Executive producers Jake Hong and Moira Ross on the ‘KPOPPED’ experience

Are you ready for the ultimate song battle with a twist? The summer of K-pop and sing-alongs continues with Apple TV+’s latest show, KPOPPED starring Psy and Megan Thee Stallion. Cold Tea Collective’s reporter Jane Lee interviews executive producers Jake Hong and Moira Ross about how western and K-pop pairings were formed and the cross-cultural exchange that happened throughout the show. 

Finding synergies between KPOPPED pairings

When it came to selecting musical pairings, the producer had to consider many factors, Ross explains, “It was a big jigsaw… The big thing was whether they musically complemented each other. Were there requests or historical relationships or friendships or aspirations to work together or collaborate?” Meanwhile, from the Korean team’s perspective, Hong adds, “Some wanted more dance and choreo pairings or more vocal pairings. Some were even fans of one another.”

For some ATEEZ fans, they may recall J Balvin watching ATEEZ’s iconic Coachella set in 2024. Fast forward a few months, and they performed J Balvin’s song “Mi Gente” on stage together for KPOPPED. 

Another pairing that made a lot of sense for producers was a collaboration between the Spice Girls and ITZY.  “Spice Girls have their iconic song ‘Wannabe,’ and ITZY also has a song ‘Wannabe.’” So that pairing seemed to make a lot of sense, especially since they’re both female powerhouses,” Hong says. 

Cultural Exchange and Appreciation

This cross-cultural, genre-blending series was filmed in front of a live crowd in Seoul, where K-fans contributed incredible energy when artists delivered big performances and bold reinventions on stage.

Ross shares how producing KPOPPED gave her a greater understanding of the important element K-pop fans have not only in this show, but also the readiness of a global audience for a K-pop performance battle show. Ross describes, “The fans are a character within the format itself… The fans [in Seoul] were incredibly receptive and supportive and open and willing to engage. American fans are equally brilliant and excitable. It was a very special experience to have the KPOPPED fans as part of the season.” 

Meanwhile, Hong acknowledges how Korean and Western artists and production teams were able to take away a unique learning experience. Hong says, “Both the staff and artists would speak about what they learned from the show is humility, humble, yet hardworking, the K-pop acts and staff bring to the table is impressive.” 

The KPOPPED experience reimagines your favorite Western hits with a K-pop twist in this East meets West battle competition show.

Viewers can watch all eight episodes of KPOPPED on Apple TV+ today.

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