Paramount Pictures and HYBE America have officially confirmed the full cast for their upcoming K-pop-themed film on September 25. They announced that filming had already begun in South Korea on September 21.
The project marks a historic collaboration, becoming the first major Hollywood production shot entirely on location in Korea. First announced in early July, the K-pop film is set for a theatrical release on February 12, 2027.
Production Overview and Storyline
The film tells the story of a young Korean-American girl who is determined to follow her dream of becoming a K-pop idol. Despite her family’s objections, she auditions for a televised competition in hopes of joining the next global K-pop girl group.
Director Benson Lee, known for his 2015 film Seoul Searching starring Cha In Pyo, will helm the project. Describing the project, Lee has called it his “love letter to K-pop — its energy, passion, magic, and the incredible community behind it.”
The screenplay is written by Eileen Shim, who co-wrote the Disney+ original The Acolyte and has previously worked on HBO’s House of the Dragon.
Complete Casting Lineup
The film features an international mix of seasoned actors and emerging stars, reflecting the global reach of K-pop.
- Jiyoung Yoo – Lead role as the Korean-American protagonist
- Eric Nam – Lead role
- Yoo Ji Tae – Supporting cast
- Tony Revolori – Supporting cast
- Gia Kim – Supporting cast
- Sung Joon – Newly announced cast
- Kang So Ra – Newly announced cast
- Lee Hyung Chul – Newly announced cast
- Lee Ah In – Newly announced cast
- Renata Vaca – Newly announced cast
- Silia Kapsis – Newly announced cast
- Aliyah Turner – Newly announced cast
- Kim Shana – Newly announced cast
- Park Ju Bi – Newly announced cast
Filming Locations Across Korea
Cameras started rolling in Seoul on September 21. From there, production will move through Incheon, Gimpo, Paju, and Gapyeong in Gyeonggi Province. By choosing to film entirely in South Korea, Paramount ensures audiences will see real cityscapes, neighborhoods, and cultural details on the big screen, rather than staged backdrops.
Creative and Production Team
Behind the film is a powerhouse team blending Hollywood and Korean entertainment expertise.
- Director: Benson Lee, an American filmmaker known for exploring cultural identity. His credits include Seoul Searching, Miss Monday, and Battle of the Year.
- Writer: Eileen Shim, screenwriter for The Acolyte and House of the Dragon, with contributions from Adele Lim (Crazy Rich Asians).
- Producers: James Shin (President of Film & TV at HYBE America), Scooter Braun, Arthur Spector, and Joshua Davis of Epic Magazine.
James Shin emphasized the project’s goal, stating it aims to capture “the incredible dedication and artistry that defines K-pop” while exploring “the universal themes of chasing your dreams against all odds.”
Meanwhile, the demand for K-pop-themed movies is at an all-time high after the unprecedented success of KPop Demon Hunters. It is predicted that this film will receive a positively overwhelming response when it hits theaters in February 2027.
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