New podcast tells the K-Pop story through the eyes of its fans

K-Pop is a global phenomenon, and a new BBC Radio 1 podcast tells its story through the point of view of six die-hard fans.

Over eight episodes, K-Pop: A Stan Story traces the evolution of the South Korean music genre from its beginnings to its rise up the music charts and becoming a mainstream global culture.

Hosted by journalist Lucy Ford, the podcast explores the K-Pop powerhouse, from the role the BTS army has played and female K-Pop stars, to the gruelling training regime of a K-Pop icon, its popularity in the UK and its future.

K-Pop stans reveal the impact it has had on their lives in the series. Some of K-Pops biggest names, experts in the K-Wave space and Radio 1’s Adele Roberts who played K-Pop band BTS for the first time on Radio 1 also feature.

Lucy Ford says: “I’m so excited to be hosting this series which looks at the history of K-pop, its place on the global stage and the real-life experiences of the people who love it – the stans! A lot of conversations about K-pop mischaracterise or leave fans out of the equation altogether, so I’m really thrilled to be centring them in this conversation and letting them be the ones to tell their stories!

“Having been a huge K-pop stan for so long, it’s amazing to be a part of sharing with the world why it’s so meaningful and fun for fans, and maybe (just maybe!) convert a few more newbies in the process.”

Adele Roberts adds: “In 2017, I gave BTS its first play on Radio 1, marking the beginning of my journey of discovering K-Pop, meeting stans and icons and even travelling to South Korea. Of all aspects of K-Pop, for me it’s the fans that make this movement so special; the feeling of togetherness, kindness and inclusion that they embody is just incredible.

“It’s like a close family that just happens to be spread across the planet! As the podcast shows, K-Pop is a global movement, and I can’t wait for listeners to hear how it has evolved and continues to evolve.”

K-Pop: A Stan Story is available now on BBC Sounds.

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