Review: K-Pops! (2026) – Anderson .Paak brings music, heart, and joy to the big screen
In K-Pops!, Grammy-winning musician Anderson .Paak makes his feature directorial debut while also starring as BJ, a struggling musician who travels to South Korea to revive his career. There, unexpectedly discovers that one of the contestants on a K-pop competition show is the son he never knew he had. The film also stars Jee Young Han, Jonnie “Dumbfoundead” Park, Yvette Nicole Brown, and .Paak’s real-life son, Soul Rasheed as Tae Young.
As BJ is pulled into the vibrant and competitive world of K-pop, the film really starts to shine. The visuals are beautiful, with colorful performances and stylized animation woven into the storytelling in a way that adds personality and rhythm to the film.
If you’re familiar with Anderson .Paak, this project feels deeply personal. Inspired by the creative videos he made with his son during the COVID lockdowns, the film carries an infectious sense of joy and authenticity.
This is a lighthearted, original film that is packed with music and energy. It’s the kind of movie that makes you want to sing along, dance in your seat, and just have fun with it. It’s very much a popcorn, feel-good experience, but one that still carries emotional weight.
There are also plenty of fun appearances from the K-pop world—including cameos from artists like Vernon, Jessi, Crush, and The Rose, as well as a nod to the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire that music fans will appreciate.
For a first-time director, .Paak shows impressive confidence behind the camera. K-Pops! is heartfelt, energetic, and full of music that keeps the film moving from beginning to end.
K-Pops! is exclusively playing in AMC theaters February 27th.
