The ladies of 2NE1 are proving the title of their hit song "I Am The Best" by generating more attention on American television than any other k-pop act, except perhaps Psy.
The girl group was featured on "The Bachelor," when contestants traveled to Korea and struggled to learn their dance routine. Their hit song was also featured on "Dancing With The Stars." And now they are also going to appear as style icons on the 21st season of "America's Next Top Model."
Having 2NE1 on the 21st season of Tyra's show seems appropriate. Tyra did plan to bring the show to Korea earlier but the timing works out perfectly.
The appearance of these international stars can be expected to sprinkle a little Hallyu magic on the show's latest season.
Korea's popular girl group will participate in the final fashion show on April 2. The fashion show, featuring Korean designers, will be shot in Banpo, near the Han River.
2NE1 was asked to take part because they are k-pop idols and well known style setters.
Tyra and the cast and crew began filming in Korea on the 21st and will be there for two weeks. The show's Korean filming dates were timed to coincide with Seoul's Fashion Week and most of the filming will be done before production crews shooting the movie "Avengers: The Age of Ultron" ties up Seoul traffic early in April.
The idol group BtoB took part in the show's filming on March 22nd, serving as judges for a dance segment. The segment involved the models dancing on the streets of Sinchon to the BtoB song "Beep Beep." Catwalk coach and original "America's Next Top Model" judge Miss J. Alexander took part and declared herself a member of the band.
"I'm now the new k-pop boy band member of BtoB," Miss J. tweeted after their shoot together.
Actress Hwang Shin Hye, who appears in "Passionate Love," also took part in the show. She was seen filming in Ganghwamun. Royal Pirates' James took part in the photo shoots, as did Lee Jin Yi, Hwang Shin Hye's model daughter.
Tyra generated media attention when she was spotted in several parts of Seoul, including Gyeongbok Palace and Gwanghwamun Hall.
Taiwanese-American photographer Yu Tsai served as a creative director on this show, replacing Johnny Wujeck.
"America's Next Top Model" Cycle 21 will air in August 2014 while the fifth season of "Korea's Next Top Model" is set to air in July 2014.
