17 Carat K-Pop

An idol’s clothing abruptly pulled out of an auction, a massive SEVENTEEN update, the mixed feelings that come with seemingly random K-pop band shoutouts on TV shows, and more of the latest K-pop discussion topics.

A conversation with journalist Kat Moon about a mix of light and serious topics, from PURPLE KISS to K-drama recommendations to how K-pop journalism can describe fans and their idols in the best, most accurate way.

While covering the latest pop culture news stories, Hope makes the case against betting on Clubhouse’s longevity, tells the backstory of CGI influencer Miquela’s NFT drops, shares the most interesting quotes from an interview with a man who believes in a concept similar to the existence of parallel universes, and more!

This is the fourth episode in a 7-episode series that explores the literature and cinema BTS references in their music video universe! This episode explores the themes throughout both Into the Magic Shop by James R. Doty and his research on the mind-body connection. The song “Magic Shop” by BTS is used to further explain Dr. Doty’s thoughts on the power of kindness to heal and the importance of de...

The layers of meaning in Taeyong’s new song, a reaction to “Not Alone” by SEVENTEEN, the best parts of Bang Bang Con 2021, and more on the latest buzzed-about topics in the world of K-pop!

An updated and comprehensive guide to the characters, plots, theories, and symbols that make up the EXO Music Video Universe!

After breaking down the short-term and long-term implications of HYBE acquiring Ithaca Holdings, a range of K-pop news stories from the past week are discussed, from LABOUM’s big plans to the best April Fool’s Day pranks!

In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, Hope uses personal stories to describe five things allies to the autistic community should know, and she reflects on how being autistic shapes her feelings around and involvement in fandom culture.

A ranking and review of the best new K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop releases!

Six highlights and six lowlights from last week’s KCON:TACT, plus seventeen random thoughts that came from watching it.

On this week’s news recap, Hope reacts to Hoshi’s mixtape, highlights key takeaways from BTS’s recent TV appearances, theorizes about the “Film out” music video, and much more!

This is the third episode in a 7-episode series that explores the literature and cinema BTS references in their music video universe! Today’s episode summarizes the characters and plot in the movie “Black Swan,” examines the film’s psychological and social commentary, and draws connections to the messages in BTS’s music and videos.

This is the first episode in a 7-episode series that explores the literature and cinema BTS references in their music video universe! Today, Hope breaks down the many ways BTS alludes to the characters, symbols, and themes in “Demian” by Herman Hesse throughout the “Wings” era music videos.

This episode explores the evolution of SHINee’s image and music videos through a combination of personal, sociological, and philosophical lenses.

The movie references and other symbols connecting NCT’s and SHINee’s Music Video Universes, a review of NCT 127’s new album, and a personal story about NCT’s impact on Hope’s life.

The origin stories behind the best, the worst, and the overall most conversation-starting K-pop band and fandom names ever!

This episode explores the many layers of meaning in Epik High’s songs, the threads connecting their stories from their different musical eras, and the messages in their new album!

A ranking and review of the top 20 K-pop and J-pop singles, albums, and music videos of January 2021!

A conversation with Maria Sherman, author of Larger Than Life, about the often-overlooked parts of boy band history, the factors that led to One Direction’s massive popularity, how BTS is breaking boy band stereotypes, and much more!

In the first half of this episode, Hope recaps the symbols and storylines that are the most noteworthy from NCT music videos. In the second half, she shares her brand new theories about the roles of superpowers, time travel, and other concepts in the NCT Music Video Universe!

A conversation with singer/producer/songwriter STORYBOARDS about writing for EVERGLOW, the state of the music industry in 2020, the song that almost went to BTS, K-pop girl groups, and much more!

Some of the most bizarre Greek myths as seen represented in VIXX music videos, plus discussions about KCON going digital, “Sour Candy,” a K-pop subway ad debate, and much more!

A quick PSA about a new musical duo worth paying attention to and how you can watch them perform live this Friday!

This is the sixth episode in a 7-episode series that explores the literature and cinema BTS references in their music video universe! Louder Than Bombs is a film about grief, love, lies, and selective memory. The questions this movie provokes are also the ones provoked by the song “Louder Than Bombs” by BTS, as well as some BTS music videos. By understanding the many parallels in the ways this fil...

When an artist becomes massively popular all of a sudden, it’s not uncommon for rumors of being an “industry plant” to follow. But what does that term actually mean? Is there ever any truth to accusations that artists’ underdog origin stories are entirely fabricated? Why have the artists who have been accused of being “plants” been targeted with the accusation? This episode seeks to answer these q...