Home / Film / K-Pop Movie: Ji‑Young Yoo & Eric Nam to Star

K-Pop Movie: Ji‑Young Yoo & Eric Nam to Star

K-pop isn’t just a genre—it’s a global force. Now, Hollywood’s finally catching up.
Side by side image of new K-Pop movie stars Ji-young Yoo and Eric Nam

Sound the K‑pop sirens, besties! Hollywood is finally giving us the K‑Pop Movie we’ve been dreaming about.

Paramount Pictures and HYBE America are teaming up for a full-blown music drama starring Ji‑Young Yoo and Eric Nam (!!). 

The untitled project is set to delve into the highs, lows, and glitter of the K-pop trainee system, from the perspective of a Korean-American girl chasing her idol dreams.

With a powerhouse creative team (hello, Benson Lee directing, Eileen Shim writing), this isn’t just fan service—it’s culture.

Ji-Young Yoo and Eric Nam Lead the K-pop Movie Cast

In a casting choice that has fans buzzing, Ji‑Young Yoo (known for Expats and KPop Demon Hunters) has landed the leading role. She plays a Korean-American teenager who enters a televised audition to become the newest member of a rising K-pop girl group—all while navigating pressure from her family.

Her role in the latest Netflix K-pop animation movie proves that she has the talent to be involved in this. 

Side by side image of Ji-young Yoo and her 'KPop Demon Hunters' character Zoey - new k-pop movie coming soon
Left: Ji-young Yoo (IMDb), Right: Zoey from 'KPop Demon Hunters' (Netflix)

Alongside her is Eric Nam, the globally recognized K-pop artist and rising actor. With previous roles in Transplant and Netflix’s upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender, Nam brings major charisma and authenticity to the screen. This K-pop movie will mark his first major film with Paramount.

If you haven’t heard of Eric Nam before and want to sample his angelic voice then look-up the soundtrack for the Netflix show Encounter. The show is also worth a watch – fair warning, you will need tissues.

Image of American Singer Eric Nam star of a new k-pop movie coming in 2027.
Eric Nam (CJ E&M)

A K-pop Movie With Big Names Behind the Scenes

The film is being directed by Benson Lee, whose past work (Seoul Searching) explored Korean identity with humor and heart. As a lifelong fan of K-pop, Lee described the project in a recent statement: “This film is my love letter to K-pop — its energy, passion, magic, and the incredible community behind it.”

The screenplay is written by Eileen Shim, with early drafts contributed by Adele Lim (Crazy Rich Asians). The producing team includes James Shin for HYBE America, as well as Scooter Braun, Arthur Spector, and Joshua Davis of Epic Magazine. 

With so many creative forces on board, this K-pop movie is shaping up to be a polished and powerful production.

And let’s not forget, HYBE has BTS in its back pocket 💜

Filming Will Take Place Entirely in South Korea

One of the most exciting parts of this K-pop movie? The filming location.

Production is set to start in mid-September 2025, with the entire shoot happening in South Korea. This will be a first for a major Hollywood studio.

This bold move adds authenticity and shines a spotlight on Korea’s culture and entertainment industry.

Fans can expect scenes that show more than just glitz—think idol training studios, daily routines, and vibrant city backdrops.

Image of Seoul in South Korea

When Will the Movie Be Released?

Paramount have stated that the K-pop movie is scheduled for a theatrical release in February 2027.

While that might feel far off, the buzz has already begun and probably won’t slow down anytime soon.

Filming is set to start later this year, and fans can likely expect teasers, posters, and a full title reveal sometime in 2026.

Why This Movie Matters

Think of all your favourite K-pop artists, they all had to start somewhere.

Even better, the team telling this story is made up of both Korean and American creatives. This will bring depth, heart, and lived understanding to every scene.

This isn’t just about idols and dance breaks. It’s about identity, ambition, and the very real cost of chasing stardom.

But the biggest reason of all? The fans.

K-pop fandoms don’t just support idols, they build global communities, drive trends, and fuel billion-dollar industries. They deserve stories that reflect their passion, not just backstage drama or surface-level stereotypes.

This film gives fans the recognition they’ve earned by showcasing their world, their devotion, and their voice on the big screen. A celebration of the entire K-Pop industry and the people who put them there. 

image of the Korean finger heart

Lights, Camera, Comeback: A K-pop Movie Worth Waiting For

Between the Seoul setting, the stellar casting, and the promise of on-stage drama, we’re ready to stan this movie like it’s a debut era. 💖

Whether you’re a casual listener or full-blown lightstick warrior, this is one cinematic event you’ll want on your 2027 vision board.

Keep your eyes peeled and your playlists ready, because when the teaser drops, you know we’ll be screaming about it right here on Pinksoop.

Signed, sealed, Pinksooped 💅