Apple Music brings six K-pop acts together for first-ever global “Radio Takeover”

Inside the Los Angeles studio that underscored K-pop’s global clout

Global music platform Apple Music has once again demonstrated K-pop’s influence around the world. On the 31st, it officially announced the launch of a major global radio project featuring six leading K-pop acts. The project brings together artists with global fan bases, including NCT 127, Yeonjun of Tomorrow X Together, Alpha Drive One, KickFlip, NexZ and KiiiKiii.

The scale and symbolism of the production are particularly significant. All recording took place at Apple Music’s dedicated studio in Los Angeles. This marks the first time the platform has invited multiple K-pop artists to its Los Angeles base in succession to produce a radio program under a single project. It underscores K-pop’s changing status in the mainstream pop market.

Two distinct listening experiences designed by the artists themselves

The programs unveiled so far feature two original formats. The K-pop special episode of “The Global Chart Show” features Alpha Drive One, KickFlip and NexZ. Flagship host Brooke Reese leads in-depth interviews with the artists. The conversations cover everything from their musical direction and the challenges of creating music to behind-the-scenes stories from their global activities.

The other standout offering, “Radio Takeover,” takes an unconventional approach by putting the artists behind the microphone. KiiiKiii, NCT 127 and Yeonjun will become guest DJs for a day, sharing not only selections from their own discographies but also the playlists that have inspired them with listeners around the world. The format is set to offer a distinctive listening experience that goes beyond simply consuming music, giving audiences a glimpse into the artists’ personal stories and inner worlds.