Talent may be what makes an idol shine on stage, but it’s only part of the story. Behind every flawless stage and viral fancam are grueling training days, tough eliminations, and quiet moments of doubt that fans rarely see.

If you’ve ever wondered how global pop groups like KATSEYE, BLACKPINK, and BTS made it to the top, these docuseries pull back the curtain on what really goes on behind the scenes — from high-stakes survival shows to the carefully crafted process of building a K-Pop idol group. Whether you’re into debut battles, emotional pre-fame journeys, or just curious about what it actually takes to debut in today’s industry, these documentaries offer an unfiltered look at the climb to idol stardom.

Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE (2024)

Docuseries | 8 Episodes

One of the rising pop acts last year is KATSEYE, who’s taken over airwaves and TikTok with their catchy tunes and viral-worthy choreographies. Born from a reality survival show in 2024, these girls have already achieved great heights, from chart-topping hits to a Best New Artist nomination at the Grammys.

“Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE” chronicles HYBE and Geffen Records’ ambitious collaboration to create a truly global pop girl group, bringing together trainees from around the world under a K-Pop–inspired training system. Spanning months of auditions, evaluations, and intense preparation, the docuseries captures just how long — and how demanding — the road to debut really is.

From grueling vocal and dance training to emotional eliminations and cultural adjustments, this docuseries doesn’t shy away from the pressure, doubt, and vulnerability the trainees face along the way. It’s an unfiltered look at what it takes to mold raw talent into a polished global act, proving that debuting isn’t just about skill, but endurance, growth, and resilience.

Run Time: 50 to 55 minutes per episode

Watch on Netflix. Follow KATSEYE on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok.

BINI Docu Special (2024)

Docuseries | 3 Episodes

"The BINI Docu Special" takes a heartfelt look back at the group’s journey, as the members revisit their early days through personal home videos, behind-the-scenes footage, and never-before-seen training clips.

From their trainee era to their first major breakthroughs, the three-episode documentary captures the growing pains, setbacks, and small victories that shaped the rising P-Pop girl group into the nation’s girl group. This series offers Blooms and new fans alike a glimpse into their preparations for their regional and world tours, as well as an intimate glimpse into how much each member has grown through the years, both as performers and individuals.

Run Time: Approximately 1 hour per episode

Watch on iWantTFC or YouTube. Follow BINI on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Simon Cowell: The Next Act (2025)

Docuseries | 6 Episodes

Over the years, boy bands have come and gone, sending fans into frenzies with their charm, catchy songs, and unforgettable performances. If you’ve ever wondered what makes a boy band truly click, this docuseries is worth a watch, because if there’s anyone who knows the boy band formula inside and out, it’s Simon Cowell.

This docuseries follows Simon as he sets out to create the next big boy band. As the mastermind behind global acts like One Direction and Westlife, Simon brings decades of experience, sharp instincts, and an almost uncanny ability to spot star power at a glance. The series shows that while skill and talent matter, Cowell often relies on gut feeling, chemistry, and that hard-to-define “IT factor” when shaping a group. It’s a front-row seat to his creative process, proving that building a successful boy band is as much intuition as it is strategy.

Run Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour per episode

Watch on Netflix. Follow Simon Cowell on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.

Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience (2024)

Docuseries | 6 Episodes

What happens when you put a British boy group through an intensive K-Pop training camp?

This six-episode series follows five aspiring male performers as they fly to South Korea to train under world-class choreographers and vocal coaches, as well as be mentored by some of the industry’s most well-known starmakers. But here’s the catch — they only have 100 days to turn into the next big thing!

The docuseries shows what it truly takes to make it one of the most competitive music industries in the world through a mix of behind-the-scenes footage, training sessions, and personal reflections. It follows the journey of “Dear Alice,” a new boy band set to make their mark on the world stage.

Run Time: 44 minutes per episode

Watch on BBC Originals. Follow BBC Studios on X (Formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

K-Pop Idols (2024)

Docuseries | 6 Episodes

“K‑Pop Idols” gives viewers an all-access pass into the lives of some of the biggest names in K-Pop, showing that glitz and glamour also come with a lot of grit behind the spotlight.

Through backstage footage, rehearsals, and personal reflections, the docuseries highlights the intense training, high-pressure performances, and emotional challenges idols face every day. Featuring well-known artists like Jessi and idol groups BLACKSWAN and CRAVITY, this show captures the dedication, resilience, and passion of these global talents from preparing for a world tour or perfecting a new release.

Run Time: 40 minutes per episode

Watch on Apple TV. Follow Apple TV on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star (2023)

Docuseries | 8 Episodes

Holding the title as the best-selling K-Pop group of all time, there’s no doubt that BTS has an ARMY right behind them. But while their rise to fame might look like a rocket launch from the outside, their journey was actually much more gradual.

“BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star” takes fans behind the scenes of the group’s incredible journey, celebrating the milestones that turned them into global superstars. Through archival footage, backstage clips, and candid interviews, the series shows the hard work, late nights, and emotional moments that shaped the group’s rise from a small label to slowly climbing the charts over the years and carving out their own unique sound and securing a place in the global music scene. It’s a heartfelt look at how dedication, teamwork, and passion helped them leave an unforgettable mark on the music world.

Run Time: 30 minutes per episode

Watch on Disney+. Follow BTS on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram.

BLACKPINK: Light Up the Sky (2020)

Documentary Film 

This documentary film pulls back the curtain on the meteoric rise of one of K-pop’s biggest girl groups.

Through a blend of behind-the-scenes footage, personal interviews, and rehearsal clips, “BLACKPINK: Light Up the Sky” shows how members Jennie, Lisa, Rosé, and Jisoo navigated intense training, high-pressure performances, and the challenges of sudden global fame. It’s an honest and inspiring look at the dedication, resilience, and sisterhood that helped BLACKPINK light up the world stage.

Run Time: 1 hour, 19 minutes

Watch on Netflix. Follow BLACKPINK on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram.

The Rose: Come Back to Me (2025)

Documentary Film 

South Korea may be known for its choreo-heavy pop idols, but it’s also home to indie bands that have captured hearts worldwide — and “The Rose: Come Back to Me” tells the story of one of them.

This documentary was directed by Eugene Yi and follows the four friends — Kim Woosung, Park Dojoon, Lee Hajoon, and Lee Taegyeom — from their humble beginnings through three years of personal and professional challenges, leading up to their reunion and rebirth. Through candid interviews, rehearsal footage, and behind-the-scenes moments, it offers an intimate look at the struggles, growth, and resilience that turned The Rose into a global rock sensation.

The film premiered at the Tribeca Festival in New York and was also screened at the Busan International Film Festival. CJ 4DPLEX also acquired the rights to the film and is set to bring the documentary to global cinemas in 2026.

For more information, visit the website or follow the Rose Documentary on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.