New film ‘K-POPS!’ blends Anderson .Paak with cameos from K-pop stars

The comedy film “K-POPS!” is drawing attention ahead of its release for using music to bridge generational divides while exploring Korean American identity. The K-POPS! film focuses on family, culture and belonging, using humor and music to connect different backgrounds and experiences.

On February 2, director and lead actor Anderson .Paak and actor-producer Johnny “Dumbfoundead” Park held a press conference at the Korean Festival Foundation office. There, they discussed the film’s origins, themes and cultural significance.

According to the filmmakers, K-POPS! follows an LA-based musician seeking a comeback. Through a K-pop audition program, he travels to South Korea. There, he reunites with his estranged son, who dreams of becoming a future K-pop star. The story unfolds through humor and music, therefore highlighting family relationships, identity and cultural intersections.

Anderson .Paak said the film grew out of experiences during the pandemic, when he spent extended time with his son. In addition, he explained that understanding his son’s passion for K-pop led him to reflect on his own roots and musical identity.

His real-life son, Soul Rasheed, appears in the film as the character Tae-young. The narrative draws from Anderson .Paak’s family history, including his upbringing with a Korean mother. Therefore, the film presents a layered portrayal of a Korean mother-son relationship shaped by culture and music.

Anderson .Paak described K-POPS! as deeply personal. He said the project reflects his goal of weaving together Korean culture, Black culture and music. Although production took more than five years, he called the film a defining work of his life. He added that understanding one’s roots and history is essential to moving forward.

The film stars Anderson .Paak, Ji-young Han, Johnny “Dumbfoundead” Park, Soul Rasheed, and Yvette Nicole Brown. In addition, several well-known K-pop artists make cameo appearances, including Vernon of SEVENTEEN, Crush, Jessi, and G-Dragon.

K-POPS! premiered as a Special Presentation at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The film runs 114 minutes. It will open nationwide on February 27 at about 300 AMC theaters.

Meanwhile, Anderson .Paak is a nine-time Grammy Award–winning musician and producer. He is also known as one half of the duo Silk Sonic with Bruno Mars. Their song “Leave the Door Open” topped the Billboard Hot 100. In addition, Anderson .Paak has collaborated with G-Dragon on the track “Too Bad.”

BY YOONSEO SONG  [song.yoonseo@koreadaily.com]