SBS PopAsia live with Kevin Kim

This week on the Fan Forum Kevin Kim, Beatrice and Jacques talk about K-pop artists making Christmas albums, the best songs to listen to on your holidays, what K-Pop Idols do when they go away and an EXO controversy...

This week, Joey and Aki talk about what they're looking forward to seeing in 2018, the fact Joey needs to play Kingdom Hearts, Citrus anime adaptation and how much you should spend on merchandise. ()

This week Kevin Kim and the Fan Forum talk about MAMA; who they think will win (and who should!) It's all done and dusted now but see how well they did with their predictions. Also, they chat about the controversial wins, and some award categories they're super confused about. Can you help them out?

Simon and Martina tell you about the best Ramen in Tokyo that (for once) doesn't make Martina sick! ()

This week Kevin Kim and the Fan Forum go deep into the history of K-pop, wayyyyy back to 1992. Hear about first and second gen Idols. It's an interesting blast from the past!

This week Kevin Kim tells us what it's like being an Idol backstage at an awards show. You wake up at 3 a.m and go to the venue. You wait for your turn to rehearse; there's usually a lot of groups (nearly 20!) waiting for their turn to rehearse. First they do a 'dry rehearsal' just to test mics and audio, then a dress rehearsal with the camera and finally a full run-through. In the waiting rooms there are so many groups waiting that you don't always get your own room. They put the names of the groups, in each room, on the door and sometimes they'll section the room off so each group has their own little area to rest and prepare for the performance. Sometimes there's no sections and just a bunch of chair in the room. If they're close to the other groups they'll hang out with them, chat, and eat together. Sounds fun!

This week the fan forum and Kevin Kim talk about the most underrated K-pop groups. After talking about who they think will win in the SBS PopAsia Awards this year, they delve into the groups that don't get the recognition they deserve. There's a long list...CLC, Stellar, Nine Muses, 100 %, Ladies' Code, F.Cuz and so the list goes on. Who would you add?

This week Kevin tells you what it's like to debut in a K-pop group. It's an amazing thing because you spend years training, competing against other trainees, and you never know when you'll get kicked out of the company. You sort of do auditions every weekend. Kevin was also the only trainee from overseas so he had to learn the Korean culture too. It's hard (but really rewarding when you debut). What makes a good rookie group? Always be polite to your seniors, greet them whenever you see them. Every group has their own signature greeting.

This week the Fan Forum are talking to Kevin about sub-units. The successful ones like Orange Caramel and GD and TOP, and the less successful ones like Rainbow Pixie. Z:EA had three sub-units and Kevin was in three sub-units. He spills on how companies choose who's in what sub-units and what was different about working with girls.

This week Kevin Kim talks to Sam Hammington about welcoming his second baby into the world. Sam says he couldn't be happier.  His wife went into surgery at about 9:30 Korean time for a C-section. They now have a healthy new member in their family. He's two days old, everyone's happy and healthy. The couple are looking forward to the future with William and his new sibling. Happy times.

This week on the Fan Forum we chat about the MAMA's illegal voting controversy. Millions of votes have been removed, it's affected the top results and fans are not reacting well. Mnet hasn't clarified what an 'illegal vote' means yet. There is still plenty of time to get proper votes in though, so you can keep voting for you favourite artists! The fan forum are hoping for a Western and K-pop collab at the MAMAs....who would you want to see on stage together?

Lots of stuff happened this week! Kevin visited Korea over the weekend for a big event, where he rubbed shoulders with some celebrities, including his ZE:A members! Who else did Kevin catch up with during his visit in Korea? It was also Halloween this week, and K-Andy decided to go for a spot of trick or treating! With Kevin dressed as a tiger and Andy as a bat(?), they got up to some no good this week!And last but certainly not least, Kevin has a chat and catch-up with his fellow ZE:A member, Taeheon! 

This week Kevin Kim talks about being in advertisements (CFs). The Fan Forum talk about how funny some idols, like Hyeri, are in CFs. They also say how if you're in a chicken or mobile phone CF then you know you've made it. Kevin's been in heaps of CFs, once he went to Thailand to do a jelly commercial. Beatrice loves the CF that ZE:A did for chocolate bars. Kevin says filming a CF is really different to an MV because all the members have different characters and you have to do different things. You get heaps of free food; so much that after you film the CF you don't want to eat the food for a while. You get quite a bit of money from them too. Kevin and the Fan Forum discuss their fave CFs...what's yours?

This week Sam Hammington chats to K-Andy about how he ended up in Korea, his fave TV experience and what he still finds challenging about living there. Sam says he 'fell' into what he does now. He started off being a reporter in Korea, then did a skit show (in front of an audience of 1500 people), then he hosted a radio show in English, did a show called Real Men and now he has a show (with his son) called The Return of Superman. His journey is an interesting one, that starts with him bombing out at school.

This week Kevin Kim talks about what it's like going to the MAMAs! He went in 2009 and the funniest thing to happen was all nine members from his group, and a manager, were squished in to a small van getting to the red carpet. When they arrived the reporter announcing them thought it was hilarious, how many boys fitted in the vehicle. Prepping for the MAMAs takes a while because usually the managers want something news so they prep remixes or collabs. There's lots of funny stories from behind the scenes too, and Kevin explains what it's like being in front of so many cameras.

This week Kevin Kim spills on how a K-pop album is made. It starts with thinking about what song they want. They have huge meetings with producers and staff where they think about the concept and music genre. They listen to a bunch of demo songs and decide which one they want to use. Sometimes, after the pre-recording, it won't sound right so they'll change their mind on the song. It can sound really different after the recording.Once they decide on the songs they want to promote, they choose a concept and try on a lot of clothes. The stylist brings out all different outfits for them to try; sometimes they pick and choose, and other times the stylist will show them photos of what's on trend. Once they've chosen clothes they go straight to a photoshoot for the album. Then the members write thank you notes, and sign them, to put in the special albums. Kevin thinks he's signed more than 50-100 thousand times. 

This week Kevin Kim and the Fan Forum are talking Girls' Generation. You get to hear the time ZE:A covered Girls' Generation in karaoke (Kevin is slightly embarrassed). You'll also find out which member of Girl's Gen Kevin would be, and what he said when asked which member was his idol type...

This week Kevin Kim tells us how he got in to his company, which led him to become a K-pop star. He sent a resume with all his details and profiles and things he'd done. He filmed on a video and cassette tape, which makes him feel old because people don't use those anymore. He sent everything in a package to Star Empire; they liked him so he went in and did a little 'audition' where he sang 'Bright Midnight', and they wanted him to stay in Korea and do training with the other trainees, and that's how he got in to the industry.

This week Kevin Kim and the Fan Forum talk about which survival show will be better - 'The Unit' or 'Mix 9'? They're slightly different, and the forum think a boy band will ultimately win because fan girls are powerful! The idol line-up is really interesting, they discuss who the most interesting contestants are and who they're most looking forward to seeing. They also explain why having an EXP Edition member on the show is extra interesting....

This week Kevin Kim says Happy Chuseok to you all and spills on how he celebrates the holiday. He spends time with family, eating a lot of delicious food like rice cakes, with red bean paste, Chinese pancakes and beef ribs. He plays a lot of games too; a Korean version of Monopoly and a kicking shuttle-cock game (but he's not very good). At this time of the year he always gets asked when he's going to get married. Cue: nervous laugh...

This week the fan forum talk about how far is too far when it comes to an idol's weight. They understand that people need to look good when in the spotlight, but it shouldn't come at a cost to their health and wellbeing. Kevin talks about his time as a K-pop idol.  

This week The Anime Show's Joey and Aki join Kevin Kim. They talk about the first anime they saw, and give Kevin Kim recommendations on what anime to watch. Aki suggests newbies start with Ghibli movies; take baby steps. Kevin liked Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball Z when he was younger. What about you?()

Kevin Kim admits he wanted to be a scientist once; a love scientist. Kevin thinks that's a really good idea for a song; call it 'Chemistry' or 'The Science of Love.' He and Andy start singing, to figure out what the song would sound like. Kevin's dream of being a scientist changed to become a performer, so that's what he did. Krunk (the GD Bear) debuted with an song , and Andy says that if he had to choose an object to debut he'd choose his iPhone and call it 'Phoney.' What would you choose?

This week Kevin Kim and the Fan Forum are live with a bunch of fans! They're talking about what the K-pop stars, coming to KCON, should do when in Australia, what they'd do if they got to Hi Touch their bias, and what it's like to be a K-pop star at one of these events. Find out what SBS PopAsia will be up to at KCON too; think beauty, stage shows and quizzes!

This week Kevin Kim chats to Victon and Up10tion ahead of their arrival in Australia for KCON!! Victon tell us how they feel about coming to Australia for the first time, and about what we can expect from them on stage at KCON, plus a sneak peak at the song they'll be performing. The boys give tips on how you can become a K-pop idol. Up10tion are so excited for KCON and can't wait to see you guys, and they tell us what K-dramas they love to watch. Oh, and they really want to see a Kangaroo when they're in Aus!

This week Kevin Kim and the Fan Forum are talking comebacks. They go in-depth about EXO and B.A.P's comebacks. There's different opinions about which one is better. There's strong arguments for EXO and for B.A.P. Do you have a fave? We've asked Twitter and Facebook too.

A big podcast this week! Hear what UP10TION want to get up to when they come here for KCON 2017 Australia. Kevin calls fellow ZE:A member Minwoo live on air to wish him Happy Birthday. As well as that get all the latest information from Thailand and Korea.()

This week Kevin explains that he had to take Korean classes when he first became an idol, even though he could speak Korean. He said his pronunciation wasn't right at the beginning and he needed to speak more fluently. He had to practice and take Korean classes to get the Korean accent and right pronunciation. 

This week Kevin Kim let's us know when he wants to have kids; well he tries to answer the question as best he can. After a fan asks him the question he hesitates, laughs and then says by the time her's 40 he'll have two kids. He doesn't really know, he just wants to be a good dad. He says he'll probably still sing, not sure if he'll still be dancing, but he'll sing to his kids; sing them lullabies. He's then asked if he's a cat or dog person. What do you think his answer is?

This week, we're getting hyped for KCON 2017 AUSTRALIA  by talking about the highlights from KCON LA and New York. Highlights include Wanna One's takeover of the convention floor to meet-and-greet fans. GOT7 - they're antics on the red carpet, when Jackson and BamBam did the running man dance off stage, when the group closed out KCON LA bringing the whole arena to their feet. Heize's performance of 'Star' with an audience of stars, Girl's Day making their KCON debut and VIXX reminding us why they're KCON regulars all deserve a special mention too! 

This week KANDY went to SMASH! and it was Kevin's first convention. He was so impressed by all the cosplay. He let's us know if K-pop concepts can feel like cosplay, and tells us about a make-up trend where female idols put freckles on their face. What would he do if the new ZE:A concept was ‘freckles’? Kevin and Andy tell us their favourite animes and Kevin talks about a Korean anime, he also does Transformers impersonations. A-mazing!

The Friday Fan Forum look back on 5 years of KCON mems, like when IU charmed everyone when she spoke English, when EXO performed in 2013, when Rap Mon co-hosted with Ailee, and the very first KCON in 2012. Got any to add?

Andy and Kevin saw G-Dragon's Sydney concert and they're still fan-boying over it. The duo can't reveal everything, but they let you in on their favourite parts, plus talk about fan reactions and the merch...()

The Friday Fan Forum peeps chat about Kcon Australia, G-Dragon performing in Australia, EXO going viral and which K-pop song was meant for a western girl group.()

This week the fan forum share their reactions to KCON Australia, they tell us who they're most looking forward to seeing, who they'd choose to have a high-touch with and what they're expecting to see!

Andy and Kevin saw G-Dragon's Sydney concert and they're still fan-boying over it. The duo can't reveal everything, but they let you in on their favourite parts, plus talk about fan reactions and the merch...

G-Dragon is in Australia so Kevin Kim and the fan forum talk about what fans can expect from his show. Plus Starbucks using Ko Ko Bop in advertising, leads to a discussion about all the CF work Kevin's done, especially a hilarious ad he starred in! Join the conversation...

Get the best of SBS PopAsia Live from this week! Kevin grills the boys from 24K. Also the latest news from Korea and Thailand. Ask Kevin is in here, the segment where Kevin answers all your questions.

Your K-Drama recommendations for the week, Men Who Die To Live, Criminal Minds and Save Me. Plus a Chinese remake of Show Me The Money? The HallyuBack Channel has you covered for K-Drama.

On this week's Fan Forum, the team kick things off by talking about some of the week's big comebacks (LABOUM, NU'EST W, MONSTA X, and DREAMCATCHER) before getting a little "too" excited for the most anticipated return of the year - Girls' Generation's 10th anniversary comeback!However, things get a bit juicy when Kevin Kim reveals that he was once on a "We Got Married" type of dating show! Who was he paired with, what was some of the behind-the-scenes secrets that goes on with a dating show?

Kevin Kim chats to rookie  K-pop boy group TopSecret about various interesting topics this week! The boys spill on which fictional character they want to date (it's a weird one), and their ideal types (hint it's someone from Apink)! As an extra bonus, Kevin talks about unusual things one ZE:A member put into a blender! 

Fans should check out the new drama "Criminal Minds" because not only is it based off the hit American show, lead star Lee Joon-gi said he'll start vlogging if the ratings are great!The new  MBC drama "Man Who Dies to Live" is surrounded in scandal! Due to instances of cultural appropriation, many netizens aren't too happy with MBC.Also, be sure to check out the new competition show "Idol School," the new show where trainees test their idol skills and you get to vote them out!

On this week's Fan Forum; why is there a a K-pop hallyu boom happening in Australia currently? There's been quite a few big K-pop concerts and events that's happened in Australia in 2017 so far (GOT7, BTS, Rap Beat) and with more to come; is this the start of another hallyu wave?It's not just Australia that's experiencing this hallyu boom; Black Pink and TWICE have just debuted in Japan and the 2 groups are already massive in the country. Kevin and the team talks about promoting in multiple countries at once, and the difference between how fans from different countries react. Oh, EXO have made their comeback, and KARD have finally made their official debut!

G-Dragon is about to come down under and perform in Australia, but we can't wait until he's here to know what the concert's like. So, we got an American fan, Linda, who's just been to his show to tell us all about it. There were SO many people, more than she imagined, so many people that it took an extra 40 minutes just to get inside the venue. The concert started after 9pm. During the show the K-pop star explained his whole album concept, about how he felt about always performing as G-Dragon and how - this time - he wanted to perform as himself; Kwon Ji-yong. His attire became more casual as the night progressed. He gave every performance 100 per cent of his energy. There was fire, flames and incredible lights, which were amazing and unexpected. While on stage he spoke about his two different personalities, between G-Dragon and Kwon Ji-yong, about how it can feel burdensome at times having to always perform as G-Dragon. He said sometimes it means he feels lonely. Linda said it was a teary moment for her; very emotional. After her experience Linda's got a message for his Aussie fans about the concert...

This week K-pop star Kevin Kim shares his fitness tips with Andy Trieu. Kevin says the easiest way to have a scheduled plan that works for your body is to get a personal trainer. The ZE:A boys start their workout on treadmills and do a lot of stretching. He says you shouldn't go straight into heavy weights; you need to warm up first. The trick to fast abs? Ab bicycles, and planks. They always finish their workout with a plank. Also squats. Do a lot of squats. Many girl groups do pilates and yoga, which is great for the mind too. Have you got what it takes? Find out...

Korean dramas are breaking into the global market. They're being played on Netflix at the same time as they're going to air in Korea. The companies are making a lot of money off streaming these shows. 'Man To Man,' recently played on the streaming service, and now there's 'Stranger' and 'Sense8,' and soon to air is 'Black,' just to name a few. Also, why do we love watching idols eat online?