Inside the Highs and Lows of the K-pop Industry: 'K-pop Idols' Documentary Premieres on Apple TV+

The new Apple TV+ series 'K-pop Idols' offers a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of K-pop stars and trainees. It features artists like Jessi, Cravity, and Blackswan, exposing the strict regimes, intense training, and industry challenges as well as the push for diversity within K-pop.

The new Apple TV+ series 'K-pop Idols,' premiering Friday, delves into the rigorous lifestyle and challenges faced by K-pop stars and trainees. The six-part series sheds light on the grueling practice schedules, restrictive diets, and significant pressures within the K-pop industry.

Featured personalities include Korean American star Jessi and rising bands like Cravity and Blackswan. The documentary highlights not just their performances but also the intense preparations leading up to their 'comeback' seasons, where training sessions can last up to 10 hours a day.

Besides exposing industry pressures, the series also explores K-pop's evolving diversity. Amid BTS's international success, K-pop labels have started recruiting foreign talent, leading to unique challenges. The documentary paints a comprehensive picture of K-pop's global expansion and ongoing debates about the genre's identity.

(With inputs from agencies.)