we made the decision,” Allen continues. “We’re so honored to be a part of it.”
For CRAVITY, K-Pop Idols offers an opportunity for new fans to fall in love with their story, and maybe even join the fanbase, known as LUVITY. “I want people to watch and think, ‘Oh, they’re really serious about this,'” Minhee says. “We want people to see that we’re passionate about CRAVITY, and we’re passionate about our fans,” confirms Taeyoung.
The documentary digs into the tough nature of the trainee system — and the pressures that continue well after debut. “When I was a trainee, I beat myself up over things 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 give a better performance.”
“From this documentary, people will get more of what idols go through,” Sriya of BLACKSWAN tells Consequence . “It’s basically more of being a human being, too. We are just doing our own jobs…But it’s never been actually perfect.”
BLACKSWAN is a multinational group that has gone through multiple iterations of members and lineup changes. Their current phase, which is highlighted in the docuseries, includes Fatou (born in Senegal), Nvee (American expat), Gabi (from Brazil), and Sriya (born and raised in India). More and more multinational groups inspired by the K-pop training system are appearing on the scene — think VCHA or KATSEYE — but BLACKSWAN were one of the earliest examples that resonated with global audiences.
“I feel like us being from different backgrounds and then coming together and being one team really opens up and broadens our views of different cultures,” explains BLACKSWAN’s leader Fatou. “Our minds are probably more open to learn new other cultures, too, because we’re used to being around new cultures. So I feel like that sets us apart.”
With K-pop still expanding its worldwide footprint, it’s a time of opportunity that Fatou and her bandmates are ready to embrace. She’s excited for viewers to see what drew them from different corners of the globe to pursue K-pop specifically.
“Even though it’s very, very hard and intense — going through the training process, getting to know your groupmates, getting to know the other trainees, getting better, and then being able to debut — I see all of that coming together,” Fatou explains. “And [your bandmates] are standing on stage with you, and then the special bond you have with your supporters, the fans…I feel like that is very special.” She shivers. “I’m getting goosebumps!”
Watch all the episodes of K-Pop Idols on Apple TV+ now.
ICYMI: Touching Base with NMIXX
NMIXX, photo courtesy of JYP Entertainment
The members of NMIXX spoke about their latest release, preparing for their next chapter, and their ever-expanding team dynamic. Revisit the interview here .
Taeil & South Korea’s Sex Crimes “Emergency”
Taeil (photo courtesy of SM Entertainment), illustration by Allison Aubrey
The conversation around the recent removal of Taeil from NCT has quite a few layers to it that feel important to highlight — I dug into some of the bigger picture with my colleague Wren Graves. Read the chat here .
Song Rec of the Week:
LE SSERAFIM are fully in their bag with “CRAZY.” This is so their lane, from the house energy to the high-drama choreography. Everything about this project suits them so well and I’m so excited for them. I also enjoy the remix version they just released with PinkPanthress today; all the girls are girling.
Consequence (formerly Consequence Of Sound)4 days ago
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