Viu, Globe, and Ayala have announced that their first original online reality show, Hello K-Idol, has reached its 10 trainee-finalists. The program, the first nationwide search for the next big Korean idol on this side of Asia, stars Korean superstars Yook Sung-Jae (from the record-breaking series, Goblin) and Jung Joon-Young from 2 Days & 1 Night fame. Unlike regular reality TV shows where one’s viewing schedule is set by broadcast times, Hello K-Idol can be watched by viewers anytime on their mobile phones and tablets. Viu is a localized digital platform with online Asian video content. The 10 webisodes showcasing the finalists will be streamed exclusively on the Viu mobile app that’s available for iOS and Android devices.
“Reality shows are a dime a dozen on television, but with our first Viu Original in the country, we wanted to create something special by nurturing and honing Filipino talent with the help of their reali-life idols on an international platform. With over 15 million Filipinos interested in Korean entertainment, we hope that they can relate and stand by the K-trainers in their journey to fulfilling their K-Pop dreams,” said Arianne Kader-Cu, Country Manager of Viu Philippines.
10 Webisodes Available Only on Viu
After auditions (on-ground and online) held jointly by Viu and Globe last May 2018, 10 male finalists between 18-27 will be featured in online webisodes over 10 weeks from July to September, and these will be streamed exclusively on the Viu platform. The webisodes follow the K-Idol finalists during their 10-week challenge where they hone their talents in singing, dancing, performing, styling, and teamwork.
Mentored by the Best
The finalists’ performance will be critiqued by a star-studded cast, who will also provide the guidance the finalists need. K-idols Yook Sung-Jae (Goblin) and Jung Joon-Young (2 Day & 1 Night) will serve as inspirations to the K-Idol finalists. Panel members who will mentor the finalists include Jinho Bae and Korean professional dance artist Dasuri Choi. Kring Elenzano-Kim, online host and personality, and founder of the biggest K-Pop fans organizations in the Philippines, will be hosting the show.
Globe Provides Filipinos with a Wider Viu
Hello K-Idol is produced by Viu, a pan-regional OTT video service (by PCCW Media Group in Hong Kong), Globe Telecom, and Ayala Malls (a venture partner in the project). Globe’s partnership with Viu allows Filipinos to watch Korean shows without resorting to pirated content: Viu legally provides premium content across Asia and the Middle East, with English, Tagalog, and Chinese subtitles for selected titles.
Via Viu, K-drama fans can stream new episodes of “About Time”, “Are You Human?”, and “Lawless Lawyer” or bing-watch “Go Back Couple” and “Cheese in the Trap”.
For Globe prepaid subscribers, choose the offer that suits your budgets: GoWatch 29 (2GB valid for 1 day), GoWatch 99 (2.5GB valid for 3 days), or GoWatch 399 (10GB valid for 30 days). Then, text the keyword to 8080.
For Globe postpaid subscribers on ThePLAN or ThePLan PLUS subscription can enjoy unlimited downloads, priority viewing as fast as 8 hours after telecast, full-HD resolution (1080p), and access to Asian blockbuster movies with Viu Premium. Text VIU99 to 8080, click on the activation link sent to you via text, confirm your mobile number, and download the Viu app to enjoy your 30-day subscription to Viu Premium.
Hello K-Idol’s grand finale episode will be available on Viu in September 2018. The media event showcasing the stars and the contest finalists was held at the ABS-CBN Vertis Tent, Quezon City last July 13.
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