Kpopcast: for the best sounds & ideas in Kpop

Kpopcast
  • 4.3 (126)
  • MUSIC COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Bringing you the best sounds and ideas in K-pop each week. Featuring guests in and around the k-pop community. On a regular basis, we recommend "hit replay" songs you should listen to, as well as provide semi-regular in-depth k-pop editorial told nowhere else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 5D AGO

    K-Pop at the Grammys 2026: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

    In this episode, the hosts discuss K-Pop's presence at the 2026 Grammy Awards, highlighting the wins and losses of K-Pop artists like Kpop Demon Hunters, KATSEYE, and BlackPink Rosé. The show features an inside look from journalist Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum, who was in attendance at the Grammys Ceremony; what she saw and heard in the building may surprise you! The hosts also delve into their Hit Replay selections featuring XG and Kiikii, exploring the unique aspects of these groups. The conversation reflects on the significance of K-Pop's representation at the Grammys, the challenges faced, and the evolving landscape of K-Pop in the global music scene. Join the Kpopcast Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/kpopcast/shared_invite/zt-93kzxcv6-YNej2QkyY6vaPnhEQJxk0A Chip in for editing: https://ko-fi.com/thekpopcast  Alexis' Podcast "It's a Kpop Thing" https://www.instagram.com/ikptpod Chapters 00:00 K-Pop's Grammy Journey 13:29 Hit Replays: XG and Kiikii 20:21 The Evolution of K-Pop: Globalization and Language 22:28 K-Pop's Future: Expectations and Reality 24:53 Cultural Representation: K-Pop at the Grammys 27:17 Reflections on K-Pop's Grammy Journey 30:00 The Broader Context: K-Pop and Global Music Trends 32:11 Alexis' final reflections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min

  2. JAN 30

    Singles Inferno S5 Review Eps 1-7

    This week’s episode we are going BACK to the hottest island in Korea, SINGLES INFERNO! The hosts delve into the complexities of relationships and character dynamics in the reality show, exploring themes of validation, competition, and the impact of personal insecurities on behavior. The discussion highlights the humorous moments of the show while also analyzing the best and worst contestants, their motivations, and the implications of their actions. The hosts make predictions about future developments in the show, emphasizing the importance of character integrity and personal growth. Join the Kpopcast Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/kpopcast/shared_invite/zt-93kzxcv6-YNej2QkyY6vaPnhEQJxk0A Chip in for editing: https://ko-fi.com/thekpopcast  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Singles Inferno Season 5 02:19 The Evolution of Singles Inferno 04:55 Character Dynamics and Relationships 07:41 Physical Attraction and Contestants' Appeal 10:28 The Role of Humor and Banter 13:10 Cultural Reflections in Dating Dynamics 15:47 Surprising Moments and Contestant Insights 18:17 The Impact of Social Media and Public Perception 21:05 Final Thoughts and Predictions 28:09 Exploring Choi Min-ho's Complexities 30:51 The Dynamics of Competition and Validation 32:59 The Role of Projection in Relationships 36:16 Confidence and Performance in Reality TV 38:55 Humor and Lighthearted Moments in the Show 41:09 Character Analysis: Best and Worst Contestants 44:28 Navigating Relationships and Choices 47:47 The Impact of Personalities on Group Dynamics 51:14 Future Predictions and Contestant Outcomes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr

  3. JAN 24

    EXO 'Crown' Honest Review

    In this episode of the Kpopcast, hosts Stephanie and PD-nim dive into the world of K-Pop boy groups, focusing on EXO's latest comeback with their track 'Crown'. They explore the group's dynamics, the impact of legal disputes, and critique the music video and album production. The episode also features hit replays from new groups like LNGSHOT and Enhypen, offering a comprehensive look at the current K-Pop landscape. Introduction to the Kpopcast, including EXO's latest comeback and new group highlights. (Start: 0:00) Hit Replays and LNGSHOT Discussion - Focuses on the discussion about the new group LNGSHOT, their music, and the context of their debut. (Start: 0:44) Enhypen and Generational Shifts - Covers the conversation about Enhypen's comeback, their music style, and the generational shifts in K-Pop. (Start: 9:02) EXO's Comeback and Legal Issues - Discusses EXO's comeback, the absence of certain members, and the legal issues surrounding the group. (Start: 13:16) Music and Visual Critique - Analyzes the music and visuals of EXO's comeback, including production quality and thematic elements. (Start: 24:25) Final Thoughts and Future of K-Pop - Concludes with final thoughts on the discussed topics and the future of K-Pop. (Start: 32:00) Join the Kpopcast Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/kpopcast/shared_invite/zt-93kzxcv6-YNej2QkyY6vaPnhEQJxk0A Chip in for editing: https://ko-fi.com/thekpopcast  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    42 min

  4. JAN 5

    K-Pop Predictions 2026

    In this conversation, the hosts discuss their predictions for the K-Pop industry, reflecting on the past year's developments and looking ahead to 2026. They explore the mainstream presence of K-Pop, the impact of military service on BTS, the evolution of K-Pop's sound, and the increasing representation of LGBTQ artists. Personal resolutions related to K-Pop are shared, alongside predictions about the future of K-Pop groups and the industry's global expansion. Join the Kpopcast Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/kpopcast/shared_invite/zt-93kzxcv6-YNej2QkyY6vaPnhEQJxk0A Chip in for editing: https://ko-fi.com/thekpopcast  Chapters 00:00 2025 Predictions Review 08:06 2026 Predictions Kickoff 12:27 BTS Members' Future 17:07 New Jeans and Industry Challenges 21:11 Stray Kids vs. BTS 22:22 The Future of Music Shows 26:08 The Rise of K-Pop in Mainstream Culture 28:40 K-Pop's Future and Global Influence 31:32 Personal K-Pop Resolutions and Aspirations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min

  5. 12/22/2025

    2025 K-pop Year in Review: Top Songs, Biggest Moments & Kpopcast Awards

    In this episode of the Kpopcast, the hosts recap the significant events, trends, and controversies in the K-Pop industry for the year 2025. They discuss the rise of queer visibility among idols, notable scandals, and the impact of K-Pop on the Western market. The conversation also includes personal song picks and the annual K-Pop awards, highlighting the best and most controversial moments of the year. In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore the evolving landscape of K-Pop, discussing the latest trends, notable awards, and the impact of rookie groups. They delve into brand collaborations, the influence of Western music, and the unconventional hits that have defined the year. The discussion culminates in a debate over the Song of the Year, highlighting the duality of K-Pop through contrasting tracks that embody both light and dark themes. SONG OF THE YEAR AWARD ARTIST NOMINEES: JENNIE, CORTIS, KATSEYE, HUNTRIX, ATEEZ, BLACKPINK, XLOV, HWASA **NOTE: We at the Kpopcast sincerely regret that we forgot to nominate “Body” by Dayoung for our Kpopcast exclusive award: “Hoe Anthem.” We look forward to seeing more sexy & empowering music from Dayoung in the coming year! Chapters 00:00 The Rise of K-Pop Demon Hunters 34:19 Cultural Impact and Authenticity in K-Pop 41:23 Personal Picks: Songs That Resonate 47:31 K-Pop Cast Awards: Celebrating the Best of the Year 51:05 Innovative Choices in K-Pop Music 52:02 Emotional Soundtracks and Heartfelt Ballads 53:54 Rookie Groups Making Waves 59:27 Best Western-Friendly K-Pop Tracks 01:02:10 The Most Distinctive K-Pop Finds 01:06:05 Song of the Year: A Deep Dive into K-Pop's Best 01:11:42 Reflections on K-Pop's Evolution and Future Join the Kpopcast Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/kpopcast/shared_invite/zt-93kzxcv6-YNej2QkyY6vaPnhEQJxk0A Chip in for editing: https://ko-fi.com/thekpopcast  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 14m

  6. 12/13/2025

    TOP 2025 KPop Songs Tier List Ranked

    TOP 2025 K-Pop Songs Tier List Ranked In this episode of the Kpopcast, the hosts engage in a lively discussion about their top songs of the year, using a tier ranking system to evaluate each track based on criteria such as popularity, quality, and its impact on the club scene. They explore the essence of K-Pop, the significance of music videos and choreography, and how personal biases influence their rankings. The conversation highlights the importance of fan reception and the cultural moments defined by these songs including hits by Le Sserafim, CORTIS, HWASA, Katseye, IVE, Stray Kids, BLACKPINK, MEOVV, J-Hope, and K-Pop Demon Hunters, ultimately leading to a comprehensive review of the K-Pop landscape for the year. They create a tier list ranking various songs, and the conversation culminates in a reflection on the song 'Gnarly' and its profound impact on the genre, leading to a broader discussion about the future of K-Pop music. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to K-Pop Song Rankings 02:55 Criteria for Ranking Songs 05:57 Song Evaluations Begin 08:54 Discussion on Popularity and Quality 11:32 Final Thoughts on Rankings 14:54 Music Rankings and Personal Preferences 16:55 Analyzing K-Pop Hits and Their Impact 19:50 Comparing New Releases and Their Reception 22:49 Unboxing and Celebrating K-Pop Merchandise 24:46 Final Thoughts on K-Pop Songs of the Year 27:11 Introduction and Technical Glitches 30:48 Exploring the Essence of K-pop 33:47 J-Hope's 'Killing It Girl' and Dance Trends 36:50 N-Mix's 'Blue Valentine' and Fan Reactions 39:30 Discussion on 'Spaghetti' and Trend Chasing in K-pop 43:51 Defining K-Pop's Iconic Moments 44:39 Evaluating Popularity vs. Quality 46:02 The Evolution of K-Pop Sounds 47:55 Reassessing the Rankings 50:04 The Role of Popularity in Music Evaluation 52:21 Personal Favorites vs. Mainstream Appeal 55:17 Exploring Bad Desire and Trends 56:16 Evaluating Song Rankings 57:18 Discussing Group Dynamics in Music 58:11 Analyzing Upward Momentum in Songs 59:12 Debating Song Quality and Reception 59:57 Finalizing Song Rankings 01:03:07 Introducing the Final Song Discussion 01:04:17 The Impact of 'Gnarly' on the Year 01:07:04 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions Join the Kpopcast Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/kpopcast/shared_invite/zt-93kzxcv6-YNej2QkyY6vaPnhEQJxk0A Chip in for editing: https://ko-fi.com/thekpopcast  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 8m

  7. 11/14/2025

    2026 K-Pop Grammy Nominations and Predictions

    Join Stephanie and PD-nim on the Kpopcast as they dive into all things K-Pop at the 2026 Grammy Awards. Nominations have just been announced and folks are saying this is "K-Pop's Year" at the Grammys: Kpop Demon Hunters Huntrix, Katseye, and Rose from BlackPink feat. Bruno Mars are nominated! This episode covers TXT's Yeonjun's 'No Labels Part 1' and comebacks from Itzy and Wonho. ! Join the Kpopcast Slack:  https://join.slack.com/t/kpopcast/shared_invite/zt-93kzxcv6-YNej2QkyY6vaPnhEQJxk0A Chip in for editing: https://ko-fi.com/thekpopcast  HIT REPLAYS: WONHO 원호 'if you wanna' MV https://youtu.be/qk6AbjgR-FA?si=yjz8BNcs3YC2DYMo ITZY "TUNNEL VISION" M/V https://youtu.be/piSq8IioghU?si=j0dVLR3GjXjSEk3T   Chapters 00:00 K-Pop Highlights: TXT, Wonho, and Itzy 07:22 Wonho's Solo Journey and Musical Evolution 13:09 ITZY's Comeback and Visuals 28:40 Yeonjun's Solo Debut and Collaboration with KATSEYE Daniela 33:17 Mainstream Acceptance of K-Pop? 40:17 The Impact of KATSEYE and Kpop Demon Hunters 45:44 Grammy Predictions and Industry Dynamics 52:42 Celebrating K-Pop's Achievements Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55 min

  8. 10/16/2025

    XLOV LGBT Flag Controversy

    In this episode of the K-Pop cast, hosts Stephanie and Pd-nim discuss various topics in the K-Pop world, including Baek Yerin's new release, Kino's solo debut, and the controversy surrounding X-Love's handling of LGBTQ pride flags. They also react to Babymonster's latest comeback, 'We Go Up', exploring the themes and sounds of the new music while reflecting on the current state of K-Pop and its representation of diverse identities. Join the Kpopcast Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/kpopcast/shared_invite/zt-93kzxcv6-YNej2QkyY6vaPnhEQJxk0A Chip in for editing: https://ko-fi.com/thekpopcast  REACTION: BABYMONSTER - We Go Up https://youtu.be/wlHwjkYpSr0?si=e9S3l-HSOIKudUuB HIT REPLAYS: 백예린(Yerin Baek) ‘MIRROR’ M/V https://youtu.be/IydHPao0OIg?si=do9ZGa0Ew9ruQsZs KINO - DIRTY BOY (Feat. JAMIE, UWA) [Official Music Video] https://youtu.be/NI9hEnq-yko?si=6TllsqvNRO8J53Wv   Chapters 00:00 K-Pop Comebacks and Solo Highlights 10:49 Exploring Kino's New Release 15:21 XLOV's Flag Controversy and LGBTQ Representation 24:51 Fan Reactions and Activism 29:34 Transitioning to Lighter Topics - Babymonster 30:22 Babymonster's New Release 37:29 Comparing Babymonster to Other Groups 41:26 Wrapping Up and Socials Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    42 min
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4.3
out of 5
126 Ratings

About

Bringing you the best sounds and ideas in K-pop each week. Featuring guests in and around the k-pop community. On a regular basis, we recommend "hit replay" songs you should listen to, as well as provide semi-regular in-depth k-pop editorial told nowhere else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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