BTS, Iz One and How Tensions Between Korea and Japan Play Out in K-pop

Idols' scandals rarely make headlines outside of Korea and the K-pop fandom. But when a Japanese television appearance by BTS was canceled in earl…

Produce 48: The Magic of the Crossover

Ah, the crossover. Often strangely thrilling and fascinating, crossovers happen when two different worlds meet for the first time, creating a synergy t…

So You Wanna Listen to J-pop: A K-pop Fan’s Guide

One of the many benefits to liking music from another country is that it opens up a large musical gateway. We’ve discussed this before in regards to K-…

A-Head of the Curve: AKB48’s Minegishi Minami as Revolutionary

On January 31, 2013, weekly Japanese tabloid Shukan Bunshun featured pictures of AKB48 member Minegishi Minami leaving the apartment of Generations mem…

Perspectives: K-pop in Japan (And a Bit About the World)

While there is much to commend about K-pop in general -- from the amazingly supportive fans, to the fact that so much can be done out of passion, and a…

K-Pop in Japan: A Short Term Venture

I'm a new writer at Seoulbeats. Not only that, I'm actually something of a newbie in the K-pop scene, having been inducted in early 2011. What I defini…

K-pop Groups: Should They be Performing at Japanese Music Specials?

K-pop groups bravely march onward in their attempts to infiltrate the Japanese music industry

After School: You’re Doing it Wrong

Of all the idol group couldabeens, the saddest is probably After School. Pledis Entertainment, ya'll seriously mucked things up for these ladies. They …

Countdown To SNSD Comeback

As we approach the end of the month, waving adieu to Monsieur Soleil as the northern hemisphere begins to tilt away from the sun, we initiate Autumn or…

Girl’s Day’s ‘Hug Me Once’: The Incredible Journey

And it is creepy as hell.