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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In this episode, the hosts discuss 'Jump' the long-awaited comeback of BLACKPINK after three years! They dive into the visuals, production choices, the impact of AI in music videos and speculate on the future direction of BLACKPINK as they approach their 10-year anniversary. They also share Hit Replays From TWICE, BABYMONSTER & Yung Raja x Jay Park

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HIT REPLAYS:

• BABYMONSTER - ‘HOT SAUCE’ M/V https://youtu.be/xn8mQqz2xmM?si=kPledLm0LbCJBi98 
• Yung Raja x Jay Park ‘missed call’ https://youtu.be/spDokk5zl-0?si=7XpjEOuYL5-S6E2v 
• BATTITUDE (NAYEON, JEONGYEON, MOMO, MINA) https://youtu.be/TOic7n-CDd4?si=aTfzQTwPr0sMl19p 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to K-Pop Hits

00:29 BABYMONSTER

03:33 Jay Park x Young Raja

05:56 TWICE's New Era and Attitude

10:08 BLACKPINK Deep Dive

11:49 Live Reaction to BLACKPINK's 'Jump'

17:36 Comparative Discussion: 'Jump' vs. Previous Releases

22:40 Audio Quality and Production Choices

28:40 The Impact of AI on Authenticity

34:20 Rushed Releases and Quality Concerns

38:13 Future Directions for Blackpink

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In this episode, the Kpopcast reviews Bibi's 2025 Eve Tour in Oakland, Ca. Discussing their excitement for her first US tour, highlighting Bibi's dynamic personality, audience interaction and the different styles of sex appeal presented. While also addressing mixed feelings about the concert's missed opportunities and overall production quality.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bibi's Eve Concert Tour

02:27 Bibi: The Artist and Her Unique Style

05:14 Concert Experience: Initial Impressions

08:13 Audience Interaction and Performance Dynamics

11:10 Flow and Structure of the Concert

13:46 Musical Quality and Acoustics

16:56 Bibi's Authenticity and Stage Presence

20:02 Final Thoughts on the Concert Experience

24:39 Bibi's Concert Experience: A Wholesome Interaction

27:53 Performance Flow and Audience Engagement

29:14 Thematic Depth and Missed Opportunities

31:09 Dancers and Production Quality

33:51 Bibi's Sensuality and Stage Presence

40:17 Cultural References and Audience Connection

43:43 Understanding K-Pop Fan Engagement

45:57 Concert Performance Insights

50:23 Production Quality and Audience Experience

53:58 Missed Opportunities in Concert Execution

59:44 Comparative Analysis of Live Performances

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In this episode of the K-Pop Cast, the hosts review Enhypen's "Bad Desire". They discuss the evolving trends in K-Pop, the impact of military enlistment on artists, and the significance of music videos in conveying concepts. The conversation also touches on the nostalgia of early 2000s sounds and the challenges of creating memorable choreography in a fast-paced industry.

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[REVIEW] ENHYPEN Explores Their Darkest Fantasy Yet with ‘DESIRE: UNLEASH’ Containing Moments of Excellence | Genius https://genius.com/discussions/499192-Review-enhypen-explores-their-darkest-fantasy-yet-with-desire-unleash-containing-moments-of-excellence 

HIT REPLAYS:

• MEOVV(미야오) - ‘HANDS UP’ M/V https://youtu.be/sL0pCS6K9bc?si=WkbTrnSvGsRYJDaY   
• USPEER (유스피어) 'ZOOM' MV https://youtu.be/7WSmAo7kSoo?si=xlQp-pHbq4801WZO 
• JAEHYUN 재현 'Can't Get You' (Official Audio) https://youtu.be/yzAA-8CrWCY?si=Pbt6r6pTW_CorCf2

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:14 Hit Replays: Meovv Jaehyun Uspeer

16:11 'Bad Desire' Reaction

21:14 Visuals and Themes in Music Videos

29:03 Choreography and Performance Analysis

31:23 Nostalgia and Global Reach in K-Pop

39:16 Standout Tracks and Production Insights

41:05 Final Thoughts and Ratings

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The Kpopcast crew dives deep into Netflix's animated hit "Kpop Demon Hunters" - and they're completely obsessed! Join DJ Peter Lo, Syed, Virginia, and PD Nim as they break down everything from the incredible soundtrack (which they argue is better than 90% of actual K-pop) to the spot-on cultural references that prove the creators really knew their stuff. They discuss the film's authentic portrayal of fan culture, the clever metaphors about industry exploitation, hilarious K-drama tropes, and why this movie works for both hardcore K-pop stans and complete newcomers. Plus: thoughts on sequel potential, the genius of naming conventions, and why "Golden" deserves an Oscar. Spoilers included - watch the movie first!

Join the Kpopcast Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/kpopcast/sha...

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Chapters

00:00 Intro & First Reactions

05:25 Development & Concept Art Changes

10:05 Soundtrack Breakdown

19:20 K-pop Song Placements

26:29 Cultural Accuracy & References

36:43 Fan Culture & Dark Themes

48:04 Comedy & K-drama Tropes

56:16 Final Thoughts & Sequel Potential

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In this episode of the, the hosts review the highly anticipated comeback of Red Velvet's Irene and Seulgi with their new song 'Tilt' diving  into the significance of sensuality and in kpop music videos, and the challenges faced by veteran groups in the current industry landscape. They also discuss new music  from Kim Jaejoong, SHINee, and independent artist Hersh feat JUSTHIS.

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HIT REPLAYS:

• 김재중(KIM JAE JOONG) 'ROCK STAR' MV https://youtu.be/UrZXzp2t91M?si=Heg2CJV62lvnU2nE 
• Hersh - Falling Into You (Feat. JUSTHIS) https://youtu.be/hGgCiS2T72o?si=Bb3AI7IfrWNNgNId 
• SHINee 샤이니 'Poet | Artist' MV https://youtu.be/QF6P6BSPDRw?si=wA-TU0IFqdv-aZw1 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to K-Pop Cast and Hit Replays

03:46 Spotlight on Kim Jaejoong: A K-Pop Legend

09:41 Exploring Independent Artists: Hirsch and Justice

14:34 SHINee's Comeback: Remembering Jonghyun

19:30 Red Velvet's Irene & Seulgi: The Long-Awaited Return

21:25 Introduction and Initial Reactions

22:22 Expectations vs. Reality in Title Tracks

23:13 Desire for Sensual Storytelling in K-Pop

24:24 Comparing Sensuality in K-Pop History

25:16 The Role of Government and Cultural Norms

26:16 The Evolution of Female Sensuality in K-Pop

27:11 Choreography and Performance Quality

28:12 The Impact of NCT and ESPA on SM's Focus

28:59 Comparing Previous Works and Current Trends

29:53 Choreography and Audience Connection

31:02 The Essence of K-Pop Choreography

31:56 The Storytelling Aspect in Music Videos

33:00 The Future of Red Velvet and SM's Direction

33:49 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

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In this episode of the, the hosts discuss the latest comebacks and highlight medleys from Seventeen, Riize, Red Velvet, Baekhyun and Monsta X. They explore the musical styles, emotional themes, and innovative approaches to highlight medleys, as well as the controversies surrounding certain concepts. 

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HIT REPLAYS:

• Baekhyun ‘No Problem’ https://youtu.be/aT-jUyik8yI?si=7X1ZLgxNapRO_zEt 
• RIIZE 라이즈 'Fly Up' MV https://youtu.be/vLUtHODdLzk?si=T9trz9vqJDyHrvDH 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to K-Pop Highlights

04:01 Baekhyun's Comeback and Musical Style

07:52 RYSE's New Album and Emotional Themes

10:53 Seventeen's Highlight Medley and Album Insights

15:44 Innovations in K-Pop Highlight Medleys

20:47 Red Velvet's Controversial Concepts

27:29 Monsta X's Re-recorded Tracks and Future Prospects

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In this episode the hosts discuss the rebranding of G-Idle to simply 'I-dle' and their new song 'Girlfriend'. They explore the implications of the name change, the themes presented in the music video, and the reactions from fans. The conversation also touches on the departure of member Soojin and how it has affected the group, as well as comparisons to other K-Pop groups and I-dle’s Future in the industry.

Join the Kpopcast Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/kpopcast/shared_invite/zt-93kzxcv6-YNej2QkyY6vaPnhEQJxk0A

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Chapters

00:00 Intro

02:10 The Significance of the Name Change

05:08 Music Video Reaction: Girlfriend

06:58 Exploring Lyrics and Themes

09:51 Discussion on Provocative Content

13:02 Analyzing the Use of Language

15:37 The Shift from 'I' to 'We' in Identity

18:37 Conclusion and Future Directions

19:31 The Impact of Soojin's Departure

22:23 Re-recording Controversies in K-Pop

27:23 Fan Reactions to Rebranding and Erasure

31:38 The Future of G-Idle and Their Rebranding

37:54 Final Thoughts on G-Idle's Direction

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In this episode of the, the hosts share their hit replays of the week & K-pop's presence at the 2025 Met Gala. The conversation highlights the intersection of K-Pop and Black Dandyism, exploring their fashion choices and the cultural significance behind them, cultural appropriation, and the future of K-Pop idols in the global fashion scene.

Join the Kpopcast Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/kpopcast/shared_invite/zt-93kzxcv6-YNej2QkyY6vaPnhEQJxk0A

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HIT REPLAYS:

• ENHYPEN (엔하이픈) 'Loose' Official Lyric Video https://youtu.be/qr4oH_06IZM?si=dvTYhe91FibmzIZN 
• Toshinobu Kubota - Dance If You Want It (1988) https://youtu.be/ulCqwSjQ-t4?si=PavFWryVGDj1qwhL 
• LATATA (i-dle ver.) (LATATA (i-dle ver.)) https://youtu.be/rxlQ5OgscMo?si=CwW_r2Wumoh0T7Gi 

Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:35 Enhypen Hit Replay

03:49 Toshinobu Kubota Hit Replay

07:55 I-dle Hit Replay

12:36 Deep Dive into the 2025 Met Gala

14:30 Expectations Going Into The Event

17:41 Asian Representation at the Met Gala

20:35 Conclusion and Future of K-Pop in Fashion

21:33 What is Black Dandyism? & It's Influence on Kpop

27:06 The K-Pop Influence on Fashion Brands

31:13 K-Pop Idols at the Met Gala

33:19 S.Coups' Met Gala Look

38:07 Lisa's Controversial Outfit

45:42 Jennie's Chanel Ensemble

50:06 K-Pop Idols and Fashion Houses

53:03 Rosé's Met Gala Look and Inspiration

55:26 The Influence of Andre Leon Talley

01:01:30 Fashion Choices and Industry Influence

01:07:28 Future of K-Pop and Fashion Events

01:12:38 Wrap-Up and Predictions for K-Pop Fashion

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In this episode, Peter and Stephanie dive deep into Katseye and their controversial comeback song, 'Gnarly.' They discuss the group's formation, their identity as a global girl group, and the polarizing reactions to their music video. The conversation explores themes of cultural appropriation, the impact of lyrics, and the evolving landscape of K-pop, all while analyzing the song's production and fan reception. The hosts reflect on their initial reactions, the influence of Alice's original concept, and the broader implications of the song within the K-pop industry.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cat's Eye and Their Comeback

02:23 The Global Girl Group Phenomenon

05:22 Reaction to 'Gnarly' and Its Polarizing Nature

08:14 Initial Reactions and Cultural Commentary

11:06 The Impact of Lyrics and Cultural Expectations

13:40 The Role of Performance and Audience Reception

16:40 Comparing 'Gnarly' to Other Artists and Trends

19:29 Exploring the Lyrics and Their Reception

22:24 Alice's Influence and the Song's Background

25:25 The Absurdity of K-Pop Lyrics

28:16 Fan Reactions and Controversies

33:06 Sexualization in K-Pop

37:35 The Meaning of 'Gnarly'

44:24 Appropriation and Transformation in K-Pop

47:07 Wrapping Up: The Future of K-Pop

47:30 New Chapter

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