Covering boy groups from about 2000-2006 in both Japan and Korea. The Golden Era of Johnny's Juniors, KAT-TUN, the bumpy early years of Arashi, DBSK/TVXQ and their uncontrollable fans, Shinhwa escape SM.
Episode 4 covers the 1990s in Korea. The rise of Lee Soo Man and his SM Entertainment; Seo Taiji and Boys, the origins of the "Kpop sound", and H.O.T. the first Kpop idol group.
Overview of 60s and 70s J-pop. The rise of Johnny Kitagawa; the Johnny's sound; Group Sounds; the Tigers; the Four Leaves; and the idol scene in Japan.
Introduction to the podcast and Idol Groups. Discussion of BTS, Arashi, SHINee, SMAP, BIGBANG.
48 min
About Idol Cast PodCast
From the publisher's feed
I'm an American fan of Asian pop culture and especially of East Asian pop music. I've spent 20+ years learning about this corner of pop culture and hope to be a bridge between East and West. All opinions are my own.
Show notes and other writings from the past decade-plus can be found on my website.