2010's K-pop: The Nostalgia We Can't Let Go Of ...

2010's K-pop: The Nostalgia We Can't Let Go Of ...

Author: Alkemie Sound Lab February 10, 2026 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, let us take a trip down memory lane as we reminisce about how great K-pop was in the 2010s. In this episode, Alexis and Theresa ask themselves: Did K-pop already peak or is nostalgia giving us rose-tinted glasses? (Er, ears?) Tune in as we discuss: What we consider the "Golden...

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.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 31

It's a K-pop Thing
Podcast Episodes
Can We Actually Afford K-pop? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:46
After taking a break in 2025 we are BACK with a fresh season of It's a K-pop Thing! It's been a long 9 months — we could have had a baby! — and we've missed talking all things K-pop. There's tons of new things we want to…
K-pop Stadium Shows: Are They A Good Thing? Let's Discuss [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:20
We're back with a fresh season for 2025 and to kick things right off we're bringing you a conversation we recorded at the end of last year when Stray Kids announced their upcoming stadium tour! There's no doubt that K-po…
Destination K-pop Concerts: NCT 127 in Tokyo and TWICE in Las Vegas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:55:45
We have a special concert recap episode that's ALL about our recent K-pop travels, concerts experiences and even a special run-in with some K-pop idols after a concert! (No spoilers: You'll have to tune in to hear who it…
Has K-pop Hit a Plateau? Is It Slowing Down? What's Next? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:33
Lately, the general consensus seems to be: K-pop is bigger than ever before —and that's to be celebrated— but it's also ... different. The music trends are changing and, depending on who you ask, it's not always for the…
Play This! SB19's "GENTO" and Other Beast-Idol Tracks We Love [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:46
For this edition of Play This! we’re discussing “Gento,” a song by Filipino-boy-group SB19. While it’s not K-pop, per se, the song has been making its way around the industry’s boy groups, thanks to numerous idols doing…
Is There Such a Thing As TOO Many K-pop Concerts? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:27
If you're a K-pop multi-stan like us in the USA, you might have noticed something lately: The number of K-pop acts on tour has grown by a LOT! But with that growth, we've also seen an increase in tour dates overlapping a…