The K-pop film project is underway with HYBE America and Paramount Pictures joining forces. This collaboration aims to produce a movie centered on the journey of a Korean American teenager striving to become a K-pop idol.
The film will focus on the girl’s determination to join a televised audition despite facing family opposition. Her story highlights both cultural challenges and the ambition to succeed in the competitive K-pop industry.
Leading the cast is Ji-young Yoo, known for voicing Zoey in the popular animated musical KPop Demon Hunters. Zoey, the youngest member of the fictional group Huntrix, has gained international fans through the anime series.
The production team will begin filming in South Korea around mid-September, marking the project as the first major U.S. studio to shoot extensively in the country. The movie is planned for release in theaters on February 12, 2027.
In addition to Yoo, the film will feature Eric Nam, who recently gained recognition for his role in the Hollywood film Transplant, where he portrayed a Korean American surgical resident.
Director Benson Lee, known for the 3D dance film Battle of the Year, will helm the project. Eileen Shim, a writer from the HBO series House of the Dragon, will write the screenplay.
On the production side, Brian Oh, senior vice president of production at Paramount Pictures, will oversee the film. James Shin, president of film and television at HYBE America, will also produce the project.
Shin shared that the movie aims to showcase the dedication and artistry behind K-pop while exploring universal themes like pursuing dreams despite obstacles.
HYBE’s involvement in the U.S. film market has grown since it acquired Ithaca Holdings, a media company, in 2021. This K-pop film project reflects the company’s expanding influence beyond music.
Overall, the upcoming film promises to offer a fresh perspective on K-pop culture and the global impact of Korean entertainment. Fans and moviegoers alike can look forward to a story that blends passion, culture, and the pursuit of dreams.
