HYBE America announced on the 22nd (local time in the U.S.) that it will produce a movie themed around K-pop in collaboration with Paramount Pictures, a leading film production company in the U.S.
The film is set to capture the story of a Korean American girl who participates in an audition TV program to become the next-generation K-pop girl group despite her family's opposition, and the title is yet to be determined. Yoon Ji-young, who played the youngest member "Joy" of Huntress in the Netflix animated film "K-pop Demon Hunters," and Eric Nam, who starred as "Yona Yoon," a surgical resident in the Hollywood film "Transplant" released last year, have been cast as the leads.
The film aims to be released in theaters on Feb. 12, 2027, with filming expected to begin in mid-September this year entirely in Korea. This will be the first film produced by one of Hollywood's major film studios to shoot all of its scenes in Korea.
Benson Lee will direct, and Eileen Shim will handle the screenplay. Additionally, James Shin, president of the film and TV institutional sector of HYBE America, Arthur Spector and Joshua Davis of Epic Magazine, and Scooter Braun will participate in the production. Joshua Bearman, John Zaozirny, and Scott Manson of Epic Magazine will serve as executive producers. Bryan Oh, senior vice president of Paramount Pictures, will oversee the entire project on behalf of the production company.
Director Benson Lee noted, "This film is my love letter to K-pop, which has energy, passion, magic, and an incredible community supporting it," adding, "I sincerely thank Paramount Pictures for supporting the project, the production crew for their unwavering dedication, and everyone who made this story a reality."
James Shin, president of the film and TV institutional sector of HYBE America, said, "I am very pleased to combine efforts with Paramount Pictures for this historic opportunity to showcase the story of K-pop to audiences around the world," and that, "The film will portray the dedication, artistry, and endless popularity of K-pop while telling a universal theme about chasing dreams despite any adversity."
[Photo] HYBE America, Paramount Pictures logo, OSEN DB, 'K-pop Demon Hunters'
[OSEN]