It's a K-pop Thing

It's a K-pop Thing

Author: Alkemie Sound Lab Language: English Episodes: 31
Hosted by journalists Theresa Avila and Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum, It's a K-pop Thing is a conversation between two friends who happen to be dedicated multi-stans. This podcast moves beyond the headlines and chart positions to dig into the nuanced layers of fan culture and the personal stories of the artists, producers, and industry figures who shaped the genre's journey to worldwide dominance. You'll hear their analysis on current events in the scene, but the discussion always circles back to the human elements-the fandom rituals, the creative processes, and the cultural exchanges that define the K-pop experience. Produced by Alkemie Sound Lab, the show offers a space for thoughtful commentary and interviews, treating the subject with the depth and respect it deserves while never losing the joyful enthusiasm of genuine fans. Tune in for a perspective that balances critical insight with authentic appreciation, exploring why this music and community resonate so powerfully. Each episode feels like pulling up a chair at a cafe with two well-informed friends who are just as likely to dissect a new music video's symbolism as they are to share their own fan stories, making the vast world of K-pop feel both expansive and intimately understood.
Episodes
Watching BTS Up Close at Their Comeback Concert in Seoul [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:07
*This is Part 1 of a mini-series on the Return of BTS* We're trying something new on the pod ... a mini-series! It's been nearly 4 years since the 7 members of BTS released new music as a group and there's plenty to talk…
NCT Without Mark? What Happens When a Group Loses Its Ace [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:37
"NCity is on fire." That's what it seems like for NCTzens everywhere who, in the last few days have faced the unexpected bombshell news of Mark Lee saying goodbye to NCT and SM Entertainment. As if that wasn't bad enough…
Does BLACKPINK Still Need ... BLACKPINK? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:12
We finally have BLACKPINK's first EP since 2022, the highly-anticipated Deadline, a five-track release that includes "JUMP" and "GO." But does the EP live up to the hype? In the weeks since its release, the reaction from…
Closing A Chapter With ZEROBASEONE [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:32
ZEROBASEONE's time as a 9-member group has come to a close after more than two and half years. What started as a temporary, project group from the survival show BOYS PLANET (Season 1) will now continue as a 5-member boy…
KATSEYE and Manon's Hiatus Dilemma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:07
What started as perhaps a run-of-the-mill corporate statement about KATSEYE's Manon taking a hiatus from group activities has turned into a PR disaster for HYBE x Geffen. In the days following the announcement, there's b…
ATEEZ Has Our Adrenaline Pumping [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:15
ATEEZ's latest comeback has proven to be their most successful to date so far and that's thanks in large part to high album sales and streaming that led to a Triple Crown victory on the music shows in Korea and a #3 debu…
2010's K-pop: The Nostalgia We Can't Let Go Of ... [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:42
The start of 2026 had seemingly everyone online reminiscing about what life was life back in 2016. Back when times were simpler, more fun and, dare we say, when K-pop music was ... better? Before you come for our necks,…
EXO's Comeback ... It's Complicated [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:58
Put simply: We have big and complex feelings about EXO's highly anticipated comeback following the return of all members from their military enlistment. When news of an EXO reunion first broke, we were just as excited as…
Our Manifestations for 2026 In K-pop [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:37
After analyzing all of the year-in-review K-pop content over the holidays, we've come to one conclusion: 2025 was *rough* and left us wanting a lot more. So, as we kick off the brand new year in 2026, we're hoping our co…
What's Up With Santos Bravos? HYBE's Latino Boy Band [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:47
We're kicking off 2026 with an episode we recorded at the tail end of last year that's all about Santos Bravos! Following HYBE's big experiment with KATSEYE, HYBE Latin America focused its efforts in 2025 on debuting a L…