NEWS: JYP Entertainment and Republic Records Team Up to Create An American Group that Follows the K-Pop Blueprint
Earlier today, JYP Entertainment, Republic Records, and Federal Films announced their new project: a first-of-its-kind reality competition show called A2K. The show will provide rising talent in the United States and Canada the chance to compete and become a part of the next global girl group! In-person auditions will be held in five cities in the States:
Atlanta: September 10th
Chicago: September 14th
NYC: September 17th & 18th
Dallas: September 20th
LA: September 23rd– 25th
Semifinalists will be flown to JYP Entertainment’s headquarters in Korea, where they will undergo intensive training from K-Pop’s top executives, choreographers, and producers.
For the very first time in history, A2K will combine the legendary K-Pop idol training model, formula, and discipline with a Western framework, channeling the core elements of the music, fashion, talent, and fans that make pop groups stand out.
Republic Records Founder and Chief Executive Monte Lipman issued the following statement about this news:
“J.Y. Park remains an icon and pioneer of K-Pop music. His impact in the music community and popular culture continues to resonate on an extraordinary level. Applying JYP’s values and curation with American artists will give us the opportunity to create an International Super Group for today’s marketplace.”
JYP Entertainment Founder and Chairman J.Y. Park added:
"This is the biggest project ever for me and JYP Entertainment, making an American artist through the K-Pop system. Not only because America is the biggest market in the world, but because I started this company based on an American model, which is Motown Records. I was so inspired [by] how they developed their artists. We just took it to another level, making it into a system. A system where we find raw talents and give them a perfect training system, where they learn all things that are required to grow into a true artist… And 25 years later, to go back into the market where I got the idea from is truly unbelievable."
The all-girl group that forms through A2K will partner with both JYP Entertainment and Republic Records for all future music releases.
Stay tuned for more information about this news in upcoming episodes of 17 Carat K-Pop, and find out how to audition here!