Epik High's Tablo to produce TV series with Scooter Braun

By Dong Sun-hwa

Tablo of the alternative hip-hop group Epik High will join hands with American music entrepreneur Scooter Braun and Emmy nominee writer Jason Kim to produce a new TV series titled, “Neon Machine,” according to his agency, Hours Entertainment, Monday.

The Korean-Canadian rapper, 40, recently inked a contract with American TV and film producer Amazon Studios to create the series, which will zoom in on the life of a musician. Hours Entertainment said the story was inspired by the actual life of Tablo, who has songwriting credits on Epik High's hits including “Love Love Love” (2007), “Umbrella” (2008) and “Love Story” (2017) among others.

For “Neon Machine,” Tablo, whose real name is Daniel Armand Lee, is poised to team up with Scooter Braun, the manager behind the success of big-name pop stars Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande. His company Ithaca Holdings was recently acquired by K-pop powerhouse HYBE ― the record label of boy band BTS ― in a $1.05 billion deal.

Tablo has been working on the creation of “Neon Machine” for two years in collaboration with Jason Kim, who is best known for his work “Barry” (2018). He will unfold the story of an “out-of-left-field K-pop superstar who hits a global chord but might lose it all in the process,” according to American media outlet Deadline.

More details about the upcoming drama ― such as its cast members and premiere date ― will be announced in coming days.

Tablo, who studied English literature at Stanford University, formed Epik High with DJ Tukutz and Mithra Jin in 2001. Epik High is only one of the few Korean acts that have been invited to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival ― one of the biggest music festivals in the U.S. ― in 2016 and 2020. Tablo is also the author of the best-selling collection of short stories “Pieces of You.”