It's a K-pop Thing

Alkemie Sound Lab

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

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20 episodes
Updated July 27

Episodes20

Newest first

July 27 · 1 hr 30 min
BONUS EP: We Spoke at a Panel at San Diego Comic Con 2026!
So, we did a thing! And that was be part of a panel at San Diego Comic Con 2026 — our first ever time at the convention! Moderated by Lizzy Gonzalez (Lizzy Cupcake), we joined Alexandrea Callaghan (Temple of Geek), Josh Blumenkranz (The Movie Buddy), Meosha Bean, and Maddy Myer (Maddy Mania) on a panel titled, "Building a Pop Culture Podcast." This experience inspired us to record a bonus episode about our experience at the event, from the actual chat to walking the convention floor, plus a lot more. Some of the other topics we discussed on this episode include: The ENHYPEN activation at SDCC Our podcast’s origin story How and why we pick the topics we talk about A lot of untold stories involving the group BTS Plus, hear how we met at a panel at KCON, bringing this entire experience full circle for us. REVISIT SOME OF OUR FAVORITE OLDER EPISODES: Kpop Demon Hunters: "Just Give Kpop Demon Hunters the Grammy and Oscar Already" Beast Idols in K-pop: "Play This! SB19's "GENTO" and Other Beast-Idol Tracks We Love" Traveling for K-pop: "Destination K-pop Concerts: NCT 127 in Tokyo and TWICE in Las Vegas" Be sure to also check out our fellow panelists' work: Maddy Myer - Maddy Mania Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddymaniapodcast/ Alexandrea Callaghan - Fangirl Productions 13 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Forestofgeek Josh Blumenkranz - The Movie Buddy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themoviebuddyjb/ Lizzy Gonzalez - Lizzy_Cupcake Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizzy_cupcake Meosha Bean - Meosha Bean Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meoshabeanofficial It's a K-pop Thing is hosted by two journalists and longtime K-pop stans, Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum and Theresa Avila. LINKS TO SOCIAL: It's a K-pop Thing: @ikptpod Alexis: @hoe_doyan Theresa: @theresa__avila CONTACT: E-mail us at: itsakpopthing@alkemielab.com
July 3 · 1 hr 6 min
BONUS EP (Crosspost from Kpopcast) - ATEEZ 'BAD': Celebration of Latin Culture or Appropriation?
(Crosspost from Kpopcast) Dive into this episode with special guest Theresa from It's a Kpop Thing Podcast where we unpack the latest comeback BAD from ATEEZ, including discussion about whether the use of Latin culture and Spanish language are more cultural appropriation or celebration. In addition, we explore their narrative universe, cultural influences, and fan engagement. In this episode: Analyzing ATEEZ ongoing Golden Hour series and its narrative lore involving Sopro, and the mystical story arc. Highlighting Chase Infiniti’s influential role as a black woman lead in the music video and its significance for representation. Dissecting the musical genres fused in "Bad" — Brazilian funk, reggaeton, and trap — and their relevance to current K-pop trends. Exploring the cultural ties between Korea, Mexico, and Latin America amid the World Cup craze. Fan reactions and critiques on the song's structure, choreography, and the thematic content around Latin identity. The importance of inclusivity in K-pop, especially in the context of global and diaspora communities. Personal stories from fans and influencers about the fandom experience, cultural expression, and representation. Connect with our guests: Teresa Avila - Instagram | Podcast: IKPT Join the Kpopcast Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/kpopcast/shared_invite/zt-93kzxcv6-YNej2QkyY6vaPnhEQJxk0A Chip in for show costs: https://ko-fi.com/thekpopcast HIT REPLAYS: 아이오아이 (I.O.I) - 갑자기 (Suddenly) MV https://youtu.be/Jxgbfc89hNI?si=4uTd1eimHnfpVtMk UDTT 우당탕탕 소녀단 'VIPER' MV https://youtu.be/6WvnYSV13w0?is=6N104FHWlDTYYqmu from20(프롬트웬티) - BIG BOY MV https://youtu.be/AMgcKwHUCtk?si=Z1-bZxy_xLCnGCSp It's a K-pop Thing is hosted by two journalists and longtime K-pop stans, Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum and Theresa Avila. LINKS TO SOCIAL: It's a K-pop Thing: @ikptpod Alexis: @hoe_doyan Theresa: @theresa__avila CONTACT: E-mail us at: itsakpopthing@alkemielab.com
April 30 · 1 hr 24 min
Is Coachella the Right Platform for K-pop?
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 regarding Manon. Then we had TAEMIN, who made headlines as the first K-pop soloist to play at the festival. Following that, we had the one and only BIGBANG, who finally got their time to shine in the desert after their previous performance was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. As Coachella has grown, so, too, has K-pop. And, in a world where concerts are getting more expensive and other music festivals like Lollapalooza are gaining ground ... where does K-pop fit in? Is landing a spot at the biggest music festival a smart brand investment or is it merely a vanity performance? Let's discuss. IN THIS EPISODE: A brief overview of the history of K-pop at Coachella The K-pop "multiverse" at the festival (according to us) The presence (erm, lack of?) Manon at the festival Our takeaways from the key K-pop performances at Week 1 & 2 KATSEYE: Pinky Up — Is this the group's signature sound now? TAEMIN: The MJ references and his perfectionism on full display BIGBANG: Why the second weekend was the better show for older fans Our Big Q: What is K-pop's place at Coachella and is it worth it for artists? The reality of how industry connections determine the artist lineup The K-pop groups we think will debut at Coachella next year It's a K-pop Thing is hosted by two journalists and longtime K-pop stans, Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum and Theresa Avila. LINKS TO SOCIAL: It's a K-pop Thing: @ikptpod Alexis: @hoe_doyan Theresa: @theresa__avila CONTACT: E-mail us at: itsakpopthing@alkemielab.com
April 15 · 1 hr 21 min
Watching BTS Up Close at Their Comeback Concert in Seoul
*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 we're taking a close look at what this moment means for BTS and for the industry as a whole. To kick off this mini-series, we're rewinding a few weeks to the group's first performance in Seoul in front of Gwanghwamun in Seoul, South Korea. We chat with a journalist and fan who saw the comeback concert in person and was lucky enough to be up close to center stage. We also discuss the album's rise to the top of the charts and whether or not the Netflix livestream lived up to fans' expectations. IN THIS EPISODE: Setting the Stage ARIRANG's dominance on the Billboard charts The album in numbers: the sales, streams and milestones Crowd attendance: How many people actually showed up for the comeback? About the director of the Netflix Livestream: Hamish Hamilton Why the Netflix livestream maybe missed the mark What K-pop fans really want to see during a performance Interview with Philiana Ng Winning a raffle prize on WeVerse - what are the odds? What the concert was really like for fans in the audience What the cameras didn't capture about the members on stage Does the new album represent BTS 2.0? ABOUT OUR GUEST: Philiana Ng is an entertainment journalist who regularly covers television. You can find her work on publications like Yahoo! MSN, the Hollywood Reporter, Entertainment Tonight, among others. Instagram: @philiana1 X: @insidethetube SHOW LINKS & ARTICLES: BTS the Comeback Live: Arirang’: 10 things you didn’t see on TV during the Netflix special (Gold Derby) BTS rampages back to the top of the charts (NPR) BTS stays at No. 1 on the charts — and thwarts Ye in the process (NPR) CREDITS: This episode was produced, recorded and edited by Theresa Avila. Our theme music is by Edna Lugo. Our cover art design is by Alejandro Abarca. It's a K-pop Thing is hosted by two journalists and longtime K-pop stans, Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum and Theresa Avila. LINKS TO SOCIAL: It's a K-pop Thing: @ikptpod Alexis: @hoe_doyan Theresa: @theresa__avila CONTACT: E-mail us at: itsakpopthing@alkemielab.com
April 8 · 1 hr 17 min
NCT Without Mark? What Happens When a Group Loses Its Ace
"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 announced that he was leaving the company. But, crucially, TEN clarified that he would remain a part of NCT and WayV. Still, it's little salve for fans of the group (us included!) who have to now reckon with an uncertain future as key members of NCT have officially departed the group. It's also hard NOT to think about other recent K-pop departures. So if you're in your feels about this era of NCT coming to a close, tune in and process thing with us. Tune in to hear: What made Mark Lee's departure all the more shocking What impact each NCT member had in the group Mark's history at SM Entertainment — we saw him grow up! How Mark's Christian faith influenced his music How we define an "Ace" member in K-pop What Danielle, Heeseung, Manon and Mark have in common How 2nd and 3rd Gen K-pop groups dealt with missing members Our theories on why Mark left the group What might be next for Mark next Our hopes for NCT moving forward It's a K-pop Thing is hosted by two journalists and longtime K-pop stans, Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum and Theresa Avila. LINKS TO SOCIAL: It's a K-pop Thing: @ikptpod Alexis: @hoe_doyan Theresa: @theresa__avila CONTACT: E-mail us at: itsakpopthing@alkemielab.com
March 18 · 1 hr 15 min
Does BLACKPINK Still Need ... BLACKPINK?
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 been mixed. That tepid response contrasts to the praise for the member's recent solo music — which includes a Grammy nomination. All of this got us wondering about what's next for the group. And, importantly, do the member's current solo careers outshine their latest release as a group? To help us analyze the latest from BLACKPINK, we invited Jeff Benjamin, music journalist and writer of The Crossover Newsletter. Over the years, Jeff has interviewed pretty much every K-pop idol you can think of, including Blackpink. Tune in to hear us discuss: BLACKPINK's album sales Our first impressions on the EP Hits and misses from Deadline The response from critics and fans Hearts2Hearts' win over BLACKPINK on the music shows Our thoughts on the member's solo music Plus, highlights from their solo careers, including: Rosé's songwriting and Grammy nomination JENNI's cohesive album and presence at festivals Jisoo's acting career and new drama LISA's entrepreneurial side quests Lastly, we discuss what we hope to see in the group's next chapter. It's a K-pop Thing is hosted by two journalists and longtime K-pop stans, Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum and Theresa Avila. LINKS TO SOCIAL: It's a K-pop Thing: @ikptpod Alexis: @hoe_doyan Theresa: @theresa__avila CONTACT: E-mail us at: itsakpopthing@alkemielab.com
March 13 · 1 hr 13 min
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 Planet The 411 on the members' personalities The timeline for contract negotiations Project groups and how companies split trainees Concert experience in Seoul and Tokyo Tips for buying K-pop tickets abroad What might be next for the 4 members in Yuehua Entertainment Will the fandom splinter off? Fan submissions on how they're processing this moment It's a K-pop Thing is hosted by two journalists and longtime K-pop stans, Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum and Theresa Avila. LINKS TO SOCIAL: It's a K-pop Thing: @ikptpod Alexis: @hoe_doyan Theresa: @theresa__avila CONTACT: E-mail us at: itsakpopthing@alkemielab.com
March 2 · 1 hr 28 min
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-pop The disconnect in official statements Our thoughts on Daniela's dad chiming in Manon alluding to mistreatment by liking a video The Cut cover story on KATSEYE The painful history of the racist "lazy" trope for Black people Fans' toxic behavior regarding race and Manon Cultural differences toward work in Europe, America and South Korea The immense pressure of K-pop idols' schedules Speculation and fan theories that have caught our attention How we think KATSEYE can move forward It's a K-pop Thing is hosted by two journalists and longtime K-pop stans, Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum and Theresa Avila. LINKS TO SOCIAL: It's a K-pop Thing: @ikptpod Alexis: @hoe_doyan Theresa: @theresa__avila CONTACT: E-mail us at: itsakpopthing@alkemielab.com
February 18 · 1 hr 2 min
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. 4 All about "Adrenaline" The B-sides we're enjoying San's silly sweatstain "controversy" The "Idol" image and expectations around perfection The underdog story of KQ Fellas What it was like to see ATEEZ at Coachella The reality of fan signs and fan calls in K-pop ABOUT 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 CHELLATEEZ True Life: I Won a Fansign It's a K-pop Thing is hosted by two journalists and longtime K-pop stans, Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum and Theresa Avila. LINKS TO SOCIAL: It's a K-pop Thing: @ikptpod Alexis: @hoe_doyan Theresa: @theresa__avila CONTACT: E-mail us at: itsakpopthing@alkemielab.com
February 10 · 58 min
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 lately Sonically, where K-pop is today with 4th and 5th gen groups The "peaks and valleys" of when K-pop was great and not-so-great Why 2020 might've given us the last of the greatest hits 2nd and 3rd Gen comebacks that are giving us major nostalgia The rise and fall of great vocalists in K-pop APINK's comeback and why we're excited for the future The 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. LINKS TO SOCIAL: It's a K-pop Thing: @ikptpod Alexis: @hoe_doyan Theresa: @theresa__avila CONTACT: E-mail us at: itsakpopthing@alkemielab.com
February 6 · 59 min
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 vault Our honest thoughts on REVERXE as an album Why we think the visuals and marketing didn't match the music The "Suju-fication" of EXO's unique sound - is this the future? Some quick context for EXO-CBX's legal woes with SM Why we're hopeful about a future reunion Our thoughts on fan wars and how we can move forward About 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.com Instagram: @a3daypodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@a3day It's a K-pop Thing is hosted by two journalists and longtime K-pop stans, Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum and Theresa Avila. LINKS TO SOCIAL: It's a K-pop Thing: @ikptpod Alexis: @hoe_doyan Theresa: @theresa__avila CONTACT: E-mail us at: itsakpopthing@alkemielab.com
January 12 · 32 min
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 2025 What we're each manifesting for K-pop What changes we're hoping to see in the industry What's next for the podcast Let 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. LINKS TO SOCIAL: It's a K-pop Thing: @ikptpod Alexis: @hoe_doyan Theresa: @theresa__avila CONTACT: E-mail us at: itsakpopthing@alkemielab.com
January 3 · 1 hr 26 min
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 show What it was like to watch the Santos Bravos showcase live in Mexico City Our takeaways on the final lineup's cohesion (or lack thereof?) Why we think Drew was always going to debut as the anchor for the group The obvious (and not-so-obvious) comparisons to KATSEYE The importance of a visual and sonic identity for a group And 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. LINKS TO SOCIAL: It's a K-pop Thing: @ikptpod Alexis: @hoe_doyan Theresa: @theresa__avila CONTACT: E-mail us at: itsakpopthing@alkemielab.com
Oct 24, 2025 · 1 hr 16 min
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 culture The power of word-of-mouth and YouTube reactors Kevin Woo's marketing advantage as a real-life K-pop idol The choice of original songs vs. needle drops from existing K-pop groups EJAE's career in K-pop mirroring Rumi's character arc story Kids, families and keeping K-pop accessible Our takes on the real inspo for HUNTR/X and Saja Boys It's a K-pop Thing is hosted by two journalists and longtime K-pop stans, Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum and Theresa Avila. LINKS TO SOCIAL: It's a K-pop Thing: @ikptpod Alexis: @hoe_doyan Theresa: @theresa__avila CONTACT: E-mail us at: itsakpopthing@alkemielab.com
Oct 9, 2025 · 1 hr 16 min
Can We Actually Afford K-pop?
After taking a break in 2025 we are BACK with a fresh season of It's a K-pop Thing! It's been a long 9 months — we could have had a baby! — and we've missed talking all things K-pop. There's tons of new things we want to try for this upcoming season so stay tuned for updates on that on our Instagram account (@IKPTPOD). To kick things off this season, Alexis and Theresa are focusing on the current fan experience. With SO many K-pop groups touring and tickets prices being SO expensive ... we have to ask: Can we afford K-pop? In THIS economy? Tune in and hear as we commiserate with one another and strategize on how we can make lemonade out of lemons this K-pop touring season. It's a K-pop Thing is hosted by two journalists and longtime K-pop stans, Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum and Theresa Avila. LINKS TO SOCIAL: It's a K-pop Thing: @ikptpod Alexis: @hoe_doyan Theresa: @theresa__avila CONTACT: E-mail us at: itsakpopthing@alkemielab.com
Jan 17, 2025 · 1 hr 14 min
K-pop Stadium Shows: Are They A Good Thing? Let's Discuss
We're back with a fresh season for 2025 and to kick things right off we're bringing you a conversation we recorded at the end of last year when Stray Kids announced their upcoming stadium tour! There's no doubt that K-pop has grown, and with it, the size of venues artists perform has grown as well. So many K-pop acts have made headlines selling out shows at stadiums across the United States and with Stray Kids embarking on an even stadium-ONLY tour, it seems a new milestone for K-pop is here: Go Big or Go Home. But—are stadium concerts in K-pop a good thing? Alexis and Theresa dive into the heavy cost that comes with attending a stadium concert and why they might not be the best thing for the fan experience. IN THIS EPISODE: SEVENTEEN Stadium Recap at BMO in LA The Evolution of Concert Culture in K-pop The Not-so-great Impact of Stadium Tours on K-pop Concert Ticket-buying Strategies and Tradeoffs to Consider Are We Going to See Even More K-pop Stadium Tours? How Could the Stadium Show Experience Be Enhanced? Final Thoughts and Wish List It's a K-pop Thing is hosted by two journalists and longtime K-pop stans, Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum and Theresa Avila. LINKS TO SOCIAL: It's a K-pop Thing: @ikptpod Alexis: @hoe_doyan Theresa: @theresa__avila CONTACT: E-mail us at: itsakpopthing@alkemielab.com
Sep 19, 2024 · 1 hr 38 min
Cha Eun Woo & NCT Dream in Mexico (EP 17: Traveling to Mexico for K-pop: Tips and Tricks)
We are back after our summer break for a brand new season of It's a K-pop Thing! In this episode, we catch up and discuss what it was like traveling to Mexico this summer to see NCT Dream and Cha Eun Woo. Then, you don't want our advice and tips in the second half of the show! If you've ever thought about traveling to see a K-pop show in Mexico (or maybe greater Latin America), this is the episode for you. We give you the real, honest advice we would give our closest friends about what you can expect at a show, what you should look out for and more. In this episode we cover: What it's like to go to Mexico for a K-pop Concert Cha Eun Woo in Mexico City 2024 at Arena CDMX What his fan meeting/concert was like NCT Dream in Mexico City What it was like getting floor seats for NCT Dream in Latin America How to see a K-pop concert in Mexico Tips for K-pop concerts in Mexico TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Cold Open 1:45 - Start of Show 3:39 - Cha Eun Woo in Mexico City 19:00 - NCT Dream 42:23 - Advice and Tips for Traveling to Mexico 45:01 - TIP 1 - Don't be afraid to go alone 48:26 - TIP 2 - Tap your Mexican friends/mutuals for help 55:53 - TIP 3 - Take the right amount of cash 61:02 - TIP 4 - Buy the bootleg merch! 67:55 - TIP 5 - Do your research on local events before/after the show 73:32 - TIP 6 - Make friends at the show 80:23 - TIP 7 - "Don't piss them off" 88:23 - TIP 8 - Level your expectations about concert etiquette 97:12 - Final Thoughts 98:52 - End of Show It's a K-pop Thing is hosted by two journalists and longtime K-pop stans, Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum and Theresa Avila. LINKS TO SOCIAL: It's a K-pop Thing: @ikptpod Alexis: @hoe_doyan Theresa: @theresa__avila CONTACT: E-mail us at: itsakpopthing@alkemielab.com
Jun 18, 2024 · 1 hr 31 min
Play This! ILLIT's "Magnetic" Plus K-pop Debut Songs That Have Stood The Test of Time
In this edition of Play This! we bring you a previously unreleased episode that almost didn't air. Shortly after recording our discussion about ILLIT's debut hit single, "Magnetic," news broke of the corporate turmoil and fallout going on at HYBE and ADOR regarding allegations of plagiarism. In this episode—recorded prior to the allegations surfaced by ADOR's CEO Min Hee Jin—Alexis and Theresa discuss the similarities and differences between NewJeans and ILLIT, the evolution of girl group concepts and what makes a great K-pop debut song. LINK TO THE FULL SPOTIFY PLAYLIST: Listen Here RUNDOWN (with timestamps): Disclaimer for Episode Original Show Intro (2:20) Overview of ILLIT and how it formed (5:01) First Impressions of ILLIT's concept (10:18) Is it bad for ILLIT to be compared to NewJeans? (13:26) Does ILLIT have J-pop vibes? How is it different? (20:21) Marketing ILLIT at Fashion Week (23:58) HYBE's access to songwriters & the classic K-pop sound (29:49) Do groups have to DEBUT with a HIT? (38:49) SONG RECOMMENDATIONS Overview of the best K-pop debut songs (44:26) NCT U "7th Sense" (45:29) SEVENTEEN "Adore U" (55:15) EVERGLOW "BON BON CHOCOLAT" (61:04) ITZY "DALLA DALLA" (74:15) Final Thoughts (85:40) LET US KNOW: What's your favorite K-pop debut song? TAG US ON SOCIAL: Take a photo of you listening and tag us on Instagram at @IKPTPOD and let us know what you liked about the show! It's a K-pop Thing is hosted by two journalists and longtime K-pop stans, Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum and Theresa Avila. LINKS TO SOCIAL: It's a K-pop Thing: @ikptpod Alexis: @hoe_doyan Theresa: @theresa__avila CONTACT: E-mail us at: itsakpopthing@alkemielab.com
Apr 5, 2024 · 1 hr 55 min
Destination K-pop Concerts: NCT 127 in Tokyo and TWICE in Las Vegas
We have a special concert recap episode that's ALL about our recent K-pop travels, concerts experiences and even a special run-in with some K-pop idols after a concert! (No spoilers: You'll have to tune in to hear who it was!) In this episode we cover how Alexis recently traveled to Tokyo to catch NCT 127 before military enlistments for the members began and Theresa talks about how she flew to Las Vegas to catch TWICE on the last stop of their world tour. We get into the nitty gritty about Alexis's experience buying the SM Global package and what it was like watching a K-pop show without her phone. Plus, hear about Theresa's experience giving K-pop freebies for the first time and how VCHA opened for TWICE. It's a K-pop Thing is hosted by two journalists and longtime K-pop stans, Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum and Theresa Avila. LINKS TO SOCIAL: It's a K-pop Thing: @ikptpod Alexis: @hoe_doyan Theresa: @theresa__avila CONTACT: E-mail us at: itsakpopthing@alkemielab.com
Mar 2, 2024 · 1 hr 11 min
Has K-pop Hit a Plateau? Is It Slowing Down? What's Next?
Lately, the general consensus seems to be: K-pop is bigger than ever before —and that's to be celebrated— but it's also ... different. The music trends are changing and, depending on who you ask, it's not always for the better. Especially among multi-stans, there seems to be a newfound sense of overwhelm and fatigue due to the relentless amount of content churned out by K-pop. All of this has us thinking: Are we entering a new era of K-pop? Is K-pop's rapid growth stalling? Dare we ask: Has K-pop Hit a Plateau? To help us understand where K-pop is today, we're joined in a roundtable discussion by friends of the pod, DJ Peter Lo of the Kpopcast podcast and Tamar Herman, a longtime K-pop journalist and author of the newsletter Notes On K-pop. We don't promise to have all the answers, but maybe we can share some good thought starters! Let us know what you think of the state of K-pop today by tagging Alexis and Theresa on Instagram @IKPTpod. Follow Tamar @Tamarwrites Follow Peter @DJPeterLo It's a K-pop Thing is hosted by two journalists and longtime K-pop stans, Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum and Theresa Avila. LINKS TO SOCIAL: It's a K-pop Thing: @ikptpod Alexis: @hoe_doyan Theresa: @theresa__avila CONTACT: E-mail us at: itsakpopthing@alkemielab.com