Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE

The voyeuristic competition series looks at the rigorous process that goes into creating and debuting a K-pop group; on the line is stardom and lucrative returns for their labels. The Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE contestants (the first 20 of which were chosen from 120K applicants) are shown constantly practicing songs and routines, learning how to dance in heels, getting makeovers, and receiving tough but constructive criticism as they vie for a place on what the labels hope will be an internationally successful act. Meanwhile, each young woman has her own professional backstory, as well as individual strengths and weaknesses, the latter of which are unapologetically put on full display throughout.

The series' concept is reminiscent of early-2000s series like Making the Band, but what makes Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE different is the merging of two culturally different industry approaches: It combines the structure and uniformity of K-pop culture with the Western celebration of individual uniqueness. It also highlights the key role social media now plays in the process of launching, promoting, and supporting new talent, and how the misuse of it can end a career before it even begins. You won't see a lot of interpersonal cast drama or polished group performances here, but you'll certainly see the hard and often unglamorous work and sacrifice it takes to make it in the profession.