It's a K-pop Thing

Alkemie Sound Lab
  • 4.8 (16)
  • MUSIC COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A podcast by two journalists and K-pop fans who love to bring a little nuance to the fan experience. Hosted by Theresa Avila and Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum, two journalists, friends, and fellow K-pop multi-stans, each episode of It's a K-pop Thing explores the fan culture and the stories behind the people who've helped grow K-pop into a global phenomenon.  In each episode you can expect analysis and commentary on trending K-pop news stories with the right amount of background and context for new and old fans alike. It's a K-pop Thing is, "the show where we talk about all the things that make K-pop distinctly K-pop." Follow the Show: @IKPTpod on Instagram

  1. 1D AGO

    Closing A Chapter With ZEROBASEONE

    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 group managed under WAKEONE Entertainment, a subsidiary of CJ ENM.  The group will continue as a quintent consisting of Sung Han-bin, Kim Ji-woong, Seok Matthew, Kim Tae-rae, and Park Gun-wook. The remaining four members, Zhang Hao, Ricky, Kim Gyu-vin, and Han Yu-jin will return to their original agency Yuehua Entertainment (now rebranded as YH Entertainment). What happens next in their careers remains unclear but ZEROSE have plenty of theories. In this episode, we hear from fans of ZB1 about how they're processing the inevitable closing of one chapter with a group that won over millions of fans and broke record after record. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Philiana Ng is a journalist covering entertainment and TV with bylines at The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard, Entertainment Tonight, TV Guide, Yahoo Entertainment, Netflix, The Daily Beast, The Wrap, Primetimer, Backstage, and more. After first interviewing ZEROBASEONE at KCON LA she became an avid fan of the group. Last year she traveled to see ZB1 in Seoul and Tokyo for the start of their most recent tour and she recently flew back for the final encore shows in Seoul.  Read Philiana Ng's interview with ZB1: https://joysauce.com/zerobaseone-is-ready-to-take-on-the-world/IN THIS EPISODE: How ZEROBASEONE came to be on Boys PlanetThe 411 on the members' personalitiesThe timeline for contract negotiationsProject groups and how companies split traineesConcert experience in Seoul and TokyoTips for buying K-pop tickets abroadWhat might be next for the 4 members in Yuehua EntertainmentWill the fandom splinter off?Fan submissions on how they're processing this momentIt's a K-pop Thing is hosted by two journalists and longtime K-pop stans, Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum and Theresa Avila. FOLLOW US: Twitter: @ikptpod & Instagram: @ikptpod FEEDBACK? IDEAS FOR FUTURE EPISODES? E-mail us at info@kpoppod.com

    1h 14m

  2. MAR 2

    KATSEYE and Manon's Hiatus Dilemma

    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 been a flurry of "read between the lines" speculation that's flooded the internet as fans try to make sense of what might be going on behind the scenes. Adding fuel to the fire, gossip accounts have resurfaced old claims of potential mistreatment and racism against Manon. There’s no way we couldn’t talk about this.  To help us break it down for you, we invited Natasha Mulenga, an entertainment journalist who has covered K-pop extensively. She's also the author of the book “More Idols of K-pop: The definitive guide to the hottest bands,” and host of the podcast, A Soulful Storm.  Tune in to hear: What a "hiatus" usually means in K-popThe disconnect in official statementsOur thoughts on Daniela's dad chiming inManon alluding to mistreatment by liking a videoThe Cut cover story on KATSEYEThe painful history of the racist "lazy" trope for Black peopleFans' toxic behavior regarding race and ManonCultural differences toward work in Europe, America and South KoreaThe immense pressure of K-pop idols' schedulesSpeculation and fan theories that have caught our attentionHow we think KATSEYE can move forwardIt's a K-pop Thing is hosted by two journalists and longtime K-pop stans, Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum and Theresa Avila. FOLLOW US: Twitter: @ikptpod & Instagram: @ikptpod FEEDBACK? IDEAS FOR FUTURE EPISODES? E-mail us at info@kpoppod.com

    1h 28m

  3. FEB 18

    ATEEZ Has Our Adrenaline Pumping

    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 debut on the Billboard TOP 200. Their MV for "Adrenaline," the title track off of their 13th mini album, "Golden Hour: Part 4" achieved 10 million views within 24 hours and has since surpassed 38 million views on YouTube (as of our recording). That puts the MV for "Adrenaline," on par with the total MV views for each their previous two comebacks from last summer, "Lemon Drop" and "In Your Fantasy."  Altogether, these achievements indicate ATEEZ is one of the leaders of the current scene for K-pop and especially for 4th Gen K-pop groups. Tune in as Theresa chats with a fellow ATINY and podcaster, Mina, the host of K-pop Bookshlef about ATEEZ's latest achievements and their why this comeback has them excited. IN THIS EPISODE: ATEEZ's achievements with GOLDEN HOUR PT. 4All about "Adrenaline"The B-sides we're enjoyingSan's silly sweatstain "controversy"The "Idol" image and expectations around perfectionThe underdog story of KQ FellasWhat it was like to see ATEEZ at CoachellaThe reality of fan signs and fan calls in K-popABOUT OUR GUEST: Joining us today is Mina, the host of the podcast K-pop Bookshelf, which, as the title suggests, features discussions on books set in Korea or about Korean society. If you want to better understand the culture behind K-pop and K-dramas, you listen to the archival episodes of K-pop Bookshelf wherever you get your podcasts. LINKS: DesTINY in the Desert - Our Trip to CHELLATEEZTrue Life: I Won a FansignIt's a K-pop Thing is hosted by two journalists and longtime K-pop stans, Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum and Theresa Avila. FOLLOW US: Twitter: @ikptpod & Instagram: @ikptpod FEEDBACK? IDEAS FOR FUTURE EPISODES? E-mail us at info@kpoppod.com

    1h 2m

  4. FEB 10

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

    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 Era of K-pop"Why it feels like good K-pop releases are few and far between latelySonically, where K-pop is today with 4th and 5th gen groupsThe "peaks and valleys" of when K-pop was great and not-so-greatWhy 2020 might've given us the last of the greatest hits2nd and 3rd Gen comebacks that are giving us major nostalgiaThe rise and fall of great vocalists in K-popAPINK's comeback and why we're excited for the futureThe BEST Songs of 2016 (according to KultScene)Our final verdict: Did K-pop Peak? Or is it just nostalgia?KULTSCENE'S TOP SONGS OF 2016: Watch: KultScene's Top 25 Songs of 2016 on YouTube Read: KultScene's Top 50 Songs of 2016 Part One and Part Two It's a K-pop Thing is hosted by two journalists and longtime K-pop stans, Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum and Theresa Avila. FOLLOW US: Twitter: @ikptpod & Instagram: @ikptpod FEEDBACK? IDEAS FOR FUTURE EPISODES? E-mail us at info@kpoppod.com

    59 min

  5. FEB 6

    EXO's Comeback ... It's Complicated

    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 any diehard EXO-L. Unfortunately, as time went on and it became evident that CBX would NOT be included in the comeback due to their ongoing legal troubles with SM Entertainment ... well, our enthusiasm waned. What happened to the OT9 EXO reunion much of the fandom eagerly awaited?  Does it make sense to release a title track called "Crown" when key powerhouse vocalists are missing? Is it even possible to support the boys, but not the comeback? To help us make sense of our mixed feelings we invited Ashley, the host of the podcast An Album a Day to join us for a free-flowing and honest chat about all things EXO. Tune in to hear: Why we think "Crown" seems like a SuperM song from the vaultOur honest thoughts on REVERXE as an albumWhy we think the visuals and marketing didn't match the musicThe "Suju-fication" of EXO's unique sound - is this the future?Some quick context for EXO-CBX's legal woes with SMWhy we're hopeful about a future reunionOur thoughts on fan wars and how we can move forwardAbout our Guest: Ashley is a content creator, educator, and public speaker. As a music historian and an authority on the K-pop phenomenon, she has collaborated on projects and events with various domestic and international companies and brands. As the host of An Album a Day,  ("A3Day"), Ashley leads listeners on a journey through every album available within K-pop with fact-based and opinionated commentary within each "shortcast" episode. Keep Up With Ashley and An Album a Day: Website: A3Daypodcast.comInstagram: @a3daypodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@a3dayIt's a K-pop Thing is hosted by two journalists and longtime K-pop stans, Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum and Theresa Avila. FOLLOW US: Twitter: @ikptpod & Instagram: @ikptpod FEEDBACK? IDEAS FOR FUTURE EPISODES? E-mail us at info@kpoppod.com

    1 hr

  6. JAN 12

    Our Manifestations for 2026 In K-pop

    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 collective positive thinking can help us manifest the best possible year yet in K-pop! Tune in as we chit chat about: Our standout releases from 2025What we're each manifesting for K-popWhat changes we're hoping to see in the industryWhat's next for the podcastLet us know what K-pop resolutions you have for the year and what you're hoping to manifest in 2026 by tagging us on social media @IKPTPOD. It's a K-pop Thing is hosted by two journalists and longtime K-pop stans, Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum and Theresa Avila. FOLLOW US: Twitter: @ikptpod & Instagram: @ikptpod FEEDBACK? IDEAS FOR FUTURE EPISODES? E-mail us at info@kpoppod.com

    33 min

  7. JAN 3

    What's Up With Santos Bravos? HYBE's Latino Boy Band

    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 Latino pop boy group using the K-pop industry model.  Though the group is most definitely NOT K-pop sonically (more on that later), its creation via a music survival show, its trainee model and its obvious connection to HYBE mean it carries the DNA or building blocks of the K-pop industry. Naturally, all this means we have a LOT of thoughts on the group's debut and where they might best fit into the current music landscape. So, what did Santos Bravos get right about Latino boy bands and is it only a matter of time before everyone knows their name in Latin America? Tune in to hear Alexis and Theresa discuss: The uphill battle the boys faced in the survivial showWhat it was like to watch the Santos Bravos showcase live in Mexico CityOur takeaways on the final lineup's cohesion (or lack thereof?)Why we think Drew was always going to debut as the anchor for the groupThe obvious (and not-so-obvious) comparisons to KATSEYEThe importance of a visual and sonic identity for a groupAnd so much more! It's a K-pop Thing is hosted by two journalists and longtime K-pop stans, Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum and Theresa Avila. FOLLOW US: Twitter: @ikptpod & Instagram: @ikptpod FEEDBACK? IDEAS FOR FUTURE EPISODES? E-mail us at info@kpoppod.com

    1h 27m

  8. 10/24/2025

    Just Give Kpop Demon Hunters the Grammy and Oscar Already

    Kpop Demon Hunters arguably gave us not just the song of the summer, but the soundtrack of the year. Sound like hyperbole? It's been months since the animated musical was released this summer and it shows no signs of slowing down. Thanks to word-of-mouth and some early guerrilla-style marketing, viewership for the film snowballed so unexpectedly and so quickly that it now holds the distinction of being Netflix's most-watched original title ... EVER, with more than 236 million views as of late August. Now, with Halloween upon us, it seems kids everywhere are eager up to dress up as Rumi, Mira, Zoey, or any of the other memorable characters from the film. At the same time, the singing voices of HUNTR/X have been making the rounds on late night TV ahead of what is arguably a campaign to get in front of the voting bodies during awards season next year. Last but not least, we have the release of EJAE's new single, "In Another World." It's about time time we finally dove into what exactly makes KPOP Demon Hunters so successful and so sticky in pop culture. Listen to hear our discussion on: How Kpop Demon Hunters capitalized on fandom cultureThe power of word-of-mouth and YouTube reactorsKevin Woo's marketing advantage as a real-life K-pop idol The choice of original songs vs. needle drops from existing K-pop groupsEJAE's career in K-pop mirroring Rumi's character arc storyKids, families and keeping K-pop accessibleOur takes on the real inspo for HUNTR/X and Saja BoysIt's a K-pop Thing is hosted by two journalists and longtime K-pop stans, Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum and Theresa Avila. FOLLOW US: Twitter: @ikptpod & Instagram: @ikptpod FEEDBACK? IDEAS FOR FUTURE EPISODES? E-mail us at info@kpoppod.com

    1h 17m
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4.8
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

A podcast by two journalists and K-pop fans who love to bring a little nuance to the fan experience. Hosted by Theresa Avila and Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum, two journalists, friends, and fellow K-pop multi-stans, each episode of It's a K-pop Thing explores the fan culture and the stories behind the people who've helped grow K-pop into a global phenomenon.  In each episode you can expect analysis and commentary on trending K-pop news stories with the right amount of background and context for new and old fans alike. It's a K-pop Thing is, "the show where we talk about all the things that make K-pop distinctly K-pop." Follow the Show: @IKPTpod on Instagram

Information

  • Creator
    Alkemie Sound Lab
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 It's a K-pop Thing
  • Show Website
    It's a K-pop Thing

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