GANGNAM PROJECT Renewed For Season 2

Coming-of-age, original series Gangnam Project will return for a second dynamic, high stakes season.

The announcement from Pillango Productions and Aircraft Pictures who co-produce the show. The series, co-commissioned by CBC Kids and CBBC. Production on Season 2 wrapped recently in Hamilton, Ont. and Seoul, South Korea.

The 10-episode season follows the young stars from Season 1. As they transition from One Mile Entertainment trainees through the excitement and make-or-break journey of becoming professional K-pop idols. But while the highs are high, the lows can be even lower – it’s not easy suddenly being in the spotlight. With pressure from OME, expectations from the fans, and dealing with creative differences as a group, friendship and commitment are tested like never before.

Sarah Haasz, series creator and founder of Pillango Productions had this to say:

“I feel incredibly blessed to be continuing the Gangnam Project journey with our phenomenal cast and crew. This season will showcase more incredible music, extraordinary performances, and, of course, a dose of k-drama.”

K-Pop and Korean Culture

“Gangnam Project has connected with K-pop fans of all ages and working in collaboration with Sarah and our partners at Pillango Productions and Aircraft Pictures, we’re excited to share more incredible singing, dancing and drama with audiences across Canada,” said Marie McCann, Senior Director, Children’s Content, CBC Kids. “The chemistry between the cast members is undeniable and August’s infectious soundtrack truly brings the series to life – there will no doubt be lots to look forward to in season two.”  

“The popularity of Korean culture from K-pop to K-drama to K-cartoons continues to grow and it is important to reflect that in our offering to younger audiences. It’s a pleasure to bring more of these global stories for a second series, with key universal themes of friendship, challenge, and commitment at its core – and all of the added fun of brilliant music and dance routines!” said Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Commissioning and Acquisitions 7+, BBC Children’s and Education.

“When Gangnam Project first launched it was less than a year ago. So we are delighted to be able to present a second season at the upcoming MIPCOM. The fact that a new season is well underway in such a short space of time also highlights the demand and allure of the upbeat K- pop world, and our buyers will not be disappointed!” said Monica Levy, Co-Chief of Distribution, Federation Kids & Family.

Gangnam Project Cast

Joining the cast this season is newcomer Ryan Jacob Kong as Young-Jae, alongside returning cast members Julia Kim Caldwell as Hannah, Taran Kim (Rock of Ages) as Leo, Brianna Kim (So Help Me Todd) as Chan-Mi, Joshua Lee (XO, Kitty) as Supreme, Angela Son as Sun Hee, Kylie Haasz (The Next Step) as Mina, Sean Baek (Reacher) as Ken Yoon, Paul Seungbin Lee as Auzzy, Zeboria Peters (The Haunted Museum) as Rook, and M.J. Kang (The Bequeathed) as Sandra.

Recording artist, songwriter, producer, and musician August Rigo returns with a fresh and infectious new original soundtrack for Season 2. Rigo has written songs for global K-pop sensations BTS (“Black Swan” and “On,” amassing over 1 billion views combined on YouTube), “U Smile” for Justin Bieber and “Gotta Be You” for One Direction.

CBC Kids and CBBC co-commissioned GANGNAM PROJECT. Pillango Productions and Aircraft Pictures produce with the financial participation of Shaw Rocket Fund and the Canada Media Fund. Series creator Sarah Haasz serves as showrunner and executive producer. She works alongside head writer Jennica Harper and Aircraft Pictures’ Anthony Leo and Andrew Rosen. With Justin Wu, Gloria Kim, and Samantha Wan directing.

Season 1 of GANGNAM PROJECT is streaming now on CBC Gem and BBC iPlayer.