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KPOP is not what it seems. Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE exposes the brutal world of the KPOP trainee life. Katseye is a “global girl group” formed by a Korean reality TV show, Dream Academy, a collaboration between American record label Geffen Records, behind pop artists like Olivia Rodrigo, and Korean HYBE, the label behind global sensation BTS.

After months of grueling training, ten girls stood on stage to be introduced to the world, but only six had their names called. Over eight episodes, Netflix’s latest docuseries uncovers the intense vocal, dance, and media training these girls went through, as well as the intense mental pressure they endured to earn their place in the group.

The KPOP trainee system is a high-pressure, 18-month program that focuses on extreme physical and mental conditioning. The docuseries follows the girls’ journeys away from home, the sacrifices they make along the way, and their efforts to compete in an unforgiving environment where only few make it to the top. The tension accumulates, especially when their futures start depending on fan votes.

But Dream Academy isn’t just about creating pop stars. There's a broader look at the massive decision-making machines behind the scenes — HYBE and Geffen — and how these processes impact young lives, and reminding viewers of the immense cost of pursuing stardom.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can watch the docu series on Netflix or watch the trailer here (runtime: 1:18).

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