With BTS accelerating the mainstream-ization of K-pop in America, the ever-popular question among Asian American guys becomes more pertinent: is K-pop good for the beleaguered Asian male image in America? Oxford, Jong, and Q join forces to talk about breaking free of traditionalist American masculine norms and the importance of Asian Americans to be in touch with what's going on in Asian pop culture.

CORRECTION: IU collaborated with Seo Taiji, not Tablo, on the song "Sogyeokdong".

Intro/Outro Music: "Spring Day" by BTS

Intro Voice Track: "South Korea: An Inside Look at the K-pop Wave" from France 24 English

TWITTER:

Oxford (@oxford_kondo)

Jong (@calicoarse)

Q (allyouneedis_q)

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

History Lessons: Who Said BTS Was The Next Big Thing? by Christina Qiu: https://planamag.com/history-lessons-who-said-bts-was-the-next-big-thing-cff587c3b6a6

Jimmy Kimmel and BTS Fans - Behind the Scenes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pudAh8UZaE&t=89s

Q's Recommendations: "The Three Body Problem" by Liu Cixin, GOT7, Wanna One, Twice, Blackpink

Oxford's Recommendations: IU ("Sogyeokdong"), Reply 1988

Jong's Recommendations: Giriboy, Ash-B, Nada, KillaGramz, Groovy Room, Epik High, C Jamm, Junoflo, DPR Live, Nafla, Black Nut, PH-1, Hash Swan, B-Free, Okasion, Reddy, Beenzino, BewhY, Dok2

K-Dramas Mentioned: Autumn In My Heart, Full House, I Hear Your Voice, Reply 1994, Reply 1997