BBC1’s new talent show from the X Factor team avoids past mistakes

As a long-time fan of reality TV and someone who has spent countless hours watching the rise and fall of various boybands, I must admit that I was initially skeptical about Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience. With its ambitious goal to create a British K-pop sensation in just 100 days, it seemed like an unattainable dream. But after watching the first episode, I found myself pleasantly surprised.


Titled “Made in Korea: The K-Pop Journey,” this exciting new reality series is spearheaded by some of the masterminds behind “The X-Factor.” The show aims to unite five individuals, not with the objective of molding them into the next top British boyband, but rather to create the UK’s first K-Pop-inspired sensation/supergroup.

It’s a tall order.

Behind the seemingly effortless entertainment of K-pop lies a backdrop of meticulous training, hidden beneath the flashy costumes, flawless choreography, and powerful vocals. However, “Made in Korea” aims to expedite this process.

Instead of enduring up to five years of training at a specialized center for K-pop excellence, Blaise, James, Dexter, Reese, and Olly are expected to undergo an intense, 100-day boot camp as part of the K-pop manufacturing process. The goal is that they will emerge from this grueling experience as international sensations.

BBC1’s new talent show from the X Factor team avoids past mistakes

The thought of executing something like this is quite nerve-wracking, given the declining enthusiasm among British audiences for music-related reality shows and the alluring, profitable nature of the multi-billion pound K-Pop industry. There’s a high risk that Made in Korea might unintentionally copy aspects of K-Pop without truly understanding or valuing its essence.

After just one episode, it appears that things won’t follow the usual pattern. Granted, we’ve only had a glimpse of what the show has in store, but “Made in Korea” sets the stage promisingly by making sure the band understands this isn’t going to be a predictable journey.

The K-pop bundle encompasses various music styles such as Pop, RnB, Hip-Hop, Rock, and EDM, along with choreographed dances executed in harmony. This collection is thoughtfully designed, presenting an aesthetic that’s a mix of lively, colorful, and ethereal feelings, reflected in the attire, hairstyles, and makeup choices.

BBC1’s new talent show from the X Factor team avoids past mistakes

Nothing is by accident and this curated perfection cannot be ‘winged’ or casually attained. Even hard work will only get you so far. It’s about hunger, tenacity and repetition and the show wastes no time cluing the group into this fact.

As a passionate gamer, immersing myself in games crafted in Korea offers an authentic glimpse into their culture, intentionally woven into the gameplay experience. This enriches my perspective on the world I’m exploring, providing a deeper connection and appreciation for it.

Although the show has many appealing aspects, it doesn’t immediately grab your attention because it rushes into introducing a new world without first letting us understand the characters. This makes it difficult to feel invested initially, as it starts off slowly with an indifferent tone. However, as the story unfolds, you may find yourself drawn in by their flaws and rooting for them to succeed, not just survive, during the 100-day ordeal.

BBC1’s new talent show from the X Factor team avoids past mistakes

Revealing the significant challenges at a later point adds suspense and excitement, but without inducing harmful worry. It appears that “Made in Korea” has wisely adopted strategies from its earlier counterparts, showing concern for the artists’ health and well-being.

Instead of searching for someone like Simon Cowell, it wouldn’t be productive. His critical comments, disguised as ‘frankness,’ are outdated. However, the boys receive straightforward feedback that seems intended to keep them focused and provide a genuine portrayal of their progress and the effort needed to succeed, rather than for entertainment.

The intriguing concept of “Made in Korea” propels the series past its initial episode for many, and for us Brits, it offers a captivating backstage view of the K-pop industry as seen through the aspirations of five determined young contenders aiming to achieve stardom.

BBC1’s new talent show from the X Factor team avoids past mistakes

Broadcasting this Saturday, August 17 at 5:15pm on both BBC One and the BBC iPlayer: “Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience” – an exclusive look into the world of Korean pop music!

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2024-08-13 18:49

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