Episode 185 - An Overcrowded Pond Within An Even Bigger Pond

On this episode, we avoid the elephant in the K-Pop room, for now. Instead, we discuss the escalation in the contract length MNET is asking for in the new edition of Produce, a couple of names from (or formerly from) AKB48 making moves into Korean companies, and the expansion of K-Merch in American retail stores. All that, plus new tunes, and more! Get it!

What’s New
Kaz
[MV] WOOSEOK X KUANLIN(우석 X 관린) _ I'M A STAR(별짓)
AOMG MUSIC FAMILY GATHERS TO SEND LOCO OFF TO THE MILITARY
[MV] Loco(로꼬) _ Tangled Up(엉켜) (Feat. pH-1)
[MV] Loco(로꼬) _ It's been a while(오랜만이야) (Feat. Zion.T)
Petey
[MV] DALsooobin(달수빈)-Katchup(케첩)
[MV] SUNMI(선미) _ 누아르(Noir)
KEY 키 'I Wanna Be (Feat. 소연 of (여자)아이들)' MV

Headlines

• ‘Produce_X101’ contracts are 5 years (2.5 exclusive & 2.5 shared), Mnet edge closer to just taking idols entirely

• From the 48iverse to the K-Pop World

  • Takahashi Juri signs with Woollim Entertainment, to debut in Korean girl group

  • Takahashi Juri Shares Why She Chose To Make Her Debut In Korea

  • Takeuchi Miyu (ex-AKB48) signs with Mystic Entertainment

• K-Pop comes to American stores?

  • K-Pop Hits the Mall as Trans World Entertainment Adds Dedicated Retail Space, Sends Data to Korean Charts

  • SM Global Shop Partners With Hot Topic to Bring More K-Pop Merchandise to America: Exclusive