The Complete 17 Carat K-Pop Episode Guide (Part 3)
The Complete 17 Carat K-Pop Episode Guide (Part 3)
Part of my categorized list of the best of my 300-and-counting episodes of the podcast!
Best of April 2024: BABYMONSTER, BOYNEXTDOOR, BREIMEN, DOYOUNG, EPEX, GADORO, HIROMITSU KITAYAMA, Ian Chan, IVE, KISS OF LIFE, LA POEM, May J., ONEWE, ONF, SEVENTEEN, Solar, TXT, Vicky Chen, Xdinary Heroes, and YUQI
Best of March 2024: BINI, CHUNG HA, DAY6, Diana Wang, ExWHYZ, ILLIT, j-hope, Kim Sawol, MAZZEL, NCT DREAM, PURPLE KISS, SCANDAL, Seori, SUPER★DRAGON, UNIS, UVERworld, WENDY, xikers, yanaginagi, and YooA
Best of February 2024: A.C.E, Cha Eun-Woo, CRAVITY, Daichi Miura, DK, from20, INI, IU, Jeff Satur, LE SSERAFIM, LIL LEAGUE from EXILE TRIBE, LIM KIM, Moon Byul, NCT WISH, P1Harmony, Sakurazaka46, TAEYONG, TEN, TRI.BE, and TWICE
Best of January 2024: AB6IX, BABYMONSTER, COME, EVNNE, GARNiDELiA, (G)I-DLE, Hui, iScream, ITZY, IU, Jeff Satur, JEONG SEWOON, milet, NAQT VANE, NARIN, Sakurazaka46, SEOLA, TWS, yama, and YENA
“Best of 2023” Episodes
Best Albums: AB6IX, Agust D, ASH ISLAND, ATEEZ, Ayumi Hamasaki, BABYMETAL, BamBam, B.I, THE BOYZ, BSS, CHANMINA, Crush, Cyndi Wang, DAWN, D.O., DPR IAN, Dreamcatcher, ENHYPEN, Epik High, Eric Nam, EXO, FTISLAND, G.E.M., (G)I-DLE, GIUK, HeyMen, Hua Chenyu, HWANG MIN HYUN, IVE, Jia (aka Meng Jia), JIHYO, Jimin, JO YURI, JOOHONEY, Jung Kook, KAI, KANGDANIEL, KARD, KARDI, KIMSEJEONG, King Gnu, KINGDOM, KISS OF LIFE, Kwon Jin Ah, LE SSERAFIM, Loossemble, milet, MAMAMOO+, Marz23, MIRANI, MONSTA X, Ms.OOJA, NCT DOJAEJUNG, NCT DREAM, NCT 127, NCT 2023, Nerd Connection, NewJeans, ODD EYE CIRCLE (ARTMS), ØZI, PINK FUN, PURPLE KISS, P1Harmony, Red Velvet, Rei Yasuda, Reina Washio, Reol, The Rose, Sakurazaka46, SEVENTEEN, Shi Shi, SHINee, Shota Shimizu, SINCE, So!YoON!, Stray Kids, SUPER★DRAGON, TAEMIN, TAEYANG, TAEYEON, TAEYONG, TRiDENT, TWICE, TXT, V, WOODZ, Xdinary Heroes, XG, xikers, and Zunya
Best K-Pop Music Videos: AB6IX, aespa, Agust D, BIG Naughty, Billlie, BSS (ft. Lee Young Ji), CHUU, COOING, DAWN, DINO, Dreamcatcher, ENHYPEN, Epik High (ft. Hoshi), (G)I-DLE, IVE, Jimin, JISOO, JUN, KAI, KIM SEJEONG, KINGDOM, KISS OF LIFE, LE SSERAFIM (ft. Nile Rodgers), MAMAMOO+, NCT DOJAEJUNG, NCT 127, NewJeans, NTX, PARK JIHOON, PURPLE KISS, SEVENTEEN, STAYC, Stray Kids, SUNMI, TAEYEON, TAEYONG, tripleS LOVElution, TWICE, TXT, and WOODZ
Best Songs: AB6IX, aespa, Agust D, Aimer, ANGIE, Anonymouz, ATARASHII GAKKO!, ATEEZ, Ayumi Hamasaki, BABYMETAL, BamBam, BAND-MAID, BIG Naughty, BiSH, BOYNEXTDOOR, Bryn, BSS, CHANMINA, THE CHARM PARK, ChiVee, CHUU, Crush, DAWN, DeVita, D.O., DPR IAN, Dreamcatcher, ENHYPEN, Epik High, EVERGLOW, FIFTY FIFTY, Forestella, from20, G.E.M., (G)I-DLE, Girls2, Gummy Bear Man, Han Seungwoo, HeyMen, HOSHI, Hua Chenyu, HUH YUNJIN, HWASA, iKON, INFINITE, iScream, ITZY, IVE, Janice Yan, Jeff Satur, JIHYO, Jimin, JISOO, JOOHONEY, Juice Boy, JUN, Jung Kook, KAI, KANGDANIEL, KARD, KARDI, Karencici, KIMSEJEONG, King Gnu, KISS OF LIFE, Kwon Jin Ah, LE SSERAFIM, Lee Young Ji, Lexie Liu, LIL LEAGUE from EXILE TRIBE, LIM KIM, MAMAMOO+, Mandark, MARK, Marz23, Melody & Christine, Meng Jia (aka Jia), milet, MIRANI, MIREI, MIYAVI, MONSTA X, Nana Ou-Yang, NAQT VANE, NCT DOJAEJUNG, NCT DREAM, NCT 127, Nene, NewJeans, Nissy, NOILION, OFFICIAL HIGE DANDISM, ØZI, PINK FUN, PURPLE KISS, P1Harmony, Rei Yasuda, Reina Washio, Reol, Roa from Rocking doll, The Rose, Sakurazaka46, SCANDAL, SEVENTEEN, SHINee, Sik-K, SKY-HI, STAYC, Stray Kids, TAEMIN, TAEYONG, ☆Taku Takahashi, Tiger JK, tripleS, TWICE, TXT, Vash Hsu, Whee In, WOODZ, Xdinary Heroes, XG, Xiao Bing Chih, xikers, YOASOBI, Yoshida Rinne, YUGYEOM, Zunya, 8TURN, and 10-FEET
Best Non-K-Pop: ALALA, ANGIE, ATARASHII GAKKO!, BABYMETAL, BAND-MAID, BE:FIRST, CHANMINA, EXILE TRIBE, G.E.M., Girls2, HORI7ON, INI, Jeff Satur, JO1, Karencici, KEN THE 390, King Gnu, Little Glee Monster, luz, Mandark, Marz23, MAZZEL, Melody & Christine, meme tokyo., milet, Miliyah, MIYAVI, Nana Ou-yang, Nene, Nissy, NiziU, Nogizaka46, Novel Core, OCTPATH, ONE N’ ONLY, ØZI, Penthouse, Rei Yasuda, Reol, RIKIMARU, Sakurazaka46, SB19, SG, SUPER★DRAGON, Violette Wautier, Whyte, XG, YAO CHEN, YOASOBI, and 4EVE
Reactions to, reviews of, and music video theories about music from…
November 2023: aespa, Crush, DINO, Dreamcatcher, ENHYPEN, Epik High (ft. HOSHI), Jung Kook, King Gnu, KISS OF LIFE, Lexie Liu, MCND, NTX, PINK FUN, P1Harmony, Red Velvet, Stray Kids, TAEYEON, TRiDENT, WayV, and Zior Park
October 2023: AILEE, CHUU, Cyndi Wang, DPR IAN, EPEX, ITZY, IVE, Jeff Satur, Karencici, NCT 127, Nissy, Reina Washio, Reol, Sakurazaka46, SEVENTEEN, SUNMI, TAEMIN, TXT, Whee In, and Xdinary Heroes
September 2023: BOYNEXTDOOR, CRAVITY, DAWN, D.O., DPR IAN, Eric Nam, EVNNE, FTISLAND, HWASA, I Don’t Like Mondays., Kep1er, KEY, KIMSEJEONG, Loossemble, Ms.OOJA, Nerd Connection, PURPLE KISS, The Rose, V, and XG
August 2023: aespa, ASOBOiSM, BABYMETAL (ft. Tom Morello), BAND-MAID, BUGVEL, ChiVee, DPR IAN, EVERGLOW, HeyMen, JIHYO, JO YURI, MAMAMOO+, milet, NCT 2023, Nogizaka46, Roa from Rocking doll, Route 1, SEVENTEEN, tripleS, and U-KNOW
July 2023: Aimer, Defying Decay and Violette Wautier, EXO, from20, G.E.M., ITZY, Janice Yan, JUN, Jung Kook (ft. Latto), KARDI, KISS OF LIFE, MISAMO, Nana Ou-Yang, NCT DREAM, NewJeans, NiziU, ODD EYE CIRCLE, SHOWNU X HYUNGWON, TREASURE, and UVERworld
June 2023: ATEEZ, B.I, fromis_9, Jeff Satur, KANGDANIEL, Lapillus, LUN8, luz, meme tokyo., Meng Jia (aka Jia), P1Harmony, REN, Shawn, SHINee, Stray Kids, TAEYONG, TNX (aka THE NEW SIX), YENA, Zunya, and 8TURN
May 2023: AB6IX, aespa, ASH ISLAND, ATBO, BTOB, DeVita, Dreamcatcher, ENHYPEN, (G)I-DLE, iKON, INI, JOOHONEY, KARD, Karencici, LE SSERAFIM, MIRANI, ONE N’ ONLY, ONEUS, SB19, and YAO CHEN
April 2023: Agust D, BOL4, CHANMINA, DAWN, from20, GIUK, IVE, JOSH CULLEN, KIM WOO SEOK, LEE CHAE YEON, MARK, Marz23, NAME, NCT DOJAEJUNG, Nene (aka Zheng Naixin), SEVENTEEN, TAEYANG, TEMPEST, WOODZ, and Xdinary Heroes
March 2023: BABYMETAL, BamBam, Billlie, BOBBY, Cherry Bullet, CODE KUNST, CRAVITY, HUH YUNJIN, IVE, Jeff Satur, j-hope & J. Cole, Jimin, JISOO, KAI, MAMAMOO+, SG, So!YoON!, SUPER★DRAGON, TWICE, and xikers
February 2023: THE BOYZ, BSS, Epik High, Haven, HELLO GLOOM, JOSH CULLEN, KAT-TUN, KEY, Marz23, Minhyun (aka HWANG MIN HYUN), oceanfromtheblue, OCTPATH, ØZI, PURPLE KISS, THE RAMPAGE from EXILE TRIBE, Rei Yasuda, STAYC, Stray Kids, TRI.BE, and WOODZ
January 2023 and December 2022 (a two-part episode!): ATEEZ, Ayumi Hamasaki, BABYMETAL, COCONA, GEMINI, Hua Chen Yu, HUH YUNJIN, Im DAI, Jinyoung, Jolin Tsai, Lexie Liu, MONSTA X, MOONBIN&SANHA, NCT DREAM, NCT 127, NewJeans, Novel Core, OFFICIAL HIGE DANDISM, OnlyOneOf, Park Bench Club, PassCode, PoLin, PRIMROSE, PROWDMON & LAS, Rheehab, RM, SF9, Shingo Katori and SEVENTEEN, SKY-HI, SMTOWN, Stray Kids, TAEYANG ft. Jimin, TWICE, TXT, VERNON, WAYV, XEED, yanaginagi, and YUGYEOM ft. Sik-K
Best K-Pop Music Videos of 2022: ADORA, Bernard Park, BIGBANG, Billlie, BLACKPINK, BTS, CHUNG HA, Dreamcatcher, (G)I-DLE, IVE, JO YURI, JUN, KEY, KIM WOO SEOK, KWON EUN BI, LE SSERAFIM, LOONA, Moon Byul, NAYEON, NCT DREAM, ONEW, PSY ft. SUGA, PURPLE KISS, P1Harmony, Red Velvet, Rocking doll, SEVENTEEN, Solar, STAYC, Stray Kids, SUHO, TAEYEON, TAEYONG & Wonstein, TWICE, TXT, Xdinary Heroes, YENA solo, YENA ft. BIBI, YOUNHA, and Zior Park
Best K-Pop Music Videos of 2022 (Part 2)
Best Albums of 2022: AB6IX, [Alexandros], Amazing Show, Araki, ATEEZ, BAND-MAID, BE:FIRST, B.I, BLACKPINK, BoA, BTS, CHUNG HA, CRAXY, DPR IAN, Dreamcatcher, DUSTCELL, eill, ENHYPEN, Epik High, Eric Nam, FAKY, (G)I-DLE, Girls2, HAN SEUNG YUN, HIM FAMILY, HIRAIDAI, HUTA, HyunA, lLLBOI, ITZY, j-hope, JO YURI, KANGDANIEL, KANTO, Kep1er, KEY, KIHYUN, KIM WOO SEOK, Kumi Koda, LEE CHANHYUK, Lexie Liu, LiSA, LOONA, LUCY, Luli lee, MAMAMOO, MARiA, MAX CHANGMIN, milet, MONSTA X, Nana Ouyang, NAYEON, NCT DREAM, NCT 127, NINE.i, Nissy, Nogizaka46, Novel Core, OMEGA X, ONE OK ROCK, ONEUS, Perfume, pH-1, PIXY, PURPLE KISS, P1Harmony, Red Velvet, Reol, RM, The Rose, SAAY, SEVENTEEN, Solar, SOLE, Stray Kids, SUHO, SUPER★DRAGON, TAEYEON, TO1, TRiDENT, TWICE, TXT, WAGAMAMA RAKIA, WONHO, WOODZ, Xdinary Heroes, XIUMIN, Yerin, YOSHIKI EZAKI, YOUHA, ZICO, and 4s4ki
Best Songs of 2022 (which takes the form of a guessing game!)
November 2022: Amazing Show, Ayumi Hamasaki, B.I, BoA, DRIPPIN, HIM FAMILY, KANTO, Lexie Liu, LiSA, NINE.i, PoLin, P1Harmony, Red Velvet, Reol, Ryu Su Jeong, SEVENTEEN, TO1, woo!ah!, Xdinary Heroes, and YooA
October 2022: AB6IX, Dreamcatcher, FAKY, (G)I-DLE, lLLBOI, JIN, JO YURI, KIHYUN, LE SSERAFIM, LEE CHANHYUK, Luli lee, MAMAMOO, meme tokyo., milet, The Rose, SAAY, SEULGI, Stray Kids, TEN, and TRiDENT
September 2022:ADORA, BAND-MAID, Bernard Park, BLACKPINK, CHANMINA & ASH ISLAND, CHOI YOOJUNG, CRAVITY, Crush & j-hope, JAY B, JUN, Nana Ouyang, NCT 127, ONE OK ROCK, ONEUS, pH-1, SOLE, sumika, Vincent, XIUMIN, and 4EVE
August 2022: Araki, BE:FIRST, Billlie, BLACKPINK, CIX, CRAXY, DUSTCELL, from20, HA SUNG WOON, IVE, JAEHYUN, KEY, LEE JIN HYUK, LUCY, milet, Novel Core, TWICE, YENA, YOUHA, and 4s4ki
July 2022: aespa, [Alexandros], ATEEZ, CHUNG HA, DPR IAN, ENHYPEN, HyunA, ITZY, j-hope, Perfume, PURPLE KISS, P1Harmony, SEVENTEEN, STAYC, TO1, WINNER, Xdinary Heroes, Youngtak, ZICO, and 4EVE
June 2022: BTS, HEIZE, hitorie, HUTA, JO YURI, KARD, Kep1er, LOONA, luz, MARiA, NAYEON, OMEGA X, ONE OK ROCK, PIXY, Stray Kids, SUNMI, WAGAMAMA RAKIA, WONHO, woo!ah!, and Zunya (ft. KUMACHAN)
The 50 Best Music Videos of 2022 (by Mid-June): Apink, ASTRO, BamBam, B.I (ft. DeVita & Soulja Boy), BIGBANG, Billlie, BTS, Cheng Xiao, Cherry Bullet, Dreamcatcher, (G)I-DLE, IVE, JAMIE, JEONG SEWOON, Kep1er, KIM WOO SEOK, KWON EUN BI, LE SSERAFIM, Lee Soo Young, MIRAE, Moon Byul, NCT DREAM, Nissy, NiziU, ONEW, PINK FUN, PSY (ft. SUGA), Red Velvet, Rocking doll, SEVENTEEN, Solar, STAYC, Stray Kids, SUHO, TAEYEON, TAEYONG (with Wonstein), TVXQ!, TXT, Vivian Hsu, Whee In, WJSN CHOCOME, WONHO, WOOZI, woo!ah!, YENA (ft. BIBI), YERIN, YOUNHA, and 4EVE
Also check out: the episodes about the best songs and best albums of 2022 so far!
May 2022: ASTRO, Ciipher, FAKY, from20, GOT7, HIRAIDAI, iKON, JEONG SEWOON, KANGDANIEL, LE SSERAFIM, milet, NCT DREAM, Nissy, P1Harmony and Pink Sweat$, SEVENTEEN, TXT, VICTON, WOODZ, YERIN, and 4EVE
April 2022: Ayumi Hamasaki, BE:FIRST, BIGBANG, BOL4, Dreamcatcher, EGOIST, IVE, JO1, Little Glee Monster, meme tokyo., Misako Uno, MIYEON, MONSTA X, Moon Byul, NiziU, SEVENTEEN, SUHO, TAEYONG (ft. Wonstein), VERIVERY, and WAGAMAMA RAKIA
March 2022: Cheng Xiao, Cherry Bullet, eSNa, (G)I-DLE, KIHYUN, KIM WOO SEOK, KWON EUN BI, MIYAVI, MOONBIN&SANHA, NAME, NCT DREAM, Nogizaka46, OH MY GIRL, Perfume, Red Velvet, Solar, Stray Kids, SUPER★DRAGON, TVXQ!, and THE 8
February 2022: Apink, Billlie, DeVita, eill, Epik High, HAN SEUNG YUN, JAMIE, Kumi Koda, MAMADOL, MC Sniper, milet, Rocking doll, SORN, STAYC, TAEYEON, Vivian Hsu, VIVIZ, WONHO, YongYong (ft. Han Yo Han), and YOSHIKI EZAKI
January 2022:AleXa, BamBam, ENHYPEN, Eric Nam, Girls2, H1-KEY, Justin, Kep1er, MAX CHANGMIN, MeiMei (ft. MIYAVI), MOMOLAND (with Natti Natasha), OFFICIAL HIGE DANDISM, PENTAGON, P1Harmony, TAEYEON, TOKYO GIRLS’ STYLE, Whee In, WOOZI, woo!ah!, and YENA
Best K-Pop Music Videos of 2021: A.C.E, AKMU, BAEKHYUN, BamBam, B.I, Bling Bling, BTS, D.O, Dreamcatcher, DreamNote, ENHYPEN, E.SO, GRAY, HOSHI, ILLBOI, IU, JEON SOMI, JEON SOYEON, KAI, KANGDANIEL, KEY, KIMSEJEONG, KWON EUN BI, LEE JIN HYUK, Lee Sun Hee, LeeHi, LISA of BLACKPINK, Loco, LOONA, MINGYU, MONSTA X, NCT DREAM, NCT 127, OH MY GIRL, Pink Fantasy, PIXY, PURPLE KISS, Red Velvet, Seori, SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids, SUNMI, TAEMIN, TWICE, TXT, Whee In, WONWOO, Younha, YUQI, and THE 8
Best K-Pop Albums of 2021: aespa, ATEEZ, BAEKHYUN, B.I, BLOO, The Chain G, CHUNG HA, CL, CNBLUE, DAY6, DO HAN SE, Dreamcatcher, ENHYPEN, Epik High, Gaho, Golden Child, GRAY, Han Yo Han, Hwa Sa, ITZY, KAI, KANG DANIEL, KEY, KIM JAE HWAN, LeeHi, LOONA, MONSTA X, NCT, NCT DREAM, NCT 127, N.Flying, NIve, RAIN, Red Velvet, SEVENTEEN, SHINee, Stray Kids, SUNMI, TAEMIN, TWICE, TXT, WONHO, and WOODZ
The 150 Best Songs of 2021 (which takes the format of a guessing game!)
November 2021: BACK-ON, B.I, Billlie, from20, Gaho, GARNiDELiA, HA SUNG WOON, Hwa Sa, KAI, MONSTA X, ONEUS, Rei Yasuda, Reol, SF9, T-ARA, TO1, TWICE, UVERworld, Yaffle, and Younha
October 2021: aespa, Ailee, BLITZERS, bugAboo, Chanmina, CNBLUE, DreamNote, DUSTCELL, Egoist, ENHYPEN, Epik High (ft. GIRIBOY, Sik-K, and JUSTHIS), JEON SOMI, LEE JIN HYUK, luz, NCT 127, OWV, PIXY, SEVENTEEN, TWICE, and WOODZ
September 2021: A.C.E, ATEEZ, BIBI, BOY STORY, BTS and Coldplay, CHANMINA, DO HAN SE, Goopy, Han Yo Han, HIM FAMILY, ITZY, KEY, LeeHi, LISA (from BLACKPINK), MIYAVI, NAUNGJAE, NCT 127, PANTHEPACK, PURPLE KISS, and Woosung
August 2021: Anonymouz, from20, Golden Child, GRAY, HA SUNG WOON, I Don’t Like Mondays., JAY B, KEY and TAEYEON, MCND, milet, MIRAE, ONF, Red Velvet, Sayaka Yamamoto, SOMI, Stray Kids, SUNMI, TEN, TXT, and Yong Yong
July 2021: AKMU, AleXa, BTS, D.O., Dreamcatcher, E.SO, Even of Day, F.I.R., HA:TFELT (ft. Keem Hyo-Eun), J SOUL BROTHERS III, JEON SOYEON, KINGDOM, milet, MINZY, Nicholas Tse, NIve, OHTORA and maeshima soshi, Shota Shimizu, TAEYEON, and TWICE
June 2021: A.C.E, BamBam, B.I, Brave Girls, EXO, from20, GHOST9, HA SUNG WOON, HARU, LOONA, MONSTA X, N.Flying, Nissy, PINK FANTASY, SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids, toku, TWICE, UVERworld, and 2PM
May 2021: Bling Bling, BTS, Eric Nam (with Armaan Malik and KSHMR), EVERGLOW, from20, Gaho, GWSN, HEIZE, LeeHi (with MINGYU and WONWOO), LiSA, MANACLE, NCT DREAM, OH MY GIRL, ONE OK ROCK, ONEUS, TAEMIN, TO1, TXT, The Volunteers, and YUQI
April 2021: AB6IX, BTS, DAY6, ENHYPEN, HOSHI, ITZY, KANG DANIEL, KIM JAE HWAN, LEE JIN HYUK, milet, NU’EST, ONE OK ROCK, OnlyOneOf, P1Harmony, SEVENTEEN, SKY-HI, WENDY, Whee In, 3YE, and THE 8
March 2021: ATEEZ, BAEKHYUN, BDC, DPR IAN, FAKY, G-reyish, IU, KIM SEJEONG, lol, MIRAE, PENTAGON, PURPLE KISS, RAIN, ROSÉ, sEODo, SUPER JUNIOR, Unknöwn Kun, WayV, Weeekly, and WOODZ
February 2021: BIBI, The Chain G, CHUNG HA, CIX, CL, GOT7, J.DON, JUN from SEVENTEEN, J.UNA, KANG DANIEL, KIM WOO SEOK, KINGDOM, NCT 127, Nissy, ONF, OWV, PIXY, SHINee, SUNMI, and WONHO
January 2021: AB6IX, A.C.E, BAEKHYUN, BAND-MAID, BOBBY, Cherry Bullet, Dreamcatcher, Epik High, (G)I-DLE, Hayeon, HyunA, IU, IZ*ONE, LiSA, Little Glee Monster, NCT 127, OWV, Stray Kids, TXT, and U-KNOW
2020 J-Pop and C-Pop: Betty Wu, eill, Fujii Kaze, GARNiDELiA, GLIM SPANKY, Hua Chenyu, IZ*ONE, JO1, Kenshi Yonezu, Kumi Koda, Little Glee Monster, milet, MIYAVI, My First Story, NEXT, ONEPIXCEL, R-Chord, REOL, SCANDAL, SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids, TAEYEON, TWICE, UNINE, Victoria Song, and WayV
2020 K-Pop (Part 3): A.C.E, Agust D, ATEEZ, BTS, DAWN, EXO-SC, EVERGLOW, Hwa Sa, Joohoney, KAI, LOONA, MONSTA X, NCT 127, SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids, SUPERM, TAEMIN, TWICE, TXT, and WOODZ
2020 K-Pop (Part 2): aespa, Apink, BDC, BOL4, BTOB 4U, CHUNG HA, CRAVITY, DAWN, Eric Nam, Even of Day, EVERGLOW, EXO-SC, GFRIEND, Golden Child, Hyolyn, IRENE & SEULGI, IZ*ONE, Jessi, KAI, LOONA, MAX CHANGMIN, MONSTA X, NCT DREAM, NCT U, N.Flying, ONEUS, Rocket Punch, SOMI, Stray Kids, TO1, TXT, Younha, and ZICO
2020 K-Pop (Part 1): A.C.E, Agust D, AleXa, ATEEZ, BAEKHYUN, BAE173, BLACKPINK, BOL4, BTS, CIX, CLC, Dreamcatcher, ENHYPEN, EXO-SC, GFRIEND, HA SUNG WOON, IU, LEE SUHYUN, LeeHi, LOONA, Lovelyz, NATTY, NATURE, NCT U, NCT 127, NCT 2020, N.Flying, OH MY GIRL, ONEUS, SEVENTEEN, SUPERM, TAEMIN, TWICE, TXT, WINNER, WOODZ, and ZICO
2019 K-Pop: BAEKHYUN, BOL4, BTS, HUTA, KEY, LOONA, MONSTA X, Sori, Stray Kids, and TAEYEON
Episodes That Fall Into Multiple Categories
P1Harmony Concert Review & News Roundup: After recapping the highs and lows of P1Harmony’s Chicago concert, Hope recaps the month in K-pop news: are HyunA and DAWN really back together? What is and is not known about BLACKPINK’s contract statuses? What changes now that Scooter Braun is the sole CEO of HYBE America? Plus: a LOONA court case update, new TV programs to watch, Fashion Week sightings, and even more updates!
Dreamcatcher Story Updates & News: The first half of this episode: a quick and improved guide to Dreamcatcher’s music video world, with an emphasis on how the “MAISON” and “VISION” eras are related! The second half: a roundup of K-pop news coverage that includes awards shows’ controversies, exciting TV show premieres, and more!
SEULGI, TAEYONG, OMEGA X, and More: The first part of this episode dissects the lyrics to Taeyong’s new SoundCloud track, “FINE,” and the hidden details in SEULGI’s “28 Reasons” video! The second half is a big K-pop news roundup that covers OMEGA X’s mistreatment, key takeaways from HYBE’s latest community briefing, and more.
Universe (NCT Talk, Vol. 12): From a close reading of the poem Johnny is seen reading in a comeback teaser video to a summary of the “sea of unconscious” NCT keep alluding to, this episode is a thorough guide to all the meaningful details from NCT's Universe Era!
A Colossal Recap: A video game-related theory connecting several BTS musical eras, why bucket hats had a resurgence in popularity, a story from Taiwan’s hip-hop scene, and more.
Wonhomygod: Reacting to WONHO’s solo debut, Taiwan’s first arena concert of 2020, and a trend in fan-idol interactions that reveals the future of fandom culture.
The 2000 and Late Late Show: The future of LOONA, the underlying causes of ARMY’s disappointment with James Corden, China’s restrictions on cartoons, behind-the-scenes details about the making of SEVENTEEN’s dance routines, and more.
ExCALIbur: A look at the most interesting behind-the-scenes details and the most insightful quotes in SEVENTEEN’s latest interviews, aespa’s Hollywood moment, the way K-pop fans in Thailand are being a force for good, and more.
Lyla Lee and TXT: Author Lyla Lee’s K-pop novel, the lyrics in SEVENTEEN’s Heng : Garæ, the bizarre marketing tactics used in a world of social distancing, and an extension of previous conversations about western media and its treatment of K-pop stars.
BigHit the Road: Arguing in defense of TWICE, unpacking the greater cultural context behind the Lana Del Rey situation, and discussing roles of women in music overall. Plus: a SEVENTEEN docuseries review, reaction to Agust D-2, weird alpaca story, and more!
iKCONic: The top five best C-pop music videos, the top seven best MONSTA X milestones, a handful of music recommendations, ideas for quarantine-era K-pop events, and much more.
Wake Me Up, I am NOT in Noir!: Analyses and theories about the stories presented in various K-pop artists’ music videos, from Stray Kids to SUNMI to TXT.
C-Pop vs J-Pop vs K-Pop (Part 2): C-pop and J-pop recommendations, differences between those industries, and possible reasons for K-pop’s popularity in Europe.
Episodes Covering the Latest Headlines
Still Monster (Energy): A short overview of times the makers of Monster Energy (aka Monster Beverage Corporation) sued entities who used the word “Monster” in branding, the latest example being K-pop rookie girl group BABYMONSTER. Other news covered in this episode: TikTok’s feud with Universal Music Group, all the things that went wrong at end-of-year awards shows, a crusade against lip-synching, publication of a shocking video, big updates for BLACKPINK as solo artists, and much more!
Jam Jam(boree): Although this year’s World Scout Jamboree was filled with problems (including criminal charges, dangerous weather, accusations of poor planning, a blame game, and tension with sports superfans), there were also moments when South Korean businesses and places of worship stepped up and tried to still give scouts special memories. This episode covers both the highs and lows of this year’s Jamboree and its K-pop concert finale. Then, this episode tackles some other recent news stories: the latest in FIFTY FIFTY’s legal battle, suppression of a documentary, some SEVENTEEN updates, and more.
iHAARTRadio: Thorough breakdowns of the latest K-pop-company-related feuds, from the drama between HYBE and its subsidiaries to the lawsuit against a different “Big Four” company over its construction project failures. Plus: a major change that threatens North American tours, the sentencing of someone who extorted a BTS fan, the latest “K-pop is past its prime” debate, the detention of girl group members in Bali, and even MORE of the latest headlines!
ASAPpeal: New twists in the legal sagas regarding FIFTY FIFTY, EXO-CBX, and others, a fake HYBE employee’s sentencing, new K-pop concert movies, a big moment in J-pop fan-meeting history, BLACKPINK updates, NewJeans’ latest feats, and more of the latest headlines from the worlds of K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop!
The ODD EYE CIRCLEs in Your Favor: The highs and lows of TWICE’s Chicago concert, a breakdown of FIFTY FIFTY’s agency problems, survey results about BTS fan loyalty compared to that of other fandoms, a guide to the upcoming movies and TV shows all K-pop fans should know about, and more coverage of the latest headlines!
Sphere I Am: ENHYPEN's odd new gig, controversy over TV show hires, the best of Coachella, the most interesting comments in Mr. Bang's Billboard cover story, a rapper's ban from Hong Kong, rumors swirling over an award show's cancellation, a heated Reddit discussion, and SO much more!
SM 3.Whoa: What went wrong with E’LAST’s North American tour, how BLACKPINK ticket prices led to legal disputes, some intriguing and overlooked details in the “SM 3.0” announcements, the debate over the Lee Seung Gi Law, details about Rain’s new movie, and more of the latest K-pop/music industry headlines!
March 2023 Roundup: A wild weekend for Roblox, cult accusations, THAT GQ profile, Mr. Bang’s candid CNN interview, chaos on set of The Idol, alleged military service evasion, exciting graphic novel news, and even more!
QueenKARD: This episode covers an ENORMOUS amount of K-pop and J-pop news in under an hour: Song and Show of the Summer poll results, a monumental day in J-pop history, DPR LIVE’s rebranding, celebrity lawsuits (involving accusations of everything from real estate fraud to illegal ambulance usage), Jennie’s official recognition as a fashion icon, FIFTY FIFTY agency-dispute-related updates, the most interesting anecdotes from Mr. Bang’s recent Bloomberg interview, and even more!
Blooming Daze: A timeline covering all the twists and turns in EXO-CBX’s recent lawsuit. Plus: what to expect from KCON 2023, BIGBANG status updates, the end of LOONA's contracts, and more of the latest headlines!
7Fates: DestJINy: A breakdown of the first episode of 7Fates: CHAKHO, the importance of Taemin’s recent disclosure, some thoughts on the new ATEEZ concert protocols, more big news for TYONGF, and more.
Fallin’ Pollen: Inside the downfall of Pollen and the company’s decision to cancel its SEVENTEEN-themed Vegas weekend. Plus: the VMAs, the MAMAs’ makeover, MONSTA X’s future plans, and more of the latest K-pop-related news.
The Power of DestineaJ: The seventeen best parts of SEVENTEEN's "Power of Love" online concerts, eaJ's surprising comments in a new interview, Sorn's exit from CLC, the latest court ruling in Samuel's case, why Baekhyun's YouTube videos were taken down, a fun competition show coming this December, BTS's big night at the AMAs, and more.
Tour Choice: The "scammer-turned-millionaire" vying for a girl group member's attention, the new song drawing ire in China, the surprising rise of "Costco influencers" in Shanghai, the eye-popping profits from virtual merch sales, and more of the latest news related to K-pop, China, and the internet!
AChuu Nice: BLACKPINK’s VIP packages, the Crypto Arena’s recent announcement, K-pop stars’ Fashion Week takeover, a British company’s complaint against South Korean streaming services, and much more K-pop-related news.
Boot Kamp: What happened at KAMP, BTS’s enlistment news, some sudden tour cancellations, Jessi’s frustrating time in Europe, a unique trademark battle, and more coverage of and commentary on the latest K-pop headlines! Also, in a new “Shoutout of the Week” segment, Hope breaks down the meaning of JUN’s “LIMBO” and its music video!
James and the KAIant Peach: A chance to meet MONSTA X, the best parts of the BTS concerts at SoFi Stadium, some MAJOR SEVENTEEN news, the blacklist that was just made public, global Spotify Wrapped data, and more.
Psylence of the Jams: Why “Gangnam Style” got banned from gyms in South Korea, what the American Butter Institute thinks of “Butter” by BTS, why Taeyong was the perfect candidate for a Street Woman Fighter judge, and more.
Edward CulleNCT: The best Halloween costumes worn by K-pop stars, the drama behind KEY’s comeback, MAMA winner predictions, a massive amount of announcements from HYBE, and more.
Sea-ing the Vision: Taemin’s Beyond LIVE concert, thoughts on Taeyong and Baekhyun’s SoundCloud collaboration, the meaning of “Don’t” by RM and eAeon, a breakdown of what NCT-Hollywood is all about, and more.
Answer: Lovin’ It: The layers of meaning in Taeyong’s “Blue,” a reaction to “Not Alone” by SEVENTEEN, the best parts of Bang Bang Con 2021, and more.
Epik High Prices: A theory as to why BLACKPINK stopped accepting fan gifts, the Korean words added to the Oxford English Dictionary, what went wrong with a BTS LA ticket presale, and more.
To Infinity and Beyond (LIVE): Reactions to HOSHI’s “Spider” and THE 8’s “Side by Side,” ROSÉ’s Guinness World Records, JBJ95’s lawsuit, and more.
OURphoria: “Film out” music video theories, thoughts on the curated Dead By Daylight K-pop playlist, tons of SEVENTEEN and BTS updates, and more.
HYBE Hopes: The best lyrics from RM’s debut mixtape (revisited in honor of its six-year anniversary), a breakdown of HYBE’s restructuring and new building, the K-pop additions to Dead by Daylight, and more.
Phantom of the BOPera: HYBE and MBC’s olive-branch moment, BLACKPINK’s visit to Buckingham Palace, interesting data about how English language in K-pop songs has changed, FIFTY FIFTY updates, SEVENTEEN’s UNESCO Youth Forum speeches, and even more of the latest K-pop news!
Any1Harmony: Redone ratings for various K-pop albums, the best and worst of the Fact Music Awards, surprising statistics regarding the latest KCON:TACT viewership, and more.
NCT yoUth: Arguing for and against certain additions to Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list, the best excerpts from BTS’s UN speech, and more.
The Episode: Esquire’s list of the “Ten Best Pop Bands of All Time,” a moving and profound Weverse magazine article, BLACKPINK’s online concert, the Seoul Music Awards, and more.
Stan Luna: A boy band caught in a con artist’s scam, the Goo Hara Act, a plagiarism controversy, and more.
127 Squad in Your Area: A star’s feud with a neighbor that escalated quickly, some good news hidden in the bad news about MONSTA X, and lots more.
Dunjins and G-Dragons: A LEGO with a record deal, an honest reaction to Mark Tuan’s “One in a Million,” the mystery surrounding NewKidd, and more.
Do Re Miyavi Fa Solia: The reasons behind the shortest debut-to-disbandment period ever, a revelation about a past secret marriage, the recent acknowledgements to celebrities given out by the Korean Consumer Forum, and more.
On Your Mark, Get Set, (We) Go: The futures of (G)I-DLE and CLC members, an intriguing analysis of TXT’s discography, the dream VMAs performances, and more.
Back in the BLINK of an Eye: BABYMETAL's bizarre "disappearance," a company's response to plagiarism accusations, major changes to both the Billboard and Melon Charts, and more.
ASTROBOTS: SB19’s cool contest, thoughts on the BTS ad for Boston Dynamics, the best SEVENTEEN news ever, some profound Bruce Lee quotes in honor of his birthday, and more.
The One Where They Break More Records: “Butter” press conference takeaways, a radio show host’s exit following fan backlash, YG Entertainment’s “fan zone,” and more.
Mansae! (The Sequel): BTS’s Rolling Stone profile, Chenle living the dream, an exciting announcement from the National Orchestra of Korea, and more.
Rollin’ on Like a Rollin’ Stone: The big takeaways from the Grammys, why Taeyong’s SoundCloud releases matter so much, why Brave Girls experienced a long-overdue surge in popularity, and more.
2 Cool 4 Remote Skool: Sony’s animated K-pop series, new milestones for BTS, and more.
royalTY: A K-pop YouTube docuseries, a music chart-related fraud scheme, the unexpected way CL made history, and more.
Georgia on My Mindset: Several major court case updates, stats about how BLACKPINK’s online concert was received around the world, stats about K-pop’s reach on Twitter, and more.
AirB(I.N)B: A K-pop star’s role in Succession, a company rivalry, Stray Kids’ maknae’s shining moment, the “political campaign staff version of BTS,” and more.
Blueming Hour: The Golden Disc Awards, Alpha Data’s reporting on K-pop’s global impact, Hope’s initial reaction to GOT7’s hiatus announcement, and more.
Spilling the OSTea: The true power of K-pop Twitter, Katy Perry’s comments about a potential collaboration with BLACKPINK, some potential hidden references in Seungkwan’s OST, and more.
On Wednesdays We Wear Pink $weats: Thoughts on the “IONIQ” music video, comments on Taeyong’s VLives, an interesting new profile on J.Y. Park and his values, and more.
I 5NALLY Understand: TAEYANG’s docuseries, initial thoughts on I-Land, a revealing Ticketmaster conference call, a bunch of trial updates, and more.
That XX Factor: A review of a Taeyong livestream concert experience, a summary of the fascinating and unexpected changes the music/concert industry started experiencing at the time of this episode’s release, K-pop music video analyses, and more.
Not by the Moonchild: The various formats used to promote music in a pandemic, Lisa’s skills as a mentor, a GOT7 album review, a chance to call your idols, and more.
Nam Nation Rising: CRAVITY/EXO plagiarism accusations, the best moments of Bang Bang Con, suggestions for digitizing the K-pop concert experience, and more.
If You’re Happy and You Know it, Wash Your Hands, Yo: The greatest music study ever, a massive change to legal music ownership, and more.
GOTFriends? GOT a Real Festival?: Explaining what the heck happened with the “Lovers and Friends Festival,” plus the strange-but-true story of a band who tricked venues into thinking hundreds of fans would show up to their shows (spoiler alert: that’s NOT what happened).
MANSAE!: A SEVENTEEN Ode to You World Tour review, reaction to the BTS x Grammys backlash, the massive revenue from the Love Yourself Tour, and more.
Just Like That, BAAM, There’s Controversy: Frozen 2’s legal troubles in South Korea, MOMOLAND’s uncertain future, and more.
K-Pop: Who to Stan: D-CRUNCH’s frustrating experience, a recap of the EMAs, Hope’s reaction to WONHO leaving MONSTA X, initial thoughts about P NATION, and more.
Check out parts 1 and 2 below!
