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Artwork for It's a K-pop Thing

It's a K-pop Thing

Alkemie Sound Lab
K-Pop
EXO
Kpop Demon Hunters
BTS
Santos Bravos
HYBE
Superm
Fan Culture
Concert Prices
Huntrix
Saja Boys
Netflix
Latin America
CBX
Merchandise
The Tonight Show
SNL
SM Entertainment
ATEEZ
Katseye

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... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes32Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Music CommentaryMusic InterviewsMusic

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Artwork for It's a K-pop Thing

Latest Episodes

This was a big year for fans of K-pop at Coachella, especially because we had a younger group and two Second-Gen icons perform at the festival. First up we had KATSEYE, who made headlines following the will-she-or-won't-she-appear speculation regardi... more

*This is Part 1 of a mini-series on the Return of BTS*

We're trying something new on the pod ... a mini-series! It's been nearly 4 years since the 7 members of BTS released new music as a group and there's plenty to talk about. To mark the occasion ... more

"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 a... more

We finally have BLACKPINK's first EP since 2022, the highly-anticipated Deadline, a five-track release that includes "JUMP" and "GO." But does the EP live up to the hype? In the weeks since its release, the reaction from critics and fans alike has be... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Philiana Ng
Entertainment journalist and BTS correspondent in Seoul
Gold Derby / Entertainment media
Episode: Watching BTS Up Close at Their Comeback Concert in Seoul
Jeff Benjamin
Music journalist and writer of The Crossover Newsletter
The Crossover Newsletter
Episode: Does BLACKPINK Still Need ... BLACKPINK?
Natasha Mulenga
Entertainment journalist covering K-pop, author, podcast host
Journalist, A Soulful Storm (podcast)
Episode: KATSEYE and Manon's Hiatus Dilemma

Hosts

Theresa Avila
Host of It's a K-pop Thing
Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum
Host of It's a K-pop Thing

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 37 ratings
  • Perfect for New and Old Fans Alike!

    This podcast just feels good and is a great reminder that K-pop doesn’t have to be about fan wars or show wins—it can just be about enjoying fun music, cool dances, and exploring a unique industry. And for new fans, this podcast is a great way to learn what K-pop is, how the industry works, and what’s new.

    P.S. I would love to see the hosts curate playlists for work, dancing, work-outs, drives, etc. They have great taste!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    lilazig
    United States3 years ago
  • Love the hosts!

    Knowledgeable and fun hosts and I’m learning so much about K-pop!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Leslie Valdivia
    United States3 years ago
  • A different type of K-pop show

    It’s fun to hear about K-pop from all sorts of different people and perspectives! The episodes are thought out well and the conversation flow nicely

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BerryT09
    United States3 years ago
  • Must listen

    The hosts are a lot of fun, and this is such an engaging, informative podcast. Can’t wait to hear the next episode!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Tamarvalous Ms Mazal
    United States3 years ago
  • Excited for more

    I normally get all my K-pop news from twitter or TikToK but this podcast made me think about things in K-pop I hadn’t thought of before. Like, we all know idols work extra hard during comebacks but it’s nice to have someone talking about a new group like GHOST9 and seeing how they connect with fans!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Pinkypigs101
    United States3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Engaging, informative, and approachable analysis of K-pop that respects fans while offering industry context.
Shows provide thoughtful perspectives beyond hype without sacrificing entertainment.
Hosts are knowledgeable and fun, making complex topics accessible.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Closing A Chapter With ZEROBASEONE
Q: What triggered the shift from OT9 to OT5 for Zerobaseone, and what does that mean for the future of the brand?
The shift came after negotiations and announcements indicating that only five members would continue under WAKEONE, while the remaining four returned to Yuehua, signaling a rebranding and ongoing brand value for Zerobaseone even as lineup and dynamics change.
Closing A Chapter With ZEROBASEONE
Q: How was Boys Planet structured to support groups like Zerobaseone, and what did fans need to know about the contract timeline?
The show created a pathway through which trainees from various agencies could compete for a spot in the top nine, with public voting and agency backing playing critical roles; contracts were planned for a fixed period (two and a half years) with a defined end, which shaped fan expectations and post-show opportunities.
Does BLACKPINK Still Need ... BLACKPINK?
Q: How have solo projects affected Blackpink as a group?
The solo ventures have amplified individual brands and opportunities, yet also left some fans wanting more group cohesion and live performances to anchor the Blackpink identity in 2026.
Does BLACKPINK Still Need ... BLACKPINK?
Q: What distinguishes Deadline from Blackpink's earlier releases?
The EP broadens toward global pop trends with a stronger emphasis on solo identities and Western-market storytelling, but some feel it lacks the cohesive Blackpink sound that defined their earlier work.
KATSEYE and Manon's Hiatus Dilemma
Q: What might a path forward look like for Katseye and Manon?
A plausible path involves a unified public statement from all six members, clear support from the agency, and a decision on future performances that protects health while addressing fan concerns and media coverage. Visuals and appearances may need to be coordinated to avoid further perceptions of division.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About It's a K-pop Thing

What is It's a K-pop Thing about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Two journalists who are passionate K-pop fans run a nuanced discussion about fan culture, industry context, and the stories behind the people shaping K-pop's global rise. Episodes balance trend analysis with background and context, offering thoughtful commentary on topics like festival strategy, group dynamics, hiatuses, and branding, while spotlighting both new acts and established groups. Noteworthy are the hosts' balanced viewpoints, accessible explanations for newcomers, and a willingness to explore fan culture without shaming or sensationalism. The show often features industry-context insights and guest perspectives from established K-pop journalists and fans, making it a solid fit for listeners who want smarter takes on current events... more

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Which podcasts are similar to It's a K-pop Thing?

These podcasts share a similar audience with It's a K-pop Thing:

1. Radiolab
2. Pop Culture Happy Hour
3. Song Exploder
4. Good Hang with Amy Poehler
5. Planet Money

How many episodes of It's a K-pop Thing are there?

It's a K-pop Thing launched 4 years ago and published 32 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on It's a K-pop Thing?

Recent guests on It's a K-pop Thing include:

1. Philiana Ng
2. Jeff Benjamin
3. Natasha Mulenga

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