K-Pop: The Debut

Premise

Lizzy Lee, a young Korean-American woman who, tired of spending her life following the path her family chose for her, secretly decides to pursue her dream after landing a spot in a competition show to form the next K-pop girl group in Seoul.

Cast

Ji-young Yoo as Lizzy Lee

Eric Nam as Kevin Park

Tony Revolori

Yoo Ji-tae

Kang So-ra

Renata Vaca as Jojo

Silia Kapsis

Sung Joon as Tony

Lee Hyung-chul

Shana Kim as Maya

Aliyah Turner as Aliyah

Gia Kim

Jubi Park

Ahin Lee as Yumi

The members of ILLIT make a cameo appearance in the film.

Production

In August 2018, it was announced that Fox 2000 Pictures was developing a film centered on K-pop with Scooter Braun and Epic Magazine attached to produce. Elyse Hollander was announced to write the screenplay for the film. In August 2020, Benson Lee was set to direct the film, now under 20th Century Studios after the acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney.

In July 2025, it was reported that Paramount Pictures had acquired the film in turnaround, with the latest draft written by Eileen Shim. Ji-young Yoo and Eric Nam were also announced to star in the film, with filming expected to "be the first major American studio film shot entirely in South Korea." In September 2025, the rest of the cast was officially announced. The film title was revealed at the 2026 CinemaCon where it was announced that Katseye would also appear in the film. Illit's involvement in the film was revealed during a surprise clip premiere during the second day of concerts at KCON LA 2026, with Nam and Yoo also making an on-stage appearance to promote the film before Illit performed.

Principal photography began in September 2025, in Seoul.

Release

K-Pop: The Debut is set to be released in the United States on February 26, 2027. It was previously set to release on February 12, 2027.