Grammy-winning musician Anderson .Paak has released his directorial debut, KPops!, a family comedy blending Black and Korean cultures, starring alongside his son Soul Rasheed. The film opens today at AMC Theaters nationwide after five years in development. .Paak is also preparing to join longtime collaborator Bruno Mars on tour as DJ Pee .Wee.
Anderson .Paak's journey into filmmaking began during the pandemic, when he sought to connect with his then-eight-year-old son Soul Rasheed's interests in YouTube videos and K-pop. As .Paak, who is part Korean but raised in a Black household, explains, "He was like eight years old, and [I didn’t know] about either of those things." Drawing from his own experiences, he created KPops!, his directorial debut, which he also stars in as BJ, a struggling musician who travels to Seoul for a K-pop competition and discovers his son, played by Rasheed as Tae Young, among a group of trainees.
The project took five years to complete, with .Paak gaining directing experience through music videos before production. Challenges included adapting to Rasheed's shifting interests—from K-pop to Slipknot by age 11—and navigating his puberty during filming. .Paak describes the process as revealing: "Being a father on set, it was a lot of different things that I found out about myself, found out about my kid, and it was just… I got my ass kicked, but I would do it again in a heartbeat."
Co-written with Khaila Amazan, a K-pop enthusiast, the film explores father-son bonds beyond K-pop, highlighting cultural intersections. .Paak notes influences from Black music history on K-pop, comparing trainee systems to Motown or New Edition. "It could be something that sheds light on Black culture, Korean culture and a family comedy that everybody can go see," he says of his vision.
Music for the film was produced by Dem Jointz, a collaborator .Paak met through Dr. Dre, who has shaped K-pop sounds with R&B and hip-hop elements. Authenticity came from K-pop cameos, including Kevin Woo, who provided insights on idol life.
Amid the release, .Paak gears up for Bruno Mars's tour, where they perform as Silk Sonic, having won four Grammys together. "Hopefully we can make some more music too while we’re together," .Paak teases, despite a busy schedule.
.Paak views the timing as ideal, with K-pop's rise fostering discussions on cultural exchanges, emphasizing learning and innovation over appropriation.
