By Honorary Reporter Ayushi Kharayat from India
Photos = Ask Me About Kpop

When Shannon Locke and Angelica Davila started a podcast in 2018 on K-pop, the two best friends thought it would be a short project. But what began as a simple idea of breaking down the basics of K-pop for curious newcomers quickly turned into something bigger.

Nearly seven years later, their podcast has grown into a popular show with almost 300 episodes, becoming a go-to space for K-pop fans by diving deep into acts and entertainment companies. The show has documented how the industry has grown from a niche interest into a global force that sells out stadiums and dominates music charts.

The following are excerpts from an email interview with them conducted from Jan. 9 to Feb. 10.

Besties Shannon Locke (left) and Angelica Davila since 2018 have shared their love for K-pop through their podcast "Ask Me About Kpop."

How did your K-pop journey begin and what inspired you to create the podcast?

Locke: It started in July 2013 with a "YouTubers React to K-pop" video featuring Girls' Generation's "I Got a Boy." That changed everything for me, and I immediately started learning everything I could about K-pop. Later, while working at Earwolf Podcast Network in 2017, Angelica and I recorded a K-pop episode for a show, which sparked the idea for our project.

Davila: After Shannon introduced me to K-pop, I discovered EXO's "Mama" while exploring YouTube. The dramatic production and impressive choreography instantly hooked me. We launched out first episode during the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics in Korea, a time of growing curiosity about K-pop in Western media.

How is your approach to content and how has your listeners shaped the show?

Locke: What we planned as a 10-15 episode guide has grown into a comprehensive K-pop resource. Our listeners have been instrumental to this growth, actively suggesting topics and supporting our transition from basic guides to in-depth historical research.

Davila: We've expanded beyond just the latest trends to K-pop's rich history, traditional Korean elements in music and industry dynamics. Our Discord community, started in 2020, has become a vibrant space for fans to connect and share their passion.

Podcast co-hosts Angelica Davila (sitting left) and Shannon Locke pose for a photo with their guest, the K-pop boy group BLITZERS.

What are your biggest challenges and how do you deal with sensitive topics?

Locke: Technical aspects and scheduling have been challenging, especially since we now record from different states. We approach controversial topics with careful research and balanced perspective, avoiding rushed judgments on unfolding events.

Davila: Coming up with fresh content consistently has been demanding, but our love for K-pop and our supportive audience make it worthwhile. We maintain credibility by thoroughly researching topics and acknowledging both the positive and challenging aspects of the industry.

What's your vision for the future of both K-pop and your podcast?

Locke: Rather than chasing trends, we're focusing on our strength; documenting K-pop's history for new fans. As longtime fans with a different generational perspective, we aim to provide historical context while staying true to our authentic and enthusiastic approach to sharing our love for K-pop.

Davila: The genre continues to evolve and grow globally. We're excited to keep documenting this journey while maintaining our unique position as both fans and historians of K-pop.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.