BBC's Made In Korea showcased the challenging steps that K-pop trainees need to get through to become full-fledged idols, but was the show staged? We discuss episodes 1 and 2!
Here at Dojeon, we have mentioned the BBC (British Broadcasting Channels) new documentary Made In Korea where the cameras follow some lads from the UK, who are on the quest to become K-pop superstars. Under the strict supervision of SM Entertainment, the boys will debut after being put through an intensive 100-day training program (which is usually 5-6 years).
Let's take a look at this clip!
I was of course excited to watch the show, as I am from the UK myself. It is even more interesting that the UK is part of the global Korean wave (Hallyu)!
In episodes 1 and 2, we saw the boys arrive in Seoul, get to know each other, and find their place in the band. They also learned a new dance routine, and what it is to sound like a K-idol.
Episode 1 did not go as planned
Although the boys had some training and auditions in the UK, they were not ready for the level that was required within the K-pop industry. Most of the members had lower pitching vocals and were told to try and sing in a higher key to fit the image of a K-idol. While working on their vocals, they also needed to practice dance routines. I have to say that although many Korean male artists can sing in a high key, it is hard for a Western person to do and some of the members struggled with this.
If this was not all, they had to learn a song vocally along with a dance routine in one week and perform to the head of training and casting at SM Entertainment. The standard was high, and during episode 1, the casting director asked the BBC to turn off their cameras at the end of giving some harsh feedback to the boys, before storming out and calling a crisis meeting with the BBC management team. After the meeting was over, the BBC bosses told the boys that they needed to step up to the mark fast, or some of the members could be sent home.
Episode 2 gave the members a wake-up call
In episode 2, the boys had to perform to a live audience of students at the Seoul School of Performing Arts, where there were 500 students. The edited version of the performance which was played to the casting director during their second feedback session was edgy, catchy and I have to say pretty good considering the boys were in their second week. However, this was short-lived when the director played the unedited version where the boys were all over the place. This was of course not helped as one of the members was sick and was therefore unable to perform due to having tonsillitis.
I think that some of the scenes were staged to make the show more entertaining, and knowing that British people love to watch some drama this show ticked the box. I also think that since SM Entertainment agreed to this show, they want to deepen their routes in the European market.
What will the next episode bring?
Let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below.
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