Hey K-pop fam! It’s time to wrap up the year with the 2024 Idol Talk Awards Part 2! Nathan, Ashley, and Gabe are diving into all the biggest highlights of the year—from rookie groups that skyrocketed to fame (ILLIT and TWS, we see you 👀) to the hottest tracks and albums that ruled our playlists.

We spill the tea on the virtual idols trend (are we ready for this?), share our fave sleeper hits, and debate who really deserves Artist of the Year. Plus, we're throwing in some predictions for 2025 you won’t want to miss.

🎤 Catch up with us on Instagram @IdolTalkPod for playlists, and behind-the-scenes fun, and make sure to subscribe so you’re ready for even more K-pop chaos next year!

It’s the K-Pop showdown you’ve been waiting for! Nathan, Ashley, and Gabe are back with Part 1 of the 2024 Idol Talk Podcast Awards, breaking down the groups, solos, and choreo that had everyone talking. From viral TikTok dances to jaw-dropping performances, we’re calling out the legends, the rookies, and even the flops (👀).

Who won the year? Which groups earned their crowns, and which tracks are stuck on repeat? Dive into all the laughs, debates, and spicy takes as we recap K-Pop’s most iconic moments.

Follow us on Instagram @IdolTalkPod and rate, review, and subscribe wherever you stream podcasts.

We’re breaking down the HYBE vs. NewJeans situation that’s taken over the K-pop world. From contract disputes and power struggles to Min Hee-jin’s exit and NewJeans’ next steps, we’re unpacking what led to this fallout and where things might go from here.

Join Nathan, Ashley, and Gabe as they dig into the industry drama, what this means for HYBE’s reputation, and whether NewJeans can keep their momentum outside their current label. It’s a big moment for K-pop—let’s talk about it.

Recorded on November 7, 2024.

We’re BACK from hiatus, baby! Ashley kicks things off with a discussion of Rosé’s "APT," a catchy track that ties into a Korean drinking game. Next, we talk about Kiss of Life’s "Sticky," the perfect summer anthem that’s fun, flirtatious, and impossible not to vibe with. Then, we get into Tzuyu’s solo debut "Runaway," a solid but basic track that leaves us wondering what direction she’ll take next. Plus, we chat about our favorite summer jams, and who might be the next Twice member to go solo.

Recorded on August 6, 2024.

This episode is dedicated to the boy groups, and the energy is off the charts. First, Gabe is hyping ENHYPEN’s spooky summer jam, "Brought the Heat Back," from their new album Romance Untold. The eerie-but-cool summer vibes are seriously next level.Next, Ashley is living for RIIZE’s "Boom Boom Bass." With its funky throwback sound, it’s no wonder they’re climbing the charts fast. And finally, Nathan wraps things up with a deep dive into the catchy summer anthem "If I'm S, then you're N" by TWS, dishing out all the details on how their personality types even show up in the choreo. Like, how cool is that?

Recorded on July 17, 2024.

Then, we dive into New Jeans' hip-hop-inspired track How Sweet and all the juicy drama swirling around their label Ador and HYBE—trust us, it’s a wild ride!

Finally, aespa blows us away with their futuristic banger Supernova. We’re obsessed with the genre-blending beats and stunning visuals, and they’re reminding us why they’re one of the top girl groups in the game. So, grab your headphones and tune in as we deep dive into all the latest comebacks, break down the most epic music videos, and spill the hottest K-pop tea. And don't miss the sneak peek at our next episode, where we’ll focus on boy groups!

In this episode of Idol Talk, we're diving into the ever-changing world of K-pop idol contracts. Join Nathan, Ashley, and special guest Kaycee as we chat about how contracts have evolved from the '90s to now, the infamous "seven-year curse," and the latest legal dramas in the industry. We'll talk about why so many idols are ditching big companies for more freedom, and what this means for fans and their favorite groups. It's a deep dive into the future of K-pop and how these changes are shaking things up.

In this episode, we discuss the songs we just can’t get enough of–whether they’re new releases or just new to us–from some of our faves in the K-pop industry. We explore ILLIT's new album "Super Real Me," featuring the viral hit "Magnetic". Get the scoop on Day6's return with "Welcome to the Show", and a star-studded music video, signaling a major investment in their resurgence. We wrap up with a discussion on VCHA's energetic, fast-paced comeback "Only One", which fills a fun niche in the K-pop industry. Tune in for all this and more as Idol Talk keeps you updated on your K-pop obsessions!

Welcome back to Idol Talk! Join us for an in-depth exploration of how the pandemic turned the K-Pop world on its head. We're diving deep into the changes, challenges, and unexpected triumphs that this global health crisis brought to the forefront of Korean pop music. From virtual concerts to innovative marketing strategies, we'll unravel the ways in which the industry not only adapted but also found new avenues for creativity and connection. So grab your favorite snack and get ready to uncover the fascinating journey of K-Pop's evolution during these unprecedented times!