July 2022 Episode Guide
On 17 Carat K-Pop
ATEEZ Story Updates: A guide to ATEEZ's new album, THE WORLD EP.1 : MOVEMENT! From revisiting certain themes in their song lyrics to bringing back certain symbols in their new music video, I look at the many ways ATEEZ's newest chapter seamlessly expands on the previous ones - and introduces new clues about what comes next!
Nody Cika Interview: Nody Cika talks about songs that mean a lot to her, her time on The Voice of Korea, the pros and cons of being so hands-on in the making of her own music, and more!
P1Harmony’s Story: This guide to P1Harmony goes over the reasons for their popularity, the characters each member plays in their music videos, the messages their music has included since day one, the recurring symbols in their videos, and things to look out for as the "Harmony Era" story continues to unfold!
TXT Concert Story & The Latest K-Pop News: After sharing some stories from TXT’s Chicago concert, I break down the latest K-pop headlines, including what Jessi’s departure from P NATION is really all about, why aespa continue to be ones to watch, what to make of metaverse-related group SUPERKIND, and more!
Best New K-Pop, J-Pop, & C-Pop: A ranking and review of the twenty best K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop releases of June 2022!
aespa and KWANGYA Guide, Vol. 2: Given the new context and clarity provided by aespa's new "Next Level" short film and "Girls" music video, this episode includes an updated, comprehensive glossary to all things KWANGYA and the SMCU, a revised character and setting guide, and new theories about the ways SM Entertainment artists' stories are intertwined!
Best Albums of 2022 So Far: A ranking and review of the fifty best K-pop and J-pop albums released in the first half of 2022!
MANIFESTO : DAY 1 Deep Dive: The best lyrics on ENHYPEN's new album, details from this comeback's teaser videos and new music video that are easy to miss but important not to, the greater context behind the David and Goliath reference in "WALK THE LINE," and an overall breakdown of the messages ENHYPEN's musical world has sent and continues to send.
Happy Birthday Taeyong! (2022): In honor of Lee Taeyong's birthday, here is a guide to his solo music, both official and unofficial (released on just YouTube or SoundCloud), a roundup of his most profound quotes, a brief reminder of his role in the SMCU, and more talk about all things Taeyong!
On How to Stan
American Girl: I summarize the origin story of American Girl and explore the sociocultural and economic factors that have shaped the brand’s evolution and lasting relevancy.
My Writing
MCND Talk About Their Upcoming Tour, New Music, TikTok Challenges, and More!
TOMORROW X TOGETHER Chicago Concert Review
Processing My TXT Concert Experience
Nody Cika Interview Transcript
The Best Albums of 2022 So Far, Part 1
The Best Albums of 2022 So Far, Part 2
ATEEZ Story Updates (Paywalled)
A Guide to KWANGYA and the SMCU (Paywalled)
A Guide to P1Harmony (Paywalled)
Sources and Further Reading
About Michelangelo’s David
The story of David and Goliath
What the “centrifugal force” ENHYPEN’s monologue mentions is all about
Information about the UN Development forum aespa spoke at
Information about the BTS Global Interdisciplinary Conference
Information about the BTS-inspired art exhibit discussed on the show
The history of the American Girl brand
The financial highs and lows of American Girl
“How American Girl Place was a first in Chicago - and way ahead of its time”
Some more critical assessments of American Girl
The rise of homemade American Girl videos