THE BECOMING OF A FORMER K-POP IDOL
A Six Episode Documentary
Directed by Jamiya Wilson
More Info Below
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About the Film
Synopsis
This is Sera: The Becoming of a Former K-Pop Idol, is a six episode documentary detailing the life, trials, and tribulations, of former K-Pop idol and musical artist Ryu Sera. The story follows Sera in the present reflecting on her life. From her humble beginnings before becoming an idol, the ups and downs during her time in the K-Pop group 9Muses, her solo career, and more as she goes on a journey of self-rediscovery to figure out what’s next in an uncertain period after music. Can she gain closure on the painful chapters of her past while also opening the door to a more promising future?
Through a series of interviews, archival and present day footage, photos, and video journals, the documentary aims to share her unique story with existing fans while introducing her to a wider audience outside of Korea.
Funding
The film is primarily self-funded by the director, Jamiya Wilson, Ryu Sera, and a team of passionate fans and supporters. We value maintaining a consistent vision and creative control of the project in order to tell Sera’s story in the most authentic way possible. We plan to crowdfund future goals for the project via donations and online crowdfunding platforms.
Distribution Goals
Upon completion of the project, we’ll be pitching the film to all major streaming platforms with Netflix, HBO Max, and Apple TV being standouts.
Release Window
We aim to have filming for the project completed by December 2026 with a release window of early 2027.
View the Trailer
From The Director
“Of all the amazing artists in K-Pop I wanted to tell Sera’s story, not just because I’m a fan, but I think she has a story that will resonate with people all over the world. Fans of K-Pop, people who enjoy stories of artists challenging the odds, those who love stories focused on strong women, and those who either know someone or they themselves are battling with mental health. Not only is she a fantastic musical talent, but a fascinating person with a resilient spirit, a dedicated mindset, and a compassion and earnestness that’s refreshing to see in modern times. Personally, I think it’s important good people are highlighted more. In these strange, often dark times, the world could use more light in it.”
— Jamiya Wilson
Episode List
Episode 1
Hello Sera
An introduction to Sera and her family along
with a look at her early life before becoming a
K-Pop idol. Sera revisits her hometown of
Busan and takes a trip to Canada to reunite
with a loved one.
Episode 2
Life Still Happens
Sera takes an unexpected first trip to the US in the wake of tragic circumstances for the director of the film. She tries her hand at a variety of new experiences, tours New York City, visits Jamiya’s family in Mississippi, and reconnects with an old friend in Los Angeles in a very eventful episode.
Episode 3
9Muses: 1 of 9
A look into Sera’s time with 9Muses alongside fan and industry perspectives on the success and failings of the group. The episode will also delve into the controversy of her exiting the group and her current relationship with the group’s members.
Episode 4
Sera Goes Solo
Sera discusses her music, her creative process, the challenges she faced as an indie artist, and other aspects of her solo career. She also talks about the success of her YouTube channel, RyuTube.
Episode 5
The Things We Dare Not Say
A deep dive into Sera’s struggles with mental health, alongside personal perspectives from other K-Pop idols to reveal a more honest look at the nature of the K-Pop industry.
Episode 6
It’s Not Goodbye, It’s See Ya Later
An epilogue episode that looks back at the journey of making the film. Sera gives updates on her life, what’s next for her, and her parting thoughts.
Who’s this film for?
This Is Sera is a documentary we feel will appeal to both a specific yet far reaching audience. First, there’s the K-Pop focus. Given her background and history as a K-Pop idol, the film will not only appeal to current fans of Sera, but newer fans of K-Pop as well. With the recent and rapidly growing popularity of the genre, we feel it's a good opportunity to shine light on not only the glamorous side of the industry, but some of the pitfalls as experienced by someone whose actually gone through it.
Secondly, this is not simply a music documentary. At its core, it's a very human story about the struggles and beauty of life. If you love stories about strong and courageous women pushing back against an oppressive industry, cultural norms and expectations, or dealing with mental health struggles, this is a story that will appeal to you. It's a story of hardship, triumphs, setbacks, determination, courage, faith, and hope.
We think you'll enjoy it.
“I thought the spotlight was reserved only for those who had reached the finish line. I felt too “mid-journey,” too unrefined,so I retreated into the safety of my shadows. But Jamiya, the director looked at my life through a different prism. His passion transformed my hesitation into art, and my “now” into something worth sharing. To those struggling with the same silent battles: I am opening the door. I offer you my transparency because sometimes the most powerful story is the one that is still being written.”
— Ryu Sera
Shop Launching June 2026
Join the mailing list so you can get updated when the shop goes live! You’ll be able to purchase limited edition prints, signed posters, apparel and more.