BTS, Big Bang, EXO, Black Pink... sound familiar? Within the last few decades, Korean POP music culture has swept the world by storm, introducing a remarkable new world of entertainment in the form of eccentric music videos, perfectly synched choreography and eclectic fashion style. From the Hallyu wave to international collaboration with Western artists, we discuss the ins and outs of the KPOP revolution and the drivers behind its continuous success. However, with success and power always comes a darker shadow lurking behind closed doors, KPOP cannot be without its darker secrets... Trigger Warning: Please be advised that we touch on topics such as suicide and sexual assault. If you require professional help, we've included mental health resources below. E P I S O D E O U T L I N E ------------------------------------------ •Hallyu Wave, what is it? •Seo Taiji and the Boys and their cultural influence •The IDOL group formula •Tough realities Idol trainees face •The business aspect behind Idol groups •Globalisation and marketability of KPOP groups •Thuy's obsession with BTS, LOL •International collaboration with KPOP •KPOP and mental stress •Seungri and the Burning Sun scandal •Manipulation and exploitation of female members within the industry T I M E S T A M P S -------------------------------- 00:53 Intro to topic 02:00 Discussion begins 18:50 Scoopy Milkbar shoutout! Use UA15 for 15% your order ;) 38:38 Recommendations ✨MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES✨ •Government support during COVID-19 •Lifeline Australia: 24 Hour Crisis Line - 131 114 •Beyond Blue: Hotline - 1800 512 348 •24/7 Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 •Asian Australian Mental Health Practitioner List by Shapes & Sounds ✨KPOP RESOURCES✨ •https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2019-11-06/k-pop-s-dark-side-assault-prostitution-suicide-and-spycams •https://www.insider.com/kpop-dark-side-gym-diet-dating-great-guys-crayon-pop-2019-10 •https://martinroll.com/resources/articles/asia/korean-wave-hallyu-the-rise-of-koreas-cultural-economy-pop-culture/ •Netflix's Explained KPOP documentary If you'd like to continue the conversation, please message us. We'd love to hear from you, feel free to slide into our dms on instagram: @unapologeticallyazn or send us an email: unapologeticallyasianpodcast@gmail.com Also, thanks to Scoopy Milk Bar for sponsoring this episode. For the month ...