A new film venture between Paramount Pictures and Hybe America, the U.S. branch of the South Korean entertainment giant, has officially found its leading performers and secured a release date. Ji-young Yoo, recently seen in KPop Demon Hunters, and Eric Nam, the K-pop artist and personality, are set to star in the untitled K-pop film. The project is slated for a 2027 release.
Inside the K-Pop Survival Show Circuit
The film is poised to immerse audiences in the high-stakes world of K-pop music survival shows. Its central premise follows “a young Korean-American woman, who defies her family’s wishes to compete in a televised competition to find the next K-pop girl group.” This premise suggests a compelling exploration of ambition, cultural identity, and the rigorous pathways to K-pop stardom.
Benson Lee, known for his documentary work, will direct the film from a recent screenplay draft by Eileen Shim. Lee shared his personal connection to the project, stating, “This film is my love letter to K-pop – its energy, passion, magic, and the incredible community behind it. I’m deeply grateful to Paramount Pictures for championing the project, to our producers for their unwavering dedication, to our talented and dynamic cast, and to the legends of the genre helping us bring this story to life.”
Read more: ‘KPop Demon Hunters’: Creators Share Secrets in Reddit AMA
This production is expected to be a notable one, as it will reportedly be the first major American studio film to be shot entirely on location in South Korea.
A Dynamic Casting Choice
Ji-young Yoo’s recent work includes a voice role as Zoey in Netflix’s animated hit KPop Demon Hunters. That film has garnered significant attention both within and beyond the K-pop fan base, with several of its songs charting on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping Spotify’s lists.
Eric Nam is a familiar figure in the K-pop sphere. His career in Korean entertainment began with his appearance on MBC’s music competition series, Star Audition: Birth of a Great Star 2. He also gained recognition as an original host of the K-pop talk show After School Club and has been a frequent presence on Korean variety shows. He is also slated to appear on the upcoming fourth season of Peacock’s Emmy Award-winning reality series, The Traitors.
The Creative and Production Teams
The film is being produced by James Shin of Hybe America, alongside Arthur Spector and Joshua Davis of Epic Magazine, and Scooter Braun. Executive producers include Joshuah Bearman of Epic Magazine, John Zaozirny, and Scott Manson.
James Shin emphasized the film’s broader cultural relevance, stating, “This film captures the incredible dedication and artistry that defines K-pop and its insatiable popularity, while showcasing the universal themes of chasing your dreams against all odds.”
Read more: K-Pop Sensation KATSEYE Among New Recording Academy Invitees
Paramount Pictures’ Bryan Oh will oversee production for the studio. The project’s development history traces back to its original oversight by Michael Ireland at 20th Century Fox, before Paramount acquired it from Disney. This collaboration underscores the increasing global reach and cross-cultural appeal of K-pop within the mainstream entertainment industry.
