Kpopped (2025) Cast – All the Actors and Roles

Forget just crossing over—this is a full-scale musical invasion. Kpopped! is the groundbreaking competition series that pairs legendary Western artists with the precision-powered world of K-pop idols. Together, they will reimagine, remix, and reinvent classic hits into explosive performance pieces, battling for the ultimate approval: the roar of a live audience in the heart of Seoul.

This isn’t a show; it’s a global pop culture event. With a judge’s panel and collaborator list read like a music history hall of fame, and featuring one of K-pop’s most beloved girl groups, Kpopped! promises a dazzling, high-stakes celebration of music’s universal language and its most dynamic evolution.

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THE MASTER OF CEREMONIES

– PSY as HOST

The man who first truly bridged the gap between K-pop and global superstardom with “Gangnam Style,” PSY is the ideal ringmaster for this musical circus. As host, he brings his inimitable energy, humor, and deep respect for both musical worlds. He’s the charismatic glue holding the chaos together, able to crack a joke with a Western legend and offer a word of encouragement to a competing idol in the same breath.

Expect his role to be more than just introducing acts; PSY will be a cultural translator and the show’s biggest cheerleader. His presence guarantees that the show’s tone remains joyful, celebratory, and authentically connected to its Seoul setting, all while delivering the kind of viral-worthy moments he’s famous for.

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THE LEGENDARY JUDGE & COLLABORATOR

– Megan Thee Stallion as JUDGE & COLLABORATOR

Meg is not just watching; she’s shaping the game. As a judge, her expertise is unmatched—a chart-topping artist who understands performance power, lyrical agility, and stage presence on a cellular level. Her feedback will be direct, fiery, and coveted, especially when it comes to nailing a verse or commanding the camera.

But the real magic happens when she steps from behind the panel to collaborate. Imagine a blistering “Savage” remix fused with traditional Korean instruments, or a high-octane dance break alongside ITZY. Megan embodies the show’s thesis: that great music is a conversation, and she’s fluent in every genre.

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THE WESTERN ICONS: THE CATALYSTS

This is not just a list of artists; it’s a curated spectrum of pop history, each chosen to create a unique fusion shockwave.

• The Pop Disco Queen (Kylie Minogue): Can “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” be transformed into a moody, synth-heavy K-pop track? Kylie’s iconic dance-pop is a perfect canvas for a futuristic makeover.

• The Hip-Hop & R&B Pioneers (Eve, Boyz II Men, TLC): This group represents the rhythmic soul of the West. Eve’s slick rap flow over a hard-hitting K-pop beat? Boyz II Men’s heavenly harmonies blended with a idol group’s vocal line? A reboot of “Waterfalls” with a new generation? The potential is endless.

• The Electro-Pop Powerhouses (Kesha, Ava Max): These artists bring the party. Kesha’s glitter-drenched anthems and Ava Max’s soaring hooks are天然 fits for the high-concept, maximalist world of K-pop performance.

• The 80s/90s Time Travelers (Vanilla Ice, Taylor Dayne, Boy George, Mel B, Emma Bunton): This is where the nostalgia bomb hits. “Ice Ice Baby” as a trap-EDM hybrid? “Tell It to My Heart” with a dramatic K-drama-inspired performance? The Spice Girls’ “Stop” as a co-ed group number? The cultural whiplash will be glorious.

• The Divine Icon (Patti LaBelle): The wildcard. Patti’s legendary, powerhouse vocals could either be paired with a soaring ballad for a show-stopping moment or unexpectedly layered over a hip-hop track for something truly revolutionary.

• The Global Superstar (J Balvin): J Balvin brings the unstoppable rhythms of reggaeton and Latin pop into the mix, guaranteeing a fusion that will set the global charts on fire.

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THE K-POP COMPETITORS: THE ALCHEMISTS

– ITZY as THEMSELVES

ITZY isn’t just competing; they are the embodiment of the modern K-pop ethos—self-empowerment, fierce individuality, and jaw-dropping synchronized performance. As the featured K-pop group, they will be the constant, the alchemical element that each Western artist must blend with.

Their role is monumental. They must adapt on the fly, mastering the nuances of each collaborator’s signature style while infusing it with their own iconic “ITZY” energy. The pressure to honor a legend while making the song their own is the core drama of the entire series. Watch for their precision, their versatility, and their undeniable charisma to be the show’s secret weapon.

– Soojeong Son as CO-HOST

Working alongside PSY, Soojeong Son will provide essential hosting duties, likely offering a smoother, more traditional counterbalance to PSY’s exuberance. Her presence ensures the show maintains a polished, professional flow amidst the creative chaos.

Get ready for the most unpredictable, genre-bending musical event of the year. Stream Kpopped! only on Apple TV+, starting August 29, 2025.