​​​​​​​K-pop training goes global: World K-pop Center plans 32-nation girl group project

By AJP Posted : December 4, 2024, 17:55 Updated : December 4, 2024, 17:55
Park Sung-jin, CEO of World K-pop Center, speaks during the launch ceremony of AJP in Seoul's FKI Tower on Dec. 3, 2024. AJP Yoo Dae-gil
SEOUL, December 4 (AJP) -- "K-pop stands at the heart of Korean culture today. We aim to create a true cultural exchange by bringing together girl groups from 32 different nations," says Park Sung-jin, CEO of World K-pop Center.

Speaking at the launch of news platform AJP at Seoul's FKI Tower on Tuesday, Park detailed his organization's vision for globalizing K-pop education through a U.N.-inspired strategy.

Park emphasized that while famous K-pop artists have played a crucial role in the genre's success, it's Korea's unique training system that made their development possible. 

The World K-pop Center, located near Seoul's Mount Nam, has established branches worldwide and collaborates with entertainment agencies, broadcasters and institutions to provide K-pop education programs.

"We've helped debut around 600 stars through our center – you could call us a 'K-pop factory,'" Park said. "Now we're undertaking an ambitious project to debut seven-member groups in each of 32 countries."

The center has conducted a worldwide K-pop girl group audition program called "Click the Star" across 32 nations, resulting in the formation of "Bling One" groups in each country. 

These groups, while sharing the same name, perform in their local languages and have already debuted on Korean music shows, generating dedicated fan bases in their respective countries.
 
Bling One members perform during the launch ceremony of AJP in Seoul's FKI Tower on Dec. 3, 2024. AJP Yoo Dae-gil
"When all Bling One members come together, they form a 220-member ensemble," Park explained. "They can perform in continental combinations, creating genuine cultural exchange opportunities."

The center plans an unprecedented joint performance featuring all 220 Bling One members in fall 2026, potentially setting a Guinness World Record. 

"These groups serve as cultural exchange ambassadors and fan community role models in their respective countries," Park said.

In Korea, the center works with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization to offer K-pop experience programs linking educational institutions with tourists. It also produces concerts and regular performances.

Park concluded by emphasizing that K-pop has evolved beyond its Korean origins. "While Korea pioneered many of these approaches and styles, we're now working to facilitate global cultural exchange through these methods," he said.

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