NCT Without Mark? What Happens When a Group Loses Its Ace

NCT Without Mark? What Happens When a Group Loses Its Ace

Author: Alkemie Sound Lab April 8, 2026 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 news, days later, TEN also announced that he was leaving the company. But, crucially, TEN clarified that he would remain a part of NCT and WayV. Still, it's little salve for fans of the group (us included!) who have to now reckon with an uncertain future as key members ...

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
Girl Groups Run K-pop: Pt 2 (IVE, TWICE, FIFTY FIFTY) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:11
We're back with Part 2 of our mini-series examining the state of Girl Groups in K-pop today! We have a lot to discuss in this episode, including new releases by plenty of 4th-gen acts as well as our theories on why the s…
All Hail HYUNA! (Special Segment: Battle of the B-sides) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:31
We've tabled the reporting this week to bring you a special bonus episode in the form of a little game we're calling, "Battle of the B-sides." Now, before you get ahead of yourself—there is no singing OR actual "battle"…
Rookie K-pop Group TFN (Formerly T1419) Sets Its Eyes on Latin America [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:22
We're back with a very special follow-up episode in our mini series on rookie K-pop groups that survived — and thrived— throughout the pandemic. For Episode 2 we're super excited to announce we have the podcast's ... FIR…
A Look at GHOST9's Debut During the Pandemic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:47
Debuting a K-pop group under normal circumstances is, to say the least, no easy feat. So, what do we make of a rookie K-pop group from a smaller music label that not only debuts during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also dec…
This Is Our K-pop Debut ... As Podcast Hosts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:19
What happens when you bring together two journalists who are the go-to K-pop stan in their friend group? Well, apparently, they start a podcast about K-pop! Welcome to the debut of It's a K-pop Thing! "The show where we…