KPOPPED: Apple TV+ Unites K-Pop and Western Pop in a Global Song Battle

Apple TV+ is about to drop one of its most ambitious music series yet. KPOPPED, an eight-part song battle show premiering Friday, August 29, brings together the biggest names in K-pop with some of the most iconic Western pop stars for a cross-cultural celebration never seen before.

Produced by CJ ENM, Eureka Productions, and Apple TV+, the series invites audiences to watch as East meets West, with artists joining forces to reimagine and perform mega-hit songs under the pressure of the clock. KPOPPED is hosted by actor and comedian Soojeong Son, alongside global music icons PSY and Megan Thee Stallion.

At its core, KPOPPED is designed to bring people together. Executive Producer Moira Ross hopes viewers feel the joy of collaboration: “I hope they enjoy it and take away the sheer joy from the music collaboration from both parties.”

Fellow Executive Producer Jake Hong echoes that vision, framing the show as both entertainment and cultural bridge: “I really hope they take away a fun celebratory show and continue the K-pop phenomenon. We believe that music is the universal language that transcends borders, and we believe this is a show that shows that music makes one.”

The show’s power lies in its unexpected pairings, from legacy icons to next-gen talent. “I think all of our collaborations are exciting and totally unexpected,” says Ross. “Some would be fans of one another and have a pre-existing relationship, which is well-known in terms of J Balvin and ATEEZ and their history back at Coachella. Some were just fans and it made sense as well in terms of Spice Girls and Itzy. But there were many other factors as well.”

For Hong, it came down to honoring the wide range of talents within K-pop: “K-pop has a really large range of talents in each group, so it was about piecing it together. For example, Kesha and JO1 — since both teams dance, it was a factor we had to consider in turning them together.”

KPOPPED isn’t just another competition show, as it’s a bold attempt to reshape how global audiences experience music. “We know and respect the importance of the fans in terms of K-pop, but we also hope that all of those diehard fans enjoy the show and the same in terms of those Western artists’ fans — and that we find a new fandom across the board,” Ross explains.

Hong emphasizes that the timing couldn’t be more right: “K-pop is now a global phenomenon and we continue to see that music transcends borders. People are now more interested in K-pop than ever, so we really thought the time is now to combine the K-pop world with Western artists in a way never done before. It’s about celebrating creativity, diversity, and passion — and showing how CJ ENM, Apple TV+, and Eureka bring fans across borders through music and untold stories.”

Featuring powerhouse K-pop groups like BILLIE, ITZY, KEP1ER, JO1, ATEEZ, STAYC, Kiss of Life, and Blackswan, alongside Western icons including Patti Labelle, Spice Girls’ Mel B and Emma Bunton, Vanilla Ice, Taylor Dayne, Kesha, J Balvin, Kylie Minogue, TLC, Boy George, Jess Glynne, Ava Max, and Boyz II Men, KPOPPED promises to be as unexpected as it is unifying.

With a format that champions collaboration, joy, and cross-cultural connection, KPOPPED is set to be more than just a music competition as it’s a global stage where East and West meet, perform, and celebrate as one.

KPOPPED premieres Friday, August 29, exclusively on Apple TV+.