Last month the Discovery channel premiered their documentary about Korean star Jung Ji-Hoon (aka Rain) throughout Asia. Hip Korea’s “Seoul Vibes” segment had a special impact during its South Korean airing as it focused on the serious issues the star faced throughout his meteoric rise. Hip Korea delves into the celebrity’s past through having him trace throughout the neighborhoods where he grew up, and the segment also features interviews people Rain has worked with. The singer proudly reminisces about what has taken him this far. Also, starring in this documentary is producer J.Y. Park (JYP), founder of JYPE music. Park speaks about what made him choose Ji-Hoon when he first auditioned, as well the kind of new career issues that Ji-Hoon will face in the future.

The special made sure to draw a comparisons between the pop idol’s career and the many social/economic transformations of South Korea. Even though Rain has suffered tragic losses and endured hardships, he has persevered and gained notoriety by embarking on a musical and acting career overseas. Rain has recently reached world-wide recognition as a Hollywood star, which not many other Korean celebrities can say they share. The interesting and most entertaining fact of Hip Korea - “Seoul Vibes” is how it examined the life of this idol, a person who was shaped by Korean culture and, in turn, shapes the culture itself.  The show is set to premiere in Europe on the Discovery Channel later this month. Check your local listings for more information.