Last week we reviewed episode three of BBC’s Made In Korea: The K-pop Experience Documentary series. Make sure to read the reviews for episode one, two, and three first. There’s six episodes in the series and each week will see us revisit the show with a summary breakdown and review on each episode.
Episode Four aired on Saturday 7th September 2024 on BBC One. We look back on the show that formed the group and the start of their journey.
If you haven’t already, read our ultimate guide on dearALICE here.
Made In Korea: Episode Four Summary
- This week sees the group perform the vocals and dance to Classic.
- The new challenge involves performing at the Gwanghallu Pavilion. But it’s far from easy as the group suffers with such problems as hay fever and performing in soaring temperatures.
- The group receive an encouraging message from K-pop superstars, aespa.
- Blaise questions the harsh feedback from Hee Jun and his place in the band is put on the line.
- Olly, Reese, and Blaise try Korean street food at Seoul’s infamous Gwangjang Market to encourage Reese to follow a healthier lifestyle.
- The group learn about Hanbok fashion as part of Korean culture with Super Junior star, Shindong.
Performing as a group relies on strong teamwork and good chemistry.
SUHO, EXO on what it takes to make it as a boy band.
Made In Korea: Episode Four Review
There’s more drama. And the group are much more in their element now. In terms of relationship dynamics and overall synchronisation. As they keep stating, they’re much more of a group now than ever before in their journey. So far, this fourth episode is the strongest in the series and has a focus on Blaise. There’s a better balance between experiencing Korean culture and working hard to improve as a band.
Not Giving Up
Blaise is told by Hee Jun to work on becoming more of a unit than standing out as an individual. Although, as he understandably takes the feedback to heart, Blaise then greatly improves his relationship dynamics with the group. We see a huge change in Blaise’s attitude and shift in perception on how he comes across.
But Hee Jun’s feedback makes Blaise reflect. And so, he delves more into this ’emotional vulnerability’ in order to exact such change. As a perfectionist, we see Blaise learn to let go and tap into his emotional side. And as James points out, to let go of ego is needed for such change. Even if Blaise is the maknae (youngest) he still feels the need to really prove himself.
There’s no doubt episode four is the most dramatic of the series so far. There’s a crucial band meeting held to develop a closer bond. Such heated conversations include topics such as, attitudes and working together as a unit to getting tattoos which could harm the overall image of the band.
These raw conversations let us see glimpses of what being in a band is really like. Despite each battling their own inner struggles, they are soon developing into a tight-knit group which is a crucial step for band success.
I feel like there’s definitely been a big development in us getting closer. It’s really feeling like we’re in a band now. It’s exciting.
Blaise Noon on the boy band journey.
Emotions Run High
Their own individual struggles are lightly touched upon throughout the episode. From James’ worry of his brother Lewis, who is in hospital for a collapsed lung. This then causes James to fall behind in the choreography.
Whilst Reese struggles with nailing the pitch for the high notes in ‘Classic.’ Pressure builds up and eventually emotions run high for Reese. He works on his confidence, and we see him excel the high note with a smile.
Trouble then brews for Dexter, who suffers with hay fever just before the group’s evaluated performance at the Gwanghallu Pavilion. And we see how he monitors his glucose levels for his Type 1 diabetes. As he points out, it’s an ‘exhaustive silent battle.’
Other times in the episode, Olly gets muddled with the choreography after the group is challenged to blindfolded dance practice. Meanwhile Blaise has a crucial meeting with Hee Jun to secure his place in the band. But it’s no surprise he’s committed to stay and work hard.
I always try to be as kind as possible. And as hardworking as possible.
Blaise Noon on life in the band.
Exploring Korean Culture
After harsh training, the band explore more of Korea along with experiences with Super Junior star, Shindong and lively influencer, the K-pop Cowboy. With Shindong, they explore Korean folklore and Hanbok fashion which sees them dress as Kings or in Blaise’s case he chooses a more female fashion choice. In what has now become an iconic moment from the show, Blaise strolls around in a pink dress clutching a handbag whilst the rest of the group choose to wear more traditional clothing.
Whilst the K-pop Cowboy takes Olly, Reese, and Blaise through Korean street food in Seoul’s Gwangjang Market to expand their Korean palate. Particularly, Reese who is encouraged to lead a healthier diet and choose better lifestyle choices. We see him reluctantly try new foods alongside Blaise and Olly who try such dishes including Dakbal (chicken feet), octopus, and pig’s feet.
Despite all of this, Reese rejects trying a dried strawberry. Fruit and veg just aren’t his thing. Just like as Blaise jokingly points out, ‘it’s chocolate and burgers. Or chocolate burgers.’ But particularly in this episode, the band comes across as more sincere than ever before. As we see more of their emotional sides open up. They’re presented less as budding stars here and more as humans.
Episode Rating: 4.5 Stars
Where To Watch?
For UK viewers, episode four of Made In Korea: The K-pop Experience is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer and on Roku TV for US viewers.
But we’re not finished with Made In Korea! Our review of Made In Korea: The K-pop Experience – episode five is coming out next week.
Don’t forget to check out our ultimate guide on dearALICE here.