Join Stephanie and PD-nim on the Kpopcast as they dive into all things K-Pop at the 2026 Grammy Awards. Nominations have just been announced and folks are saying this is "K-Pop's Year" at the Grammys: Kpop Demon Hunters Huntrix, Katseye, and Rose from BlackPink feat. Bruno Mars are nominated! This episode covers TXT's Yeonjun's 'No Labels Part 1' and comebacks from Itzy and Wonho. !

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HIT REPLAYS:

WONHO 원호 'if you wanna' MV https://youtu.be/qk6AbjgR-FA?si=yjz8BNcs3YC2DYMo

ITZY "TUNNEL VISION" M/V https://youtu.be/piSq8IioghU?si=j0dVLR3GjXjSEk3T  

Chapters

00:00

K-Pop Highlights: TXT, Wonho, and Itzy

07:22

Wonho's Solo Journey and Musical Evolution

13:09

ITZY's Comeback and Visuals

28:40

Yeonjun's Solo Debut and Collaboration with KATSEYE Daniela

33:17

Mainstream Acceptance of K-Pop?

40:17

The Impact of KATSEYE and Kpop Demon Hunters

45:44

Grammy Predictions and Industry Dynamics

52:42

Celebrating K-Pop's Achievements

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In this episode of the K-Pop cast, hosts Stephanie and Pd-nim discuss various topics in the K-Pop world, including Baek Yerin's new release, Kino's solo debut, and the controversy surrounding X-Love's handling of LGBTQ pride flags. They also react to Babymonster's latest comeback, 'We Go Up', exploring the themes and sounds of the new music while reflecting on the current state of K-Pop and its representation of diverse identities.

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REACTION: BABYMONSTER - We Go Up https://youtu.be/wlHwjkYpSr0?si=e9S3l-HSOIKudUuB

HIT REPLAYS:

• 백예린(Yerin Baek) ‘MIRROR’ M/V https://youtu.be/IydHPao0OIg?si=do9ZGa0Ew9ruQsZs 
• KINO - DIRTY BOY (Feat. JAMIE, UWA) [Official Music Video] https://youtu.be/NI9hEnq-yko?si=6TllsqvNRO8J53Wv  

Chapters

00:00

K-Pop Comebacks and Solo Highlights

10:49

Exploring Kino's New Release

15:21

XLOV's Flag Controversy and LGBTQ Representation

24:51

Fan Reactions and Activism

29:34

Transitioning to Lighter Topics - Babymonster

30:22

Babymonster's New Release

37:29

Comparing Babymonster to Other Groups

41:26

Wrapping Up and Socials

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Summary

In this episode of the Kpopcast, hosts Stephanie and PD-Nim discuss Seventeen's latest comeback with 'Pretty Woman' and celebrate the Chuseok holiday. They share their hit replays, including Crush's new track Frequency and the boy group POW. The conversation delves into the significance of Chuseok, its traditions, and how K-Pop fans can engage with the holiday. The hosts also do a live reaction to and analyze the themes and production of Seventeen's new release, exploring the meaning behind '5-4-3 Pretty Woman.'

Chapters

00:00

Celebrating Seventeen's Comeback and Chuseok

06:31

Exploring Crush's New Album and Creative Process

12:25

Introducing the New Group Pow and Their Evolution

17:38

Understanding Chuseok: Traditions and Celebrations

21:44

Celebrating Chuseok and Family Connections

22:43

K-Pop Releases During Chuseok

23:44

Reacting to '5-4-3 Pretty Woman'

28:59

Exploring the Music Video's Themes

32:04

The Impact of Nostalgia in K-Pop

34:34

Understanding '5-4-3' in the Song Title

Takeaways

• Seventeen's comeback 'Pretty Woman' coincides with the Chuseok holiday.
• Crush's new EP 'Fang' features nostalgic R&B vibes.
• The group Pow is transitioning from a cute image to a more mature sound.
• Chuseok is a time for family gatherings and honoring ancestors.
• The International Star Athletic Championship is a popular Chuseok special featuring K-Pop idols.
• Seventeen's unit releases are breaking records in K-Pop.
• The collaboration between S. Coops and Min-Kyu showcases their chemistry.
• Lay Bankz adds a fresh element to 'Pretty Woman.'
• The title '5-4-3' may symbolize a countdown to the song's start.
• We discuss whether this release is an example of "recession pop"

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HIT REPLAYS:

• CRUSH (크러쉬) FREQUENCY (Feat. Loco) https://youtu.be/8EdC-6L4C-Y?si=9b1lSEtCEBt8CydI 
• POW (파우) 'Wall Flowers' M/V https://youtu.be/UpGEn4SkSY0?si=imMHdac7GAWyHFrf 

REACTION TO: Seventeen S.Coups x MinKyu "5, 4, 3 Pretty Woman" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u89aNeJlyg0

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In this episode of the Kpopcast, hosts Stephanie and Pd-nim discuss the latest comebacks in the K-Pop scene, including EXO's anticipated return and Taemin's new single 'Veil'. They explore the monster rookie groups of 2025, and the impact of military service, geo-political tensions between China and Korea, and EXO-CBX's Lawsuit settlement with SM Ent. The conversation also highlights Kai's recent tour and his sexiest stage yet in Mexico City.

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HIT REPLAYS:

• Jo Gwangil - TONGUE https://youtu.be/t7DbgcQAmBo
• HITGS - Aha! https://youtu.be/1XOmTvPWQSs?si

Chapters

00:00

K-Pop Comebacks and Rookies of 2025

04:44

Hit Replays: K-Pop Song Recommendations

07:33

Rookie Groups of 2025: Trends and Insights

15:15

Taemin's Return: Exploring His New Single 'Veil'

18:49

Anticipation for Taemin at Coachella

22:01

EXO's Return from Military Service

25:05

The Lore of EXO and Their Comeback

28:43

Kai's Tour and Performance Highlights

31:42

Rain's Encore Tour Announcement

33:29

Updates on SM Artists and Future Plans

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In this episode of the Kpopcast, the hosts Stephanie, PD-nim, and special guest Todd Inoue (SF Chronicle Reporter & more!) discuss the latest happenings in the K-Pop world, including hit replays from Ive, Moon Soojin, and Monsta X. They also dive into a critical review of the K-Popped show featuring Psy and Megan Thee Stallion, sharing insights on its editing and content. The conversation shifts to updates from SM Entertainment, focusing on Aespa's comeback "Rich Man" and Haechan's solo debut, "CRZY". In this episode, the hosts dive into the latest album from K-Pop group CORTIS, discussing their new music video, FaSHiON, and the reception of their sound in the K-Rap scene. They explore cultural representation in K-Pop, the significance of CORTIS working with American hip hop artists like Teezo Touchdown and Juicy J, and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the album's tracks. The conversation wraps up with reflections on the future of CORTIS and their potential impact on the K-Pop landscape.

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HIT REPLAYS:

• IVE 아이브 ‘XOXZ’ MV https://youtu.be/B1ShLiq3EVc?si=1HPDnKpG13T04dId 
• 문수진 (Moon Sujin) - Chills [Official Music Video] https://youtu.be/mg8o-D3NPS0?si=A8tW_7qYd7BUJTSa 
• MONSTA X 몬스타엑스 'N the Front' MV https://youtu.be/ykFHzr0oVog?si=ASn4bQMLVTxHV3B1

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:10 Hit Replays: IVE, Moon Soojin, and Monsta X

05:11 Deeper Dive: K-Popped Show Discussion

11:33 K-Pop Industry Insights and Trends

14:26 SM Entertainment's New Releases and Concepts

21:13 Exploring the Concept Behind Aespa's Release

24:24 Haechan's Solo Debut: A New Chapter for NCT

31:08 CORTIS: Anticipation and Reactions to Their New Album

35:52 K-Rap and the Reception of CORTIS' New Sound

39:05 Cultural Roots and K-Pop's West Coast Influence

42:17 Musical Expectations and Disappointments

45:22 Vocal Performance and Group Dynamics

47:45 Feature Collaborations and Their Impact

50:50 Speculations on Group Dynamics and Future Directions

54:23 Final Thoughts and Daebak or Not?

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In this episode of the Kpopcast, hosts Stephanie and Peter dive into the vibrant world of "K-Popped," a groundbreaking show hosted by PSY and Megan thee Stallion that bridges generations and cultures. Join us as we explore the dynamic collaborations between Western and K-Pop artists, featuring iconic performances by ATEEZ, J Balvin, Kylie Minogue, TLC, Boyz II Men, the Spice Girls, STAYC, BlackSwan, Patti LaBelle, Kiss of Life, Eve, J01, and more! We dive deep into the show's highlight moments, times where the production missed the mark, and yes, that controversial and awkward moment between ATEEZ and J Balvin! Tune in for a deep dive into the essence of K-Pop and its global impact, with reflections on standout performances and the show's cultural significance.

Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thekpopcast

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‎Watch KPOPPED - Apple TV+

https://tv.apple.com/us/show/kpopped/umc.cmc.1yvpbd5uvcq8txtj1gfnw5iox

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to K-Popped

00:56 Overview of K-Popped's Format

06:09 The Essence of K-Pop

09:31 Goals and Audience of K-Popped

16:18 Target Audience and Show Format

19:30 Production Value and Presentation

23:09 K-Pop Performance Dynamics

26:47 Theatrical Elements in K-Pop

32:03 Crossover Collaborations: K-Pop Meets Western Artists

37:24 Audience Engagement and Performance Quality

42:38 Understanding the K-Pop Paradigm

44:03 Understanding Performance Dynamics

46:35 Cultural Interactions and Artist Dynamics

49:44 Generational Connections in Music

51:56 Cultural Heritage and K-Pop's Roots

54:02 Show Format and Production Choices

56:05 The Nature of Competition and Collaboration

01:01:24 Final Thoughts on the Show's Impact

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Summary

In this episode of the Kpopcast, hosts Stephanie and PD-nim discuss the latest happenings in the K-Pop world, focusing on the debut of HYBE's new boy group CORTIS, the return of Monsta X, and the emergence of other boy groups like idntt. They explore the trends in K-Pop, the significance of fan involvement, and the production aspects of the new music. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by the industry, including controversies surrounding HYBE's management.

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HIT REPLAYS:

• MONSTA X 몬스타엑스 'Do What I Want' MV https://youtu.be/4PGX1ZYvzvo?si=1XKZZmitjhT_hmJi 
• Idntt (아이덴티티) “New” https://youtu.be/jIo7Doh0f68?si=7WGuywgwNnaQckpM

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to CORTIS and K-Pop Dynamics

00:42 Hit Replays and New Boy Groups

05:28 Monsta X's Return and Evolution

08:48 Debut of CORTIS and Reaction to 'Go'

14:12 Introducing Cortis: Big Hit's Newest Boy Group

17:03 Cortis' Debut and Historical Context

18:37 Cortis' Unique Identity and Target Audience

20:22 Musical Style and Influences

22:12 Cortis' Creative Involvement and Authenticity

26:01 Production Credits and Collaborations

28:39 Skepticism Towards Idol Involvement

31:44 Cortis' Performance and Visuals

35:55 Final Thoughts on Cortis' Debut

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the K-Pop cast, hosts Stephanie and PD-nim discuss the latest trends in K-Pop survival shows: World of Street Woman Fighter, Boys II Planet, and K-Popped. The conversation reflects on the challenges and opportunities presented, emphasizing the need for balance between international appeal and maintaining the essence of K-Pop. They also share kpop hit replays from Loco and WayV!

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HIT REPLAYS:

• 로꼬 (Loco) - No where (Official Video) ft. Feby Putri https://youtu.be/6VL3hwELh_c?si=nBwb23f6OA97CbnZ 
• WayV _ BIG BANDS (Korean Ver.) | 1theKILLPO | 원더킬포 | 퍼포먼스 | Performance | 4K | 쿤 텐 샤오쥔 헨드리 양양 https://youtu.be/o9DPRfIx5RU?si=Zcmbmefo5g6DDvRt

Chapters

00:00 K-Pop Survival Shows Overview

05:40 Hit Replays: Loco and WayV

11:40 International Focus in K-Pop Survival Shows

18:39 Cultural Representation and Tensions

25:13 The Future of K-Pop and International Markets

28:48 K-Pop's Cultural Crossroads

30:28 Boys Planet: A New Era of K-Pop Survival Shows

33:34 Challenges in the Chinese Market

37:20 K-Pop and Western Collaborations: K-Popped

48:29 The Future of K-Pop: Balancing Tradition and Innovation

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In this episode, we sit down with Genius Korea's Leader Unit 🐚💎🍂 to discuss their journey in the K-pop industry. They share personal experiences, challenges and the collaborative efforts that have shaped Genius Korea over the past five years.

Join Genius Korea: https://genius.com/genius-korea

Genius Korea’s 4th Anniversary Community Interview https://genius.com/Genius-korea-genius-koreas-4th-anniversary-community-interview-annotated

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Genius Korea and Its Members

05:51 The Concept and Community of Genius Korea

09:32 Personal Journeys and Experiences in Genius Korea

20:21 Evolution of Editorial Standards and Community Engagement

28:09 Challenges and Insights from the KBS List

31:19 The Struggle with Fan Pages

32:49 Navigating Fan Wars in K-Pop

35:35 Promoting Underdog Groups in K-Pop

39:15 Discovering New Artists and Trends

44:35 The Challenges of Social Media Management

53:31 Balancing Professionalism and Fandom in Interviews

01:01:38 Dream Collaborations and Aspirations

01:04:33 The Art of Lyric Translation

01:07:13 The Genius Charts Explained

01:12:37 Understanding Popularity in K-Pop

01:16:35 The Role of Genius Korea in the K-Pop Community

01:21:23 Future Aspirations for Genius Korea

01:27:55 Genius Korea Global Audition

01:32:58 Outro

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