Last week we reviewed episode two of BBC’s Made In Korea: The K-pop Experience Documentary series. Make sure to read the reviews first for episode one here and episode two here. 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 Three aired on Saturday 31st 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 Three Summary
- This week sees the group perform the vocals and dance to Life Is A Movie.
- The new challenge involves performing in their first-ever music video.
- But their biggest challenge yet is to act and perform cohesively as a group.
- Blaise suffers a leg injury and must sit out for three days with an inflamed tendon.
- The group gets a makeover and new styling for their music video.
- Some tension arises in the group but among them builds strong friendships like Blexter (Blaise and Dexter).
- The group fights out any tension through a competition of Belt Wrestling (Ssireum).
Whenever a teacher or mentor will tell you about something that you can improve on, being able to take that feedback and work on it is really important.
Anton, RIIZE on taking feedback as an idol.
Made In Korea: Episode Three Review
We’re halfway through reviewing the show already. This episode had more of a focus on Dexter. The group is really put to the test this week, having to prepare for performing in their first-ever music video for new song, Life Is A Movie. We see them being put through their paces from vocal training to dance practice.
But this week, Blaise suffers a leg injury which pretty much prevents him from training for three days. We see his frustration for not being able to perform and his strive for perfection shines through. With each episode we delve more into each member’s personality. Through tough moments we really get to see how they handle such pressure together.
Forming Closer Friendships
Now 50 days into their 100-day training programme, the group competes in Belt Wrestling (Ssireum) to form a closer bond. Interestingly, similar to episode one of Made In Korea, Reese is positioned as the main protagonist. Hee Jun seems to take a liking to his natural talent and dedication to each performance. Whilst Blaise is slightly given a more negative stance and is portrayed as self-assured, competitive, and headstrong. This comes to a halt at the end of the episode and leaves a dramatic turn into episode four. But as a viewer it’s easy to judge their performances from afar.
Yet if we put ourselves in their shoes – they are young, impressionable, and still learning to adapt together as a unit. There’s tension between the youngest, Blaise and the eldest member, James. But the real trick is not to take all of these on-camera moments too seriously. It’s just all part of the learning process.
However, it’s great to see the moments of support, bonding, and growing friendships among the group. We receive the first ‘Blexter’ chat, which if you’re a dearALICE fan like me, you’ll know we see their friendship truly blossom beyond the show.
In a high-pressured environment, their exhaustive hard work, dedication to the craft, and ability to take on relentlessly harsh criticism makes them admirable as young people entering into the music industry. This episode especially sees the character arc for Reese as he builds his confidence in all aspects of performance from dance to vocals, and overall presence. Even their guest choreographer, states ‘you seem like a team now. I feel proud to see it.’
Makeover & Styling
Some of the best moments from the series so far is the introduction of K-pop stylists, Cheri and Nara. They take us through each member’s outfit choices and how they usually dress. The stylists then take this as inspiration for dressing each member. Both as individuals but also working collaboratively to achieve the ‘vibes’ of a real team. A quick insight sees Olly’s fancy cowboy boots to Dexter’s cool basketball shorts, and we learn how each of their styles can be utilised later on.
For the music video, there’s four concepts – Young Casual, School Boys, Grunge Chic, and ‘90s Uniform. The group agrees on a mixture between options one and three. Understandably, for their first music video they are styled in quite young outfits to fit the aesthetic of a K-pop boy band. But they appear less British in this way. As such their values sort of slide away with this new influence even if it is a show about experiencing the K-pop treatment.
This week’s really exciting. It’s making me feel like a ‘little kid dream coming true’ kind of vibe.
Dexter Greenwood on receiving K-pop styling.
A Journey of Bonding
Another iconic moment from this episode is Olly’s makeover into what Reese calls the ‘Princess Diana’ look. These heartfelt moments where we see the group develop closer bonds make them even more likeable. But these moments could definitely be made more of throughout the show so far.
Even though the show capitalises on the drama, there’s of course heartfelt moments too that deserve just the same amount of spotlight. While Made In Korea tries to balance both the emotionally dramatic and excitingly jovial, there’s a slight disconnect in how they planned to present the group.
Yes, they’re rookies training and we see an insight into the raw behind-the-scenes footage but there’s obviously plenty of positive moments that we just don’t get to see either. Perhaps it’s done in a way to highlight the lack of positive feedback received throughout the group’s time in K-pop idol training?
The choreographers are harsh; they tend to not say positive stuff. So, if you get less negative, that’s a positive.
Dexter Greenwood on K-pop training.
Episode Rating: 3.5 Stars
Where To Watch?
For UK viewers, episode three 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 four is coming out next week.
Don’t forget to check out our ultimate guide on dearALICE here.
