Before they were known as dearALICE, the five-member talented British boy group were put through their paces on a 100-day training K-pop bootcamp which saw them train under major K-pop agency SM Entertainment. Each week the group rehearses for a new performance to be evaluated by Hee Jun Yoon who has trained top SM idols.
As someone who is not a major fan of boy groups, dearALICE is certainly an anomaly. For those of us that were too young to support One Direction, this is our chance to enter a new wave of British boy group era.
Episode One aired on Saturday 17th August 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 One Summary
- Five young adults – James, Dexter, Olly, Reese, and Blaise travel to Itaewon, Korea for an intensive 100-day K-pop training bootcamp with top agency SM Entertainment.
- Just like K-pop idols, the group live together in a shared accommodation, which even features a rehearsal space.
- From vocal training to tough dance rehearsals and exploring Korean culture – the group are put through their paces for an ultimate K-pop experience.
- Moments are interspersed with individual interviews from the members. As well as, interviews with K-pop idol guest stars including Anton from RIIZE, and Suho from EXO.
- The group prepares for their first evaluation. They perform ‘Vibes‘ whilst looking to impress ‘Head of Training’ at SM Entertainment, Hee Jun Yoon.
The only time you’re not training is when you are sleeping.
Suho, EXO on idol life.
A Quick Overview on the Members:
- James is the thoughtful, calm and collected member with a soft-natured empathetic personality.
- Dexter is the sunshine energy of the group with a lively personality, infectious laugh, and has fashionista vibes.
- Olly is the confident and attentive communicator of the group with model good-looks.
- Reese is the all-rounder with natural talent, cheeky charisma, and a rare special charm.
- Blaise is the talented dancer who is the charismatically resonant, and friendly maknae with leadership potential.
Made In Korea: Episode One Review
Each member receives their own quick snapshot introduction. We see them in-action either in vocal training or dance rehearsal before we cut to a short introduction covering each member’s personality and backstory. Of course, each member has a background in either dance, singing, or performing and this is shown through each of their different strengths.
The group is soon told to work together more and less as individuals and there’s no doubt we will see more of their group bonding throughout the series. But for anyone, moving to Korea for a 100-day bootcamp at SM Entertainment with five young adults who were just strangers before this process with a 24/7 camera crew is plenty to handle.
We’re a unit of five, and so if anyone’s struggling with one thing, we’re all struggling with that one thing.
Reese Carter on team dynamics.
Certainly, the group are all likeable, but we haven’t seen who they are nor their potential as a group just yet. But what the show does best is how it handles the balance between the fun moments and the serious moments. Like the dance challenge between the Jolly Joes (James and Olly) and the Clean Up Crew (Blaise, Dexter, and Reese). To more serious moments like the dramatically tensional Hee Jun evaluation.
Light-Hearted Moments Mixed In with Tough Criticism
Made In Korea: The K-pop Experience mixes up the tone well to create light-hearted moments interspersed with tough-to-watch harsh criticism. But we also see their new friendships put to the test. We watch how they each feedback off one another. From either offering advice, making improvements or giving praise to their dance performances.
Ultimately, Reese seems to be positioned as the main lead protagonist of this reality show. From the start, the show sets him up as the kind one who faces up to challenges. And he’s not afraid to show his humility throughout the training programme.
Hee Jun even seems to take a liking to him the most. Concluding that Reese is the ‘best dancer and singer’ of the first evaluation, despite Reese labelling himself at just 35 out of 100 for the group’s first performance. Reese was my favourite throughout the show, so this alignment certainly worked for me from the very start.
When I perform, I feel like I can properly be me.
Reese Carter on the power of performance.
Raw Footage of Idol Training
This first episode covers a lot of ground. Perhaps it’s too much at first. It’s a slightly overwhelming mixture of the group visiting K-pop locations with influencer, the K-pop Cowboy to dance practice, vocal training, and exploring Korean culture with Super Junior star, Shee Dung. We see all of the raw moments from their challenging training too. But it’s how they handle this pressure as a group which is at the heart of each of their stories.
Clearly there’s so much more footage that’s just edited to its core across this series. Perhaps we need another documentary to just show the behind-the-scenes footage from their rehearsals and other outings from the show? Even exploring the audition process for scouting all five members would be something fans want to see.
Episode Rating: 3 Stars
Where to Watch Made In Korea: The K-pop Experience?
For UK viewers, episode one 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 two is coming out next week.
Don’t forget to check out our ultimate guide on dearALICE here.
