The Cast Of "Gangnam Project" Chats With Kpopmap About Filming In Seoul And The Vibrant World Of K-Pop | Exclusive Interview

In the heart of South Korea's bustling cityscape lies the captivating world of "Gangnam Project," a new television series that promises to enchant audiences with its blend of music, drama, and cultural exploration. Developed in collaboration with CBC Kids and brought to life by Pillango Productions and Aircraft Pictures, this series is poised to make waves in the world of television.

At its core, "Gangnam Project" is a celebration of K-Pop culture and its profound impact on audiences worldwide. From the pulsating rhythms of the music to the intricacies of dance choreography, the series offers a glimpse into the mesmerizing world of K-Pop, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of discovery alongside its characters.

At the forefront of this enthralling tale is Julia Kim Caldwell, portraying the spirited protagonist, Hannah Shin, alongside Taran Kim as her brother, Leo Shin. Julia, currently pursuing her musical theatre degree at New York University, brings a wealth of experience from her training at Andrew Lloyd Webber’s school in London, while Taran, hailing from Toronto, has a diverse acting background spanning productions like "Rock of Ages" to "White Christmas" and "Anne of Green Gables."

Both actors express immense pride in leveraging their theatrical training to contribute to this unique and culturally resonant project, promising a blend of conviction, composure, and spontaneity to their performances. Their characters' journeys, experiences filming, and the impact they hope the series will have on viewers around the world were discussed in an exclusive interview with Kpopmap.

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview. To start things off, would you be able to introduce yourselves and the character you play in "Gangnam Project?"

Hi! I’m Julia Kim Caldwell and I play Hannah Shin in "Gangnam Project!" The show follows my character as she takes a summer job as an English tutor at a K-Pop trainee school. But then, through a bunch of twists and turns, she becomes a K-Pop trainee herself with sights set on becoming an idol!
Julia
My name is Taran Kim and I play Leo Shin in "Gangnam Project."
Taran

The series delves into the K-Pop industry. What insights do you think the show offers into this world that they don’t know about just yet?

This show is so amazing because the audience really gets to learn with Hannah. For those new to the world of K-Pop and Korean culture in general, Hannah is the perfect guide. She, like many, loves K-Pop but might not know just how much goes into it. Through her, we get to see the amazing dedication it takes to make it in the industry. But also, the K-Pop die-hards (like myself!) will get to see all the inside references to the K-Pop and K-Drama culture like the popular “aegyo” and stage presence, the iconic multi-shot slow-mo romance scenes, and more. Old or new, there’s something for everyone in our show.
Julia
I think the biggest facet of the K-Pop industry that the show explores is sacrifice. It becomes evidently clear very early on that because such a small percentage of trainees go on to become successful idols, the characters need to treat K-Pop as a lifestyle. When so much time and energy is dedicated to something, you’re bound to come across aspects of your life that require sacrifice. We see the characters struggle with their personal and internal relationships due to these sacrifices and the dedication to their dreams. It doesn’t always work out in the way we would expect from a show geared towards young audiences, but I think that harsh reality will be refreshing and important for them to see.
Taran

What was your initial reaction when you first learned about the concept of "Gangnam Project?"

I was OBSESSED when I first heard about "Gangnam Project." When I saw the audition for Hannah, I was totally shocked - a half Korean, half Canadian girl who is a #1 K-Pop stan? That is me!! I was desperate to be a part of the project and was elated when I got the role. (There’s a very embarrassing video of me crying and screaming when I got the email saying I booked it!) To be a part of such a fun show like "Gangnam Project" was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Julia
My initial reaction was ‘Is this real!?’ The concept felt too good to be true, especially from a Korean-Canadian musical theatre performer’s perspective. A show that centered around Korean actors and culture that also wants to use music and dance to tell this story was a dream come true. I think we’re living in a time where while the Western perception of Korean culture is mostly positive, it’s still surface level; so I was very inspired to see something wanting to explore that world a little bit more.
Taran

The series explores themes of self-discovery and identity. For Julia Kim Caldwell, how do you think Hannah's journey reflects the universal struggle of teenagers to find their place in the world?

You're absolutely right when you say the struggle is universal. Teens, trying to figure out what they believe, what they want, what they’re capable of, is happening around the world. And what I love is that through the series we come to realize that. Hannah comes into the K-Pop school definitely feeling insecure. But then we get to see all the long-time trainees at their lowest moments too - worrying that they’re not good enough to be an idol, worrying what their friends think of them, struggling to connect with their parents. They’re trainees but they’re teens first. That’s what's so incredible about this show. It definitely is about the fun and outwardly polished side of K-Pop but it’s also very human.
Julia
Our teenage years are so crucial when it comes to solidifying who we are. It’s a time where societal pressures start to impact us more and shape who we are. I think that Hannah’s journey is so important for young people to see because we see this ‘fish out of water’ get thrown into this world among people who don’t initially accept her, which is something I think most people (not just teenagers) can relate to. We watch her stay true to what she believes in the whole way through. She is brave and kind and tries her best to deal with things one step at a time; process over outcome, which I think is a valuable lesson I wish I had learned sooner than I did.
Taran

What kind of preparation did you all do to tap into this show about K-Pop and Korean culture?

I feel like my prep for this show has been my whole life. It’s no secret that I’m a HUUUUUGE K-Pop fan. Whenever Hannah was fangirling over the world of K-Pop, that was just me getting to express my love for the genre and for my culture. We were all so lucky because our entire cast and crew became like a family over the months of shooting. So whenever we needed help, like with the Korean pronunciation, we could turn to our amazing cast; our wonderful choreographer Andrew “Pyro” Chung was always willing to take time to step aside and help us with complicated dance steps; and we got to hear firsthand what it’s like to write a K-Pop song (which I do in the show) because our composer August Rigo actually writes for the K-Pop industry. I MAJORLY fangirled when he told me he wrote 'Black Swan' for BTS!!
Julia
Well I knew going in that I would be doing a good amount of dancing so I definitely put a focus on keeping those skills sharp as well as familiarizing myself a bit more on the styles prevalent in the dancing in K-Pop. It was my first film set so I didn’t know what to expect in terms of rehearsals and speed so I made sure to keep an open mind. For the character of Leo in particular, who doesn’t have a strong connection to his Korean roots, I felt culturally I was in a good place to tap into that as well as informed enough to understand the whole scope of the show.
Taran

"Gangnam Project" tackles sensitive topics such as acceptance and belonging. Can you discuss how your character's experiences contribute to the exploration of these themes?

I love Hannah because she fails. A lot. Actually, all the time. She is often awkward or says the wrong thing and is often doubting whether she belongs. I feel such a deep connection with Hannah because I remember feeling the exact same way in high school. I would feel a pull towards both my Korean and my Scottish-Canadian sides but unable to feel like I was doing a “good job” at being either. Though I never became a K-Pop trainee, Hannah and I have many shared experiences around our cultures where we end up realizing that acceptance starts from within. No one can give you permission to accept who you are. You have to love yourself first. I feel so grateful that I get to portray that on screen for someone else to see and internalize.
Julia
For the majority of the season, Leo is very much caught in 2 different worlds. He’s caught between the life without direction he had in Canada and a new life of passion and determination in Korea. The idea that some people in Leo’s past pressured him to quit dancing is something I, as well as countless young men around Leo’s age, can probably relate to. It’s what stops him from accepting himself and what he really wants to do. It’s what makes him caught between, instead of committed to, one of these worlds. It isn’t until Leo finds that sense of belonging from himself and from others that he can accept himself and accept where he is.
Taran

The show has the potential to resonate with audiences worldwide. How do you think the universal themes addressed in the series will connect with viewers from diverse backgrounds?

I feel so honored to be a part of a show like this. I often wonder what it would have been like for me to have a show like this when I was growing up. I just know it would have made me feel unstoppable. Gangnam Project is not just about K-Pop or Korea, it’s about sharing culture, reaching out to your friends, and connecting through the arts. And truly, at the end of the day, "Gangnam Project" is pure fun - you’ll want to sing and dance along no matter where you're from!
Julia
I think that for audiences around the world, it was important for us to convey the message that it’s never too late to become more in touch with your culture. We use K-Pop and two kids coming from Canada, but the truth is it can be applied to any culture and any ethnicity. Families come to Canada and often want them and their children to ‘blend in’ and join the culture that is immediately around them. At some point, while difficult, those kids will want to feel knowledgeable and accepted by another part of themselves that they might not know a lot about. And they need to know that they can.
Taran

It’s understood that the filming took place in Toronto and South Korea. Can you share any memorable experiences or recommendations (food, sights, etc.) for those who want to visit South Korea?

 

Going to South Korea to film was a dream come true. The last time I went, I was only nine years old because my mum wanted to make sure I knew about my culture and where we came from, so coming back as a young adult was so eye-opening. Every single moment of being in Korea was magical. We got to eat and shop to our hearts content and film in so many iconic locations like the Cheonggyecheon and Namsan Tower - which were major bucket list places for me. But perhaps one of my favorite - and definitely the silliest - moments in Korea was when I forced Taran Kim (who plays my on-screen brother Leo) to try Korean Subway with me. Even though we have Subway here, I’ve seen the subs so often promoted in K-Dramas that I was desperate to try it. And may I just say? Yes. It absolutely tastes different. And yes, it is worth it!
Julia
Easily, my favorite day on set in Korea was in the Donam Market. It’s a large outdoor marketplace where you can find pretty much any traditional Korean dish or street food you want. It’s nothing flashy, it’s actually quite the opposite. With all of the advancements in technology that is so prevalent in Korea, it was beautiful to see this side of it as well. Their products brought me right back to my grandparents’ homes, or what I would see in their suitcase when they would visit us from Korea.
Taran

In the drama, a Korean-Canadian girl who has lived in Canada all her life and dreams of becoming a K-Pop star faces the challenge of being seen as a foreigner upon arriving in Korea. It's a scenario that likely resonates with many in the cast. Can you share your experience of staying in Korea and encountering these feelings of being perceived as a 'foreigner'?

I didn’t know what to expect going to Korea. Much like Hannah, I so badly wanted to be accepted when I went there because being biracial, I wasn’t sure what the reaction would be. So when I finally got to Korea, it was amazing. I felt an overwhelming sense of happiness and peace because I felt an innate sense of belonging. I loved going out with my castmates and just fully immersing myself in my culture. I loved the ease with which I got to eat all my favorite foods without having to trek to “K-town”. And trust me when I say, the Korean food hits different over there! So good! Even my Korean started to get better by the end of the trip! Everyone (especially our Korea crew!!!) was so wonderfully kind and patient with me. It’s a feeling I’ll keep hold of forever.
Julia
It’s not the greatest feeling. I was expecting it though and it made me more open to whatever feelings I was going to have. It’s something I think Sarah has really brought to the table with the show which is the idea of not feeling ‘enough’ for either side; the one that grew up in Canada and the one that is Korean. Despite not always feeling the best, it made me excited to come back with a little more Korean under my belt and grateful for the parts of the trip and culture I felt like I could understand and appreciate. It was also really enjoyable to see some of my castmates in that environment, knowing that when they first came to Canada as young children from Korea, they felt exactly how I was feeling in Korea as an adult. I saw them flourish in Korea in a way I hadn’t seen before and it was beautiful to see.
Taran

Lastly, is there anything you want to share to the Kpopmap readers about the show or what to expect from it when they tune in?

Only that I’m so excited for all of you to watch our show! I know that you’re going to fall in love with it the same way everyone on the cast and crew did when we were filming. Every K-Pop fan will recognize themselves in our show and get to live out their trainee fantasies right alongside Hannah. I can’t wait for y’all to tune in!
Julia
Over all of the themes and important storytelling happening this season, just expect a really good time and know that a lot of fun and joy was had making it. Shows like this don’t come around as often as we’d like here in Canada so it’s important to squeeze out every last bit of enjoyment when they’re here. I’m so proud of the work everyone put in to make it happen and I sincerely hope it comes across.
Taran

Thank you again to Julia and Taran for taking the time to share their experiences on set of their new show. Check out their shoutout to our Kpopmap readers below:

⭐️We got to chat with the cast of the series #GangnamProject!⭐️

Get ready for a wild ride as the cast spills the beans on character dynamics and their life-changing experience while filming for the series.

Check out the full interview of #JuliaKimCaldwell and #TaranKim at the… pic.twitter.com/qf4SvkKtuX

— Kpopmap (@Kpopmap) March 27, 2024

⭐️We got to chat with the cast of the series #GangnamProject!⭐️

Get ready for a wild ride as the cast spills the beans on character dynamics and their life-changing experience while filming for the series.

Check out the full interview of #JuliaKimCaldwell and #TaranKim at the… pic.twitter.com/iY4bECjk1Q

— Kpopmap (@Kpopmap) March 27, 2024

Make sure you tune in to watch "Gangnam Project" as the cast and story take you on an adventure through the world of K-Pop!

All episodes of Gangnam Project can be watched on CBC Gem: here, CBBC and BBC iPlayer: here.