From Studio to Street: Producing Billboard’s K-pop Features in Seoul

From Studio to Street:

Producing Billboard’s K-pop Features in Seoul

6/29/26

Moktan Productions partnered with Billboard News to produce two artist-driven videos featuring Tetris Kelly during his visit to South Korea in April 2026. Both pieces were filmed within a single day in Seoul, combining a studio-based interview with LE SSERAFIM and an on-location feature with Joshua of SEVENTEEN at Noryangjin Fish Market.

Rather than a single project, the production was structured as two distinct shoots executed back-to-back, each with its own format, environment, and set of logistical demands.

Two Projects, One Day

The LE SSERAFIM video was filmed at HYBE Studios, where the focus was on a fast-paced, conversation-driven group interview. With limited time on site, the approach required arriving fully prepared and moving quickly through setup.

Lighting, camera positions, and audio were established efficiently to ensure the shoot could begin almost immediately upon arrival. The priority was speed and precision—maximizing a short window while maintaining a clean, controlled visual.

In contrast, the second shoot with Joshua of SEVENTEEN shifted entirely in tone and execution. Filmed at Noryangjin Fish Market, the video follows a more fluid structure, built around movement, environment, and candid interaction.

Securing Permits and Coordinating Access

Filming at Noryangjin required advance coordination on multiple levels. Permits were secured through market management to allow commercial filming within the space, with defined parameters around crew size, equipment, and movement.

Beyond formal approvals, the production also involved direct communication with fish vendors. Participation, camera placement, and timing were discussed ahead of the shoot to ensure that filming could take place without interrupting daily operations.

Finding a restaurant within the market that would allow filming was another key step. This involved scouting and coordinating with a vendor willing to accommodate both the crew and the natural flow of a dining setting for the on-camera interaction.

Working Within a Live Environment

Unlike the controlled conditions of the studio, Noryangjin presented a constantly shifting environment. Tight walkways, active vendors, and high foot traffic required a flexible shooting approach and continuous adaptation on the ground.

Maintaining continuity while navigating these variables meant prioritizing mobility, awareness, and clear communication across the team.

Maintaining a Minimal Footprint

This approach was particularly important for the Noryangjin Fish Market shoot. Operating within a crowded, active environment required a reduced crew size and streamlined equipment to avoid disrupting vendors and visitors.

Crew movement was carefully managed, allowing the team to navigate tight spaces while capturing natural, unscripted interactions. By minimizing the production’s presence, the shoot was able to preserve the authenticity and rhythm of the location.

Executing Under Time Constraints

With two fully separate videos to complete in one day, time management was critical. The transition from a controlled studio shoot to a complex public location required precise scheduling and disciplined execution.

Each setup, shot sequence, and movement had to be planned in advance, while still leaving room for spontaneous moments that added depth to the final pieces.

Visual Approach and Execution

The final videos reflect the contrast between the two shoots. The LE SSERAFIM interview presents a clean, structured visual style centered on conversation, while the Noryangjin piece adopts a more observational approach, capturing movement and environment.

Together, they highlight two complementary sides of artist content—one shaped by control and efficiency, the other by spontaneity and location.

Supporting International Productions in Korea

This project reflects Moktan Productions’ role in supporting international media teams across a range of production environments. From fast-turnaround studio setups to complex on-location shoots requiring permits and vendor coordination, Moktan provides the local expertise needed to execute efficiently.

By balancing preparation, adaptability, and precision, Moktan continues to deliver high-quality production support across diverse formats and conditions.