In Episode 0, Rimi and Sadhana talk about two songs that caught their attention - one by music producer Gray, and one by indie songwriter Motte. They discuss trademarks and contracts in K-pop and how even smaller agencies aren't exempt from mismanagement of artists.  They also talk about BTS' upcoming simulation game and where it might fit in within existing sim games and if it might further the fan-artist fantasy relationship that's common in stan culture.

Episode 0 - BTS World, Contract Disuptes in K-pop and songs by Gray and Motte

Sadhana & Rimi, K-pop fans from India, break down what K-pop is, and discuss elements and songs that stand out, as well as try to answer what it is about K-pop that turns many into super-fans. 

Note: We're still figuring out how to work a podcast, and welcome any suggestions, comments and opinions on all things technical and Kpop. Find us on twitter @ hello_hallyu.

Image credits:
Big Hit Entertainment

Music credits:
Lioness (Instrumental) by DayFox https://soundcloud.com/dayfox
Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/lioness-instrumental
Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/ZATMh49j49M

Ep 1 - What is K-pop Anyway?

In this episode we talk about what we've been listening to, weigh in on the BTS in Saudi Arabia controversy and discuss SuperM's debut. We end the episode with sharing what we're looking forward to the most over the coming month.

00:00 Introduction 

1:05 What we’ve been listening to
Sadhana talks about her obsession with Day6 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnS_jn2uibs) and Rimi weighs in with why she hasn’t been able to get into them as much 
Rimi talks about rookie group Oneus’ latest single Lit (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggPF6Wb8A50)and how enthused she is about it and also shares her thoughts on ATEEZ's latest comeback title Wonderland (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_BhMhZpAug).

6:16 BTS in Saudi Arabia
As BTS fans’ ourselves, we discuss why this has prompted so much backlash. We talk about taking the “Speak Yourself” message at face value and the intersection of trade relations and politics and K-pop. We also talk about how BTS being an ambassador for tourism in Seoul, and closely linked to the boom in recent Hallyu (which is used as a part of Soft Power by the South Korean government) may have put them in a position where they couldn’t refuse this invitation. We touch upon how we’ve seen geopolitics affect K-pop in the last few years, and that you can’t happily divorce K-pop from the structure it operates within and say it’s “apolitical.” 
Finally, we remind listeners and ourselves that it’s OK to be critical of, and sometimes disappointed in your favourite groups. 
Link to articles referred to :
Seoulbeats, https://seoulbeats.com/2019/07/k-pop-and-saudi-arabia-what-lies-beneath/
The Hollywood Reporter, https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/bts-is-back-musics-billion-dollar-boy-band-takes-next-step-1244580

17:23 SuperM
We discuss Jopping (we like it!) and what SuperM’s debut could mean for K-pop going forward. Rimi talks about how SM generally sets the trends for K-pop, and if this means we’re going to see a mushrooming of cross-group collaborations in K-pop. We also talk about whether SuperM is competing with BTS. 
We lament the downside about promoting in the US (no fun variety :[ and language barrier in interviews) and how SM’s strategic promotions and ticket prices may open up a wave of audience for SuperM. 

27:35 What we’re looking forward to
Rimi talks about why she’s excited for TXT’s comeback (21 Oct) and Sadhana gushes about Day6 (again) and their upcoming comeback (22 Oct).

Music Credits.
Lioness (Instrumental) by DayFox https://soundcloud.com/dayfox
Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/lioness-instrumental
Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/ZATMh49j49M

Episode 2: BTS in Saudi Arabia | SuperM Debut | Day6, Oneus, ATEEZ, TXT

This is the Hello Hallyu podcast bringing you insightful news, views and reviews on everything Hallyu and its fandom. In its bi-weekly episodes, hosts Rimi and Sadhana alternate between talking about news that caught their attention and in-depth explorations of a particular topic. 

Write to us at hellohallyu18@gmail.com or reach out via Twitter (hello_hallyu) to let us know your feedback and any topics you would like us to cover. 

Follow us to stay tuned!