Skip to main content
The Check In - The Ash Talks Kpop Podcast

The Check In - The Ash Talks Kpop Podcast

By Ash

Join me, Ashliegh, to fill you in on some of the biggest headlines, new music releases and more going on in the world of Kpop. (On hiatus as of 3/24/2023, focusing more on blog content).
Available on
Pocket Casts Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

The Check In Episode 9 - LOONA vs BlockBerryCreative, Lucas (NCT/WayV) Returning Rumor, 8/13 WJSN Members Renew With Starship & Other Old Kpop Tea

The Check In - The Ash Talks Kpop PodcastMar 14, 2023

00:00
50:06
The Check In Episode 9 - LOONA vs BlockBerryCreative, Lucas (NCT/WayV) Returning Rumor,  8/13 WJSN Members Renew With Starship & Other Old Kpop Tea

The Check In Episode 9 - LOONA vs BlockBerryCreative, Lucas (NCT/WayV) Returning Rumor, 8/13 WJSN Members Renew With Starship & Other Old Kpop Tea

Note: We’re back! Still fighting with my audio, lol. Let me know what y'all think of the music in the background. I like it, but I wanna know if it's something y'all like or find it too distracting. 

✨All topics are sourced from AllKpop, Koreaboo, Soompi, and Reddit✨


A general timestamp for this episode: 

Oh, at some point I talk about Lee Seunggi, but I didn't know his name. He's who I'm talking about during that company not paying him. It was his music royalties they had messed up for YEARS

00:00 - 5:17 Intro, me poorly explaining this new direction for the podcast, and talking about SM/HYBE/Kakao despite saying I wasn't, lmao

- I'm not sure if I explained it well. But instead of doing a news recap every week or two, I'm gonna record whenever there's a topic or a few I want to talk about in detail. So that might be a few a week or one big recording every couple of weeks depending on what's going on. 

05:18-19:37 LOONA vs BBC part..idek 

- Banana Culture, not Banana Ent lmaoooo

 19:38-32:46 Lucas returning to NCT/WayV rumor, and why I'm indifferent 

- Idk why I didn't mention Winwin. Winwin has always been a visual for NCT (127 and just in general). I think there's also been more of a push for him to be involved with fashion brands like Valentino, making Winwin a friend of the house. He looked so good 😭 Also, Ten doing stuff with YSL Beauty is a big deal. So I stand by what I said. 

32:47 - 40:39 #GROOVL1NsOverParty (but not really)

- I talked about Ravi writing and producing for Gugudan, but I got the song wrong, so I took that part out. It was "Hate You". I also meant colored lenses when I talked about VIXX and contacts. That rant was so unprepared, lmao I meant well. Oh, and Xydo was born in 1994, so we're the same age, but I still don't know if he's done his military service or not. While looking for photos of Ravi and Nafla, I saw on Twitter they have a group called PRIMEKINGZ, so as long as they can keep the focus on the other artists on the label, I think things will be okay. 

40:40 - 46:12 WJSN Contract Renewals & Departures

- Starship did clarify that Luda and Dawon are still WJSN members, so really nothing changes other than those two not being label mates with the others anymore. Also, not me COMPLETELY forgetting WJSN The Black exists 😪 

46:13 - 49:10 3RACHA full KMCA members

- I took about my terrible pronunciations of Jannabi's Choi Junghoon, producers minGtion, and 24 (Seo Junghoon). But they were also included in that Soompi article. 

49:11 - 50:06 ending

- I did mention my upcoming articles in my original recording, but I ended up taking that out, lol. Daebak Box and Monsta X are next. That hasn't changed from what I said in the last article. 


Mar 14, 202350:06
The Check In: Episode 8 - D1CE Disbandment, Park Bogum Joins THEBLACKLABEL, 2023 SMRookies On The Way, New HYBE America CEO, GWSN & LOONA Lawsuit Updates & More

The Check In: Episode 8 - D1CE Disbandment, Park Bogum Joins THEBLACKLABEL, 2023 SMRookies On The Way, New HYBE America CEO, GWSN & LOONA Lawsuit Updates & More

Because I'm sooo behind on this, I'm just including a topic list, lol. I may come back and make a more accurate time stamp later.

Also, I talked about Former AB6IX (and MXM) member Lim Youngmin opening an Instagram account and  making a return to the industry. But I lost the audio for my second recording. I didn't really have any thoughts, just wanted to hear y'alls take if you've been following AB6IX since debut.

Here's the video I was talking about during D1CE segment

Enjoy!

Sources: Kpop Subreddit, Soompi, & The Seoul Story

D1CE has officially disbanded

GWSN lawsuit update

LOONA lawsuit update (when will it end 😓)

DAWN signed to AT AREA, (GroovyRoom run agency), more Hyundawn rumors

Park Bogum signs to THEBLACKLABEL

New Sole HYBE America CEO

Holland to release new single in March

TXT first group in Melon top 100 history to chart all songs from a mini album in top 10 simultaneously

Seungwoo from VICTON is discharged from his military service

SMRookies 2023 (Shohei, Eunseok,Seunghan) confirmed for debut this year

SME reportedly opening global audition for NCT Tokyo unit

Mnet reportedly air new girl group competition program ‘Queendom Puzzle’

Billlie’s Moon Sua, Tsuki & woo!ah’s Nana chosen as new host of Show Champion

MONSTA X Jooheon new mc of M-Countdown

Nayeon from twice new Givenchy beauty muse

Momoland leave MLD Ent

Chungha leaves MNH Ent

Feb 02, 202332:25
The Check In: Episode 7- LOONA & OMEGA X Lawsuit Updates, TXT Word Tour Announced, BLACKPINK Headlining Coachella, Thoughts On Taeyang & Jimin's Song Vibe, Jimin Solo News & More

The Check In: Episode 7- LOONA & OMEGA X Lawsuit Updates, TXT Word Tour Announced, BLACKPINK Headlining Coachella, Thoughts On Taeyang & Jimin's Song Vibe, Jimin Solo News & More

Note: We're back! Still fighting with my audio, but I think it sounds much better overall. I've also forgotten some stuff, so that's what the notes are for.

✨All articles referenced are from Soompi. There are a few Reddit posts linked as well.✨

Happy 8-year anniversary to GFRIEND, I meant to include it in the ep. I took a screenshot but forgot to include it in my written notes 😅 also Source Music being rejected from all claims of the "GFRIEND" trademark? Love to see it 🥂

00:00 - 03:40 Intro, Mostly Catching Up

03:40 - 07:50 TXT World Tour Announced & Breaking Preorder Record

  • Meant 9th & 10th for Belmont Park

07:52 - 09:19 Jimin (BTS) Reported February Solo Debut

09:19 - 12:46 Thoughts On “Vibe” Taeyang (BigBang) & Jimin (BTS) Collab

12:48 - 13:59 BLACKPINK headlining Coachella

14:00 - 16:16 Jackson Wang, DPR Live & DPR Ian also performing at Coachella

16:17 - 17:33 Jessica Jung & Jennie (BLACKPINK) Link Up

17:34 - 18:35 OMEGA X Wins Lawsuit

18:37 - 24:00 LOONA Lawsuits

24:03 - 27:03 Ravi/GROOVL1N Enlistment Dodging Rumor & Company Response

27:04 - 28:56 Yeeun (HA:TFELT) And Amoeba Culture Part Ways

28:57 - 32:48 Minhyun (NUEST) First Star Mentor Announced For Boys Planet

32:50 - 34:49 MONSTA X Break First Week Sales With REASON

34:50 - 36:15 SF9 Highest 1st Week Sales With THE PIECE OF9

36:16 - 37:24 Fromis_9 lightstick revealed

37:25 - 42:59 BABYMONSTER Finally Happening & Some Thoughts On The Current State Of YGE

  • Soompi posted an article with a full group dance cover today. We're slowly getting more questions answered 👀🍿
  • I also forgot to mention we knew about YGE registering the trademark for BABYMONSTER a few years back.

43:00 - 44:00 Ending

Jan 18, 202344:01
The Check In: Episode 6 - KCON US Tour Schedule Changes, New Kidd Adds New Member, BLACKSWAN Loses 2 Members, New JTBC Shows, More Chuu News & More

The Check In: Episode 6 - KCON US Tour Schedule Changes, New Kidd Adds New Member, BLACKSWAN Loses 2 Members, New JTBC Shows, More Chuu News & More

Note: I'm still fighting with the pop filter. I'm sorry, lol. 


00:00 - Intro: bought enha ticket, still on the fence with svt, voice back (mostly)

3:00 - KCON US tour schedule changed to 1 night only

6:15 - CIX 5th mini album & TT (485)

7:55 - SNSD Forever 1 details

9:15 - What’s with that New Kidd? ( they added a new member & talking about the group’s status atm)

13:15 - Twice album details

14:50 - Gyuri leaves fromis_9

  • From Idol School is what I mean regarding the survival show name

16:43 - Kino (Pentagon) special single Pose out 8/9

17:30 - Issac Voo (IN2IT) releasing solo for Malaysian debut

18:31 - BLACKSWAN loses 2 members, gains 2, Fatou solo mixtape

  • Rania & BP Raina were the previous names before Blackswan and idk why I couldn’t remember when I was recording. DR Music is also formerly the home of Baby V.O.X (Tumblr girlies know what’s up, style icons)

20:34 - Shin Jimin & more to join JTBC  audition program The Second World, vocal competition

21:20 - JTBC to also launch kpop show K-909

22:19 - ONF special album 8/16

22: 45 - Chuu to release remake album, leaving orbits even more confused

  • When talking about Girls’ Generation, I meant current vs former members when talking about the divide of the group & fandom.

29:50 - 30:46 - Nayeon chart slaying continues, TXT slay with her

31:18 - ATBO reality show announced

32: 10 - Jaejoong back with full length album after 6 years

33:13 - Ending

Aug 06, 202234:26
The Check In: Episode 5 - TWICE Contract Renewals & Upcoming Comeback, ISAC Back, Shin Jimin Returning, More Kpop at VMAs

The Check In: Episode 5 - TWICE Contract Renewals & Upcoming Comeback, ISAC Back, Shin Jimin Returning, More Kpop at VMAs

Time stamps

I think the pop filter helps, now I need my voice back, lol. 

00:00 New job, sick, dead car battery and other Ash updates

07:00 Nayeon Solo Wins, Twice contract renewals, August CB

  • Forgot to mention, I expected all of them to renew because they’re stronger together. It’ll be much easier to manage them all under one label. I think other than group activities, the members will be able to take on the workload they want and have more say in their schedules as seniors in the industry.

10:02 Ha Sungwoon August CB

10:35 TBZ CB

10:50 J-Hope News

12:33 BP PUBG Concert & VMA nomination

14:33 More Kpop at the VMAs

1847 Sketchbook Cancelled

22:46 A.C.E Chan Enlistment News

24:00 Daisy Yu Opens YouTube Channel

24:41 ATZ Tour and 1.1 Mil Preorders

26:30 Idol star athletics championship is back

29:19 LE SSERAFIM to continue as 5 (Ash continues to butcher their name😅)

- Forgot to go a little more in detail about if Kim Garam was to continue with the group. It would be difficult to remove the image of "the bully" attached to their name. Even groups that have had a successful rebound still have these comments mentioned when speaking about specific members and their scandal. It's like a scar that can't be removed. Plus, being female, the expectation and standards will always be higher for us. It's easier for the public to forgive a cute boy over a beautiful girl. That's just how it is 🙃

30:18 KCON Final Lineup Announced

  • I already recorded and was in the middle of editing when I saw the KCON US Tour news, will mention it in next ep.

30:26 Yuju News

32:20 Enha News

33:38 fromis_9 Song Remake

33:51 NMIXX Song Remake

33:58 New Jeans 100k Preorders

34:30 JYPE x Republic Records GG

34:56 Shin Jimin Returns

38:44 SNSD Upcoming CB

40:00 LOONA News

42:09 Aaron Kwak ASC Host Gig

  • MCMD is the first group/episode he’ll be in.

43:41 IVE CB

43:31 RV Irene Reality Show

  • Will air on Thursdays at 6pm KST on SEEZN

44:31 JayB & Sik-K leave H1GHER, Who’s behind CDNZA Records?

45:43 STAYC Sales Record

46:00 Ending

  • Forgot to talk about CIX CB, will also talk about them next ep.
Jul 27, 202247:05
The Check In: Episode 4 - Gaon Name Change, Nayeon History Making, BLACKPINK Released From The YGE Dungeon

The Check In: Episode 4 - Gaon Name Change, Nayeon History Making, BLACKPINK Released From The YGE Dungeon

Pop filter coming soon 😅

Time stamps

0:00 - Intro, follow-ups on previous ep topics

4:55 - Aespa x Paris Hilton

5:32 - Daisy fired from Momoland

6:55 - Itzy x Pokémon Unite

  • first year anniversary of Pokémon Unite, not Itzy’s

7:53 - YG CEO Change Up

8:21 - BP CB (BLACKPINK)

9:16 - Smrookies

11:16 - Nayeon History Making

12:59 - fromis_9

14:30 - SVT Leaders “Cheers” out

15:40 - Purple Kiss CB

15:52 - ATZ Teaser Calendar Thing

16:00 - J-Hope Album Tracklist

16:10 - Wonho Euro Tour

16:18 - (GOT7) Mark Tuan US & Canada Tour

16:45 - KARD Contract renewal

16:51 - Jessi Leaves P Nation

17:50 - TXT In The USA

18:21 - Mini NU’EST Reunion at Jonghyeon’s Fansign

18:50 - KMCA News, GAON Name Change

22:17 - woo!ah 25K physical album sales, best to date

23:14 - End

Jul 09, 202224:02
The Check In: Episode 3 - Reviving The Pod, Concerts I've Been Too So Far, Upcoming July Releases, YouTube Shaman & More

The Check In: Episode 3 - Reviving The Pod, Concerts I've Been Too So Far, Upcoming July Releases, YouTube Shaman & More

Time stamps 0:00 - We’re back! 0:45 - Last time on The Check In… 1:37 - Concerts I’ve attended so far 11: 05 - TXT tickets and ATL venue sizes 17:09 - Blog updates, YouTube inspirations, Streaming struggles 25:33 - Boys Planet - Mnet plans to air male version of Girls Planet 999 in 2023 27:01 - KCON LA and spin off shows 32:33 - Celine fashion show with Taehyung (BTS V), Park Bogum, & Lisa (Blackpink) 33:15 - Burberry in Busan 33:55 - Doyoung  (NCT) permanent cast member on SBS Master In The House* and staring in new Drama master and learn new skills in each episode, idk why that got cut off lol 35:33 - Jungwoo (NCT) photoshoot, NCT127 Vlogs in Japan 39:10 - fromis_9 preorders numbers and car accident 40:00 - Nayeon best-selling female artist so far this year 40:43 - Sunmi new single album and world tour announced 42:00 - VIVIZ comeback announced 42:57 - J-Hope prerelease single “More” 45:25 - Jungkook and Charlie Puth “Left and Right” collab 46:03 - Enhypen mini album out 7/3 “Future-Perfect” title track, hinting at world tour in September 47:56 - Super Junior 11th album 7/12 47:44 - WJSN special single album Sequence, “Last Sequence” title, out 7/5 48:45 - SF9 11th mini album The Wave Of9 (not 6 oops),  “Scream” title  7/13 49:08 - Aespa new album 7/8 49:45 - Mamamoo working on full group comeback, but no date stated yet 50:00 - Itzy album 7/15 50:12 - Winner first full group cb in 2 years since enlistments, 7/5, 4th mini album 50:28 - Hyolyn 7/18 3rd mini 50:32 - Chobom (Apink subunit) single album Copycat, with the tite “Copycat”, 2 other songs, 7/12 51:16 - Chungha 2nd studio album pt 1, Bare & rare. Sparking title, 7/11 51:29 - Stayc single album We Need Love out 7/19 51:32 - J-Hope, Stayc, touring on new music 52:25 - SVT repackage sector 17 on 7/18 52:32 - Xdinary Heroes 1st mini album 7/20 52:52 - RM marriage rumor 53: 57 - Brave Ent vs YouTube Shaman 54:45 - Chuu (Loona) news* When I talk about double-dipping, I meant the rest of Loona making money by touring, that also got partially cut lol. 57:19 - Kang Daniel x Spongebob 59:00 - Ending
Jul 04, 202259:59
The Check In: Episode 2 - Mnet Kingdom Recap, I'm a Stay Now, & More Kpop News

The Check In: Episode 2 - Mnet Kingdom Recap, I'm a Stay Now, & More Kpop News

Time Stamps: I tried to get them as accurate as possible 🤗

00:00 – 04:38  Intro: Where have you been? Upcoming Blog Schedule…sorta

04:50 – 08:39  Mnet Kingdom

08:40 – 10:02 SF9 New Mini Album

10:05 – 10:32  The Boyz Drink It

10:35 – 12:34 I’m a Stay now

12:45 – 15:36 San’s Birthday, Dreamers, and Other ATEEZNews

15:45 – 17:16 D.O’s First Mini Album

17:18 – 18:10 CL Working with Konnect Entertainment (Kang Daniel) for Alpha Promos*

18:11 – 19:45 TS Entertainment Closed

19:47 – 20:51 Shownu Enlisting

20:52 – 21:38 Yeonjun Artist of the Month

21:40 – 22:26 Weki Meki & Wonho Joining Universe App on July 19th

22:29 – 24:22 More NCT, SEVENTEEN, and Pentagon members Join Insta

24:23 – 25:43  Lisa Solo Coming This Summer & Other BLACKPINK News

25:47 – 26:34  Upcoming Summer Comebacks

26:40 – 27:30 SHINee Marie Claire Korea August Cover

27:31 – 28:52 Ending

Explanations/Editor’s Notes:

I apologize for the inconsistent mic quality. My new mic is suuuper sensitive to noise, and I’m still working out how to set the volume and just use it in general, lol.

17:18 – 18:10 CL Working with Konnect Entertainment (Kang Daniel) for Alpha Promos*

  • I accidentally said CL broke the contract when I meant her contract with YG ended, and she didn’t renew.
Jul 16, 202128:51
The Check In - Episode 1

The Check In - Episode 1

Time Stamps: I tried to get them as accurate as possible 😊 I also apologize for any sound issues. Still working out how to place my mic and getting a new mic altogether.  

00:00 – 02:54 Intro

02:56 – 03:51 Unikon

03:58 – 06:55 NCT News

06:56 – 14:35 GOT7 News

14:36 – 18:11 SHINee News

18:12 – 19:42 Hui Enlistment & Interview

19:43 – 20:57 Ravi’s False Enlistment News

20:59 – 24:39 Ji Hansol Enlistment News/Ash Rants About NewKidd/Dance Doesn’t Pay The Bills

24:40 – 25:48 Girls’ Generation Rumored Summer Comeback

25:49 – 31:01 Jessica Jung Sequel Book Out In September/Ash Simplifies SNSD Drama/Who Is Alex?

31:02 – 31:22 The Show New Hosts

31:24 – 31:39 Kim Wooseok Music Show Wins

31:41 – 31:59 IU Bylak Teaser Image*

32:00 – 32:37 Wonho Men’s Health Korea Cover

32:38 – 34:30 The First Time Ash Talks About Mnet Kingdom

34:35 – 34:53 KCONTACT 3 Dates, First Groups & Soloist Announced

34:54 – 36:15 NYFW Features Korean Designers, Idol Participation, IT Boy Yeonjun

36:23 – 38:09 BTS Unplugged*

38:13 – 38:38 TRI.BE Debut

38:39 – 38:51 Kang Daniel Paranoia

38:52 – 39:36 KINGDOM Debut

39:37 – 40:20 Sori Retires From Music

40:25 – 43:59 ATEEZ Zero Fever Part 2 Teasers/ IT Boy San

44:00 – 44:49 The Boyz Japanese Comeback Snuck Its Way In Here

44:52 – 46:00 iKON Digital Single*

46:01 – 49:25 More Kingdom Talk*

49:29 – 50:39 Wonho Teasers For Right For Us

50:40 – 50:50 Sunmi Tail Teasers

50:57 – 51:09 Demain & Dawn Single Coming Soon

51:10 – 51:28 AleXa 360

51:29 – 51:56 CL Tacobell

51:57 – 52:13 More Corrupt Execs*

52:14 – 52:24 Another Big Hit Boy Group*

52:25 – 52:55 Ending*

Explanations/Editor’s Notes:

31:41 – 31:59 IU Bylak Teaser Image*

- Might actually be pronounced By lack after IU released teaser called HILAC on 2/23/2021

36:23 – 38:09 BTS Unplugged*

- Will air at 9pm est on 2/23

44:52 – 46:00 iKON Digital Single*

- Will be available on 3/3 for clarification. Also, I can’t believe I blanked on Rhythm-ta

46:01 – 49:25 More Kingdom Talk*

- I forgot about Rowoon’s back injury. SF9 has a bit of a disadvantage as well when it comes to not having the full roster.

51:57 – 52:13 More Corrupt Execs*

- I meant common within music streaming companies.

52:14 – 52:24 Another Big Hit Boy Group*

- I don’t really have any thoughts on this news. It’s kinda whatever. I’ll wait for the show to have more of a solid opinion on the group itself. I think Big Hit keeps producing/funding boy groups versus girl groups because they’ve had better success with them financially speaking. I don’t think they’re anti-girl groups.

52:25 – 52:55 Ending*

- Normally I’d talk about what blog posts and other things I’m working on but with this podcast episode running late, I’m behind on things. I’ll have more info in the next ep.

Feb 24, 202152:56
Ash Talks Kpop Episode 0 - The Pilot

Ash Talks Kpop Episode 0 - The Pilot

Time Stamps: I tried to get them as accurate as possible :)

0:00 - 1:12 Intro

1:18 - 2:30 Taemin Never Gonna Dance Again Teaser Poster

2:30 - 3:55 Onew's back back back!

3:56 - 9:56 Jeup Enlisting 

9:30 - 14:46 Blackpink August Solo Teaser Poster & My Guesses on Whom the Featured Artist is

14:49 - 21:10 Wonho Solo Debut in August & a Brief History on Me Being a Monbebe

21:39 - 26:20 - Black Swan aka the group formerly known as BP Rania and Rania

26:27 - 28:25 BTS English Song Announced for Aug 21 (Yes, I forgot to mention it's in English) 

28:30 - 30:00 Yukika Review

30:00 - 30:32 AleXa Review

30:33 - 39:10 Exo - SC 1 Billion Views Review

39:17 - 39:32 Too Count 1,2 Review

39:33 - 40:45 Gfriend Apple Review

40:46 - 43:23 Lee Hi Holo Review & Thots on Her Joining AMOG

43:40 - 49:30 Somi What You Waiting For & My Thots on Upcoming International Debut

49:45 - 50:16 Hwasa LMM Review

50:20 - 55:34 DJ Hyo & Soyeon Dessert Review & Me Forgetting the Hitchhiker, Sunny, Taeyong and Hyoyeon Song Name lmao (spoiler it's called Time)

55:43 - 56:46 I thought Kang Daniel's Song with Simon Dominic was out but it's Not Yet :/

56:43 - 1:02:00 Irene & Seulgi Monster & Naughty Review

1:02:21 - 1:11:14 End of July and August Releases

1:11:15 - 1:13:15 Blog Updates for August and the rest of July

1:13:15 - 1:14:19 MBC in Talks on How to Film ISAC 2020

1:14:23 - 1:15:01 Ending


Social Media Accounts ^_^

Twitter: ashtalkskpop

IG: magicgalash

Tumblr: y-ounghos.tumblr.com


Thanks for listening! 


Jul 27, 202001:15:01