TV journalist Lee Harkjoon, previously best-known for reportage on refugees from North Korea, gained extraordinary access to the inner workings of K-pop agency Star Empire—and spent a year observing the casting, training and attempted launch of the new girl-group 9 Muses.

A rare look into the world of K-Pop, 9 Muses of Star Empire is not just an exposé on the inner workings of the K-Pop industry, it’s also a genuine portrait of the artistic process and the many obstacles of fame.