American Idol Learns About K-Pop Industry with Han Heejun | Get Real Ep. #52

In today’s episode, we’re talking about K-Pop. Why? Because our guest, Han Heejun, said he wanted to, mainly. Back in the early 2000s, the term ‘K-Pop’ wasn’t even familiar to Koreans. During the past decade, the industry has shown rapid growth. But where do we go from here?
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[@PinkRose0910]

This was one of the best episodes! I love the real talk about the downside and unhealthy toxic standards and behaviors. Also it allows fans to realize even people that look great ,and seem to have a glamorous job are humans and go through struggles too. Also it’s fun to learn about the different journeys people take that leads them to an entertainment type of job. Also yes, Ashley I feel ya on the hair takes work! I’ve never heard of the guest. It was so funny how they have different memories. But different people do remember different things about the same event. I don’t listen to the podcast. I watch because I enjoy watching the interactions ,and seeing your faces and body language.

[@ALipin-ow7xc]

Agree, one of the best episodes! I felt the episode was so short. Hoping for more Heejun in the future 👌

[@chiko7558]

It was great! Just wished there were English subtitles when they spoke Korean. ^^;;;;

[@samdg4322]

I want part 2 of this episode

[@traceycheuk4070]

I’m not the type to comment usually but I honestly loved this episode!! Love how genuine and real you guys are ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@marielroman6717]

this man speaks f a c t s like talking about the things anyone doesn't want to mention. hopefully he gets invited for more episodes

[@jdm4087]

Agreed. This is my favorite episode so far. It was a good balance of serious talk, but also have humor here and there where it didn't get too serious. I actually wouldn't mind if there was a serious video where it actually "gets real" if it meant helping educate people further on how the industry operates. But I know that it's difficult since they're still active.

[@marielroman6717]

@@jdm4087 yeah i know thats way they can't talk about the industry cause they're still part of it but its good listen to someone who talks about the control of the companies over their artists music and yes the things are changing but its sad tho there's a long way to go

[@marielroman6717]

@Anna's randomness WhoCares mm thats because she's also in the industry not like an idol anymore but she's still active doing other stuff and for respect to her friends and ex members of her group too

[@momo-oy2tk]

It was so refreshing to see that Heejun wanted to get REAL. It was super interesting hearing their real opinions. I love how honest Heejun was with his thoughts & feelings. Hope he comes back for future episodes

[@evelinaairapetova5827]

I couldn't agree with Heejun more. Western audiences listen to how good the music is first and then get hooked on the artist. KARD's first 3 songs were so freaking good! That moombahton groove was so fresh and different from anything else in Korea at the time. Same thing with Stray Kids and Dreamcatcher. Both had a very different and awesome sound that got recognized by international fans way before they made waves in Korea.

[@rubberduckyyouretheone1113]

Omg I totally agree! Those three groups really do have a unique groove

[@mochinh]

Yes, I love Dreamcatcher songs way back when they weren't famous at all. The songs just sounded so good!

[@She.s_abovepressure]

True, i'm like 2nd month in k-pop and i got hooked actually on music. I don't care about their personal life as long as they're good. I listen so many artists now, and i dont really know anything about them. And i dont need to really. Let them eat, let them live, let them laugh, let them love. There's so many amazing groups and solo artist, they work so hard it's already tough. Fans should stop being so crazy and get a live. And agencies should fkng chill

[@AfelMariano]

the podcast feels too short when in fact it's one of the longest among their other episodes, that meant I really enjoyed listening to han heejun oml this episode is so interesting

[@kijoring]

omg i feel u

[@minkki5656]

This was good. Heejun honestly spoke truth.

[@jelaie.5389]

Peniel on the first few minutes: I can't say anything deeper than this 🤐, you guys can say what you want. Peniel through out the episode: being talkative and realistic savage aff 😂 he even talk about their former VP 😂😂🙏 I hope to have Heejun, Ph-1 and Jamie as their guests. It will be dope!! ♥️🙏

[@loveendeavour5845]

Spilling the tea Peniel 😂😂😂😂

[@NaftaliaF89]

omg those 3 guest combination is the bestttttt!

[@eli07ful]

It felt like heejun was the host 🤣 Btw I didn’t have a problem with him switching languages, I think he was translating most of it, or even if he didn’t, it was pretty understandable ☺️ I’d definitely like a second part with him

[@nguyenhatien1787]

He has been living in Korea for long now, it's a common thing that he forgets English from time to time.

[@dreavl]

"Who listens to this?" BM, Ashley, Peniel and hidden kards

[@adhilaaaf3334]

Melody here join the party!💞

[@huh1965]

Ikonic here

[@오마이뎨뎨]

And melody💙

[@queeniemelody6992]

Army here🙋🏽‍♀️

[@ginaverso]

I'm ATINY and multistan from then on 😎😂

[@cheonsa_1004]

One of the realest eps! Clap clap. Hope they talk about this more so the fans would know how hard it is to get and stay in the industry. Sadly, a lot of kpop fans easily cancel artists for controversies and scandals without considering the amount of hardships they went through to make it. I hope that changes in the korean ent industry soon. PS: BM seems a bit down lately. Is he stressed about his solo debut? His songs are lit though.🔥 Hope he knows that.

[@jdm4087]

Agreed. There's actually a good number of KZbin videos from many former trainees who talk about their experiences, but I don't think many people know about it.

[@karneissiawest82]

Not An Excuse EveryOne Has HardShips It’s Not Just Idols They Aren’t Better Than Anyone On The Earth 🌍 World 🌍 And Planet 🌏

[@tanie3543]

I'm sorry but if a racist/nazi supporter worked hard and became an idol i would absolutely want them out of the public eye. Idgaf about their hardwork if they go against basic human rights. Your logic is flawed.

[@StreamHypeBoyByNewJeans]

U act as if cancel culture only applies to kpop fans lmao. Get a grip

[@StreamHypeBoyByNewJeans]

​@@karneissiawest82oh trust me, idols are better than ur whole existence. Grow up

[@ayanatsutv48]

This is the first time I know about Han Heejun I can say he's the most straightforward and leading guest Get Real has ever had! I don't think Ashley, BM and Peniel had acted like this with any other guests. Heejun is everything I want to be in front of a microphone. This was the wrap up for Season 1 and it really honored it's name, GET REAL.

[@riverkim5446]

i agree - diet culture in korea is toxic, sports is advertised as a "diet program" and one-meal a day diets are a popular go to... even as a korean i struggle to understand why weight loss + looks is so emphasized in korean culture and hope that one day weight loss won't be some cruel, miserable pass time

[@momokoblue8032]

Yup, I would go so far as to say that most idols, especially female idols, have a really bad relationship with food. The dieting is out of hand when idols who are on the low end of their recommended weight get even thinner on their "diets".

[@jdm4087]

Yeah, which is why Peniel is 100% correct about teaching the trainees and idols on how to properly diet and exercise. These companies can easily hire just one certified personal trainer and a nutritionist to teach them. They actually have a much easier time losing weight by being on a proper workout program and meal plan. These are teens and young adults who can damage their metabolism and relationship with food by going on these crazy "diets".

[@Lovmyself]

@@jdm4087 my impression is that the Korean aesthetic doesn't appreciate a lot of muscle tone on females which is unfortunate

[@adhilaaaf3334]

How peniel describe btob "sooo loud" "goofy as hell" Love it too

[@amishagurung2279]

The impressive thing is heejun knows what he's talking about and where the conversation is going.

[@minhtutran8264]

50:21 "99% of time, company doesn't know what they're doing" fucking hell yes.

[@adhilaaaf3334]

Heejun: peniel listen to your guest Peniel: oh i'm listening. i'm multitasking!! Ok...our peniel good at multi now! Glad to hear that!😂

[@mbot565]

naaahh, I think he's still bad at multi tasking. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@adhilaaaf3334]

@@mbot565 I just.....can't say no to him😂

[@mbot565]

same! 🤣🤣🤣

[@animedork101]

Listen, I love our Peuni, but I can come close to guaranteeing.... that homeboy was definitely not multitasking. Haaaaahaha. But it's okay, we love him still. 💙

[@daningwiranty2762]

Dont lie Peniel hahahahahaha

[@ClintAndrie]

This episode was refreshing. I could feel them somehow being able to breathe and talk about this like a weight was lifted a bit. It's good that we're reminded it's not all glitter in Kpop

[@navi3430]

It's really nice to see them being so honest and open about it. Almost like they're relieved they can talk about it.

[@fdoctor79]

Han Heejun is funny and bold! lol Guest interviewing the hosts. lol Tfs

[@Ayveh]

Right! I am loving his brutal honesty and jokes XD

[@geekdiggy]

i never stop being fascinated with ashley's back stories. the more i learn about her the more i like her😍 20:30 and i really am proud of how much hard work she put in and how far it has gotten her

[@adhilaaaf3334]

BM's "that was embarrassing" is a mood i keep repeat that part because yeah i can't imagine too matt and his journal day:"D

[@oifelix1568]

heejun knows so much about the industry, i really enjoyed listening to him talking everything so well

[@joyceeexd]

This was hands down one of the best get real podcast EVER. Heejun NEEDS to come back

[@thekeytomyheart_]

Please invite Heejun again someday, this was great!

[@sehri2681]

Yes

[@mojooo4996]

Absolutely! He adds so much to a conversation

[@navi3430]

I hope he comes back soon! I really love his insight and honesty!

[@TC-yc6tl]

Heejun: she was gorgeous sitting down and when she stood up ppl went 'oh! Thats it?' Lmao💀 The offside..this dude was a bit too excited👀

[@freyjassi1021]

Heejun and Ashley relationship is so cute! Like what a brother and sister would do. Lol

[@ailem2707]

I’m so used to Heejun in ASC that his actual personality was a huge shock, omg

[@foreverrainintokyo177]

11:09 'the one that went to jail too?' HAHAHAHAJSKSKSK I'm dying 😂😂😂😂

[@njoash110]

I love how they remember all the stories

[@LifeisMelody342]

@@njoash110 They don’t always remember because the same party that Ashley introduced BM to Peneil at all three have forgotten that exact moment at separate times

[@jellypants1241]

i didnt know heejun han is THIS funny holy DIVE WE NEED MORE OF HIM!!!!

[@dffdw2]

Heejun was such a great guest! I hope he comes back soon! It's great to see his personality like this since I don't really watch ASC

[@siouxzieq17]

The only episode of Get Real I need KZbin to offer CC SUBS in Konglish. 😏😖

[@johnnyd.seducedmarilynm.7599]

True, why so much korean, help(

[@muhammadikramafif2885]

This is a very good content. As a fan of K-Pop since 2009, the development of K-Pop is very interesting to be followed because there are so many things to dive into like the music producing as well as the business. Understanding the pitfall of the industry should make us aware that there are so many things for fans to understand and more wise to see what's reflected on the screen.

[@rozylbelino167]

peniel's spilling the tea everyone in a smooth way and i was like you lit bruhh 🔥🔥

[@tinanana46]

I didn't even realize THIS was the season finale 😭❤️ I'm going to miss you so much

[@Purrl1775]

Wait… this doesn’t mean the end of the podcast right?

[@tinanana46]

@@Purrl1775 no, they're just taking a well deserved break

[@cnm3586]

This ep is criminally underrated. Please invite him back. He's the only guest to be this real.

[@sehri2681]

23:07 I really agree with han heejun .I have a huge respect for all kpop idols they doing alot hardwork as compare to pop stars.kpop idol deserve so much 💚💚💚

[@blankatomaskova819]

The fact that I legit screamed when Peniel named All Time Low and Red Jumpsuit Apparatus as the bands he used to listen to🥺😭 The man’s got taste!

[@navi3430]

That was me in middle school!

[@xXRazeGoBoomXx]

We love men with good taste and music

[@navi3430]

@@xXRazeGoBoomXx Yes we do

[@Lcruz16]

Same!

[@sl1230]

Seeing the current music trends, what some big companies targeting and the split between korean chart and what blow up with i-fans these days, I really agree with Heejun about us listeners vs korean listeners. us listeners are really trained to listen to the music while korean listeners are trained to sing along.

[@antonellafernandezcastella9184]

I feel like the groups that I like I got into them because of how genuine they are, companies need to start letting their groups breathe and be themselves, that's what fans connect to and what I think has attracted most fans for famous groups

[@jaeninepierotti2278]

4:47 Heejun : Peniel listen to your guest 😶 😂😂 i love his energy and i will be his fan from now on

[@jdm4087]

This is my favorite episode so far because it actually lives up to the name. And please, I don't mean disrespect by saying that because I know that BM and Peniel can't be too real since they're still active in the industry. I just felt all three were a bit more open in this episode compared in the past, which is probably because of Heejun being so active and vocal about his feelings.

[@ElenyM]

One of the best episodes of this podcast. The chemistry and the discussion was on point!

[@Majormockery151]

didn't know who this guy was. watched a few clips of him on American idol and loved how funny he was/ but he's really serious and kinda dark now. i dunno. i know it must've been hard for him, but I'm happy that he has accomplished a lot! been on kpop star, writing songs for other artists, writing a book and even movie script. more power to you, hope everything is super successful

[@notsobestie2487]

Ok, I take "part two" as a promise

[@huh1965]

A lot of new kpop fans try to descredit BIGBANG impact on kpop but they're indeed your idols's idols. all second gen groups are but BIGBANG have always had their own destictinve music and concept and never followed trends, they set them.

[@duendea2863]

FACTS!!! THANK UU! BIGBANG was the first kpop group I got into (now im a VIP and an ikonic so love the profile pic btw) and they started so many trends i wish every kpop fan new what they did, like here's some stuff i can think of: - first group to start writing and producing their own music - they were the first group to dye their hair all sorts of colours - they started the light stick - started mini-albums - started multiple song promotions on music/award shows - 1st kpop large scale world tour - GD did the FIRST ending fairy message in 2009 (so like it was not idols who did it this year that started it, BIGBANG did it long ago. ngl my friends and i found it kind of annoying that ppl thought it was other idols who started it this year nawww girly GD did that in 2009) - 1st group where both the group AND individual members won MULTIPLE daesangs - 1st to win international award (MTVE) - 1st to have an advertisement song be a national hit (lollipop) - 1st idol group to have rap line (multiple rappers in group. Before them the rapper in the group was just someone who can't sing which is the reason why idol rappers weren't considered true rappers. BIGBANG introduced the hiphop culture to the idol sector) and literally 1000 more... so new and all kpop fans need to give BIGBANG the credit they deserve, they really helped bring kpop where it is today whether you like it or not.

[@SessionSakic]

@@duendea2863 Were they also first Kpop to headline at Coachella as well? They were with Epik High I believe.

[@jennifernguyen3877]

The first ever kpop idol I listened to was BoA, who was before Big Bang's time -shrug-

[@NurulAini-eu4rk]

Bigbang is HUGE....still indeed...I dun fancy kpop cause I root for k hip hop more but bigbang is the first kpop I root n it's 10 years...

[@soboksobok9488]

No one's disregarding BIGBANG's impact. It's just that VIPs can't handle the fact that BTS had more impact on the kpop industry than any other groups before them. Literally every 4th gen groups are BTS stans.

[@DefineMorena]

32:30 "They're just like, eat leaves." 🤣 🤣 🤣

[@MusicIslife-nn9gn]

@39:40 when Peniel can’t say much about the subject so he has to start playing with the headphone cord lol😂😂😂

[@pau8385]

I want them to talk more about this topic with Heejun! It's really nice to hear the differences on how the States and Korea handle their artists.. Heejun is a great guest! I'd love him to be on another episode with pH-1! I wish you can do a program later where all hosts and former hosts (Jae, Jamie, Alexa, Tablo, etc.) could be together. I'd love to see Dive family having fun and playing games together. Ps. I'm still waiting for Hwaiting Season 2! Hidden KARD and avid listener from the Philippines ❤️

[@yamRandomThoughts]

I spent whole day watching american idol vids of Heejun the other day 😆

[@atrapadosenelkpop]

Is this the Heejun that cracked me up in American Idol? Like the Philip Philips buddy? OMG 🤩

[@gbsqrd2787]

This is the one!

[@QuaintMelissaK]

I wonder if Heejun keeps in contact with Phillip.

[@khgp_808]

Just by the title it’s starting to get interesting.

[@2shadow808]

This is the most honest and truthful podcast about kpop which you'll never find on kshows ever! Maybe because these guys have an American mindset and don't have to save face or always have to put up a nice front.

[@carolinaellen69]

this was the best episode of the podcast! He knew very well how to lead the conversation and didn't have an awkward moment... Thank you ✨💜

[@nicolecoca955]

There's so much going behind the "perfect" performance, hearing this makes me have huge respect for those idols! grabeee

[@_sarcasmiss2141]

I love that the guest sort of became the facilitator of this podcast and started interviewing ashley, bm, and pen. He should be in more episodes, i like his vibes.

[@trifinyallen7755]

Okay, I observed and think that Peniel always put on headphones just to play with the cords 😁

[@Anna-rm3qd]

I love your sincerity. this really became my favorite podcast

[@TheSpringSnowCats]

49:51 Not at heejun not knowingly dissing sm ent lmao

[@rozylbelino167]

i saw it in peniel's IG story and went to youtube right away after spotify ❤❤

[@carollorac2419]

YEEES I DEFINETLY WANT PART 2 I wanna know more about your struggles and hard times you guys have been through in kpop also, Heejun is such a cool guy i've seen him on asc but i didnt know he was that fun, bring him back!

[@nostalgia_xo]

Yaassss totally here for the realnesss of this episode, super refreshing to hear/watch✨

[@talinemelanie]

This episode was FANTASTIC. Great job guys. This was my first episode.

[@hima478]

When heejun switches to korean, I gotta pay extra attention to pick up stuff. It's kinda fun. I like dis.

[@fatimahal-khaldi122]

Finally someone talked about gangs and the mafia, I thought it was just internet talk

[@Zahra-qu4or]

I love this episode. Heejun blatantly speaks the truth and I'm here for it. Great!

[@preciousamorpiscador1474]

"I feel like (it's justified for us) to talk about the reality of KPOP." "We're about to go to dark places then."

[@EM-rj6hw]

I love the Get Real podcast videos, and this was a fascinating episode. Please add eng subs for the Korean phrases. Thanks.

[@caryllyca]

That's a great analysis of KARD's popularity internationally compared to Korea!

[@rae_shares]

this is definitely one of my favorite episode, it's always so interesting getting these insights about the k-pop industry that aren't always on the news. can we get more episode with Heejun plssssss

[@julest3034]

This was a really interesting and informative episode.

[@hannaakim45]

Love heejun’s konglish 😂 it’s so natural and relatable cause that’s how I be speaking with my friends too hahaha

[@vim4856]

I've been looking for this guy, Han Hee Jun. Finally!

[@nameinkyarakhai6511]

@35:00 BM's point was just right on point Also 38:30 - 43:00 was such a perfect and clear distinction between the States and Korean music industry

[@giuliacosta8853]

This was such a good episode omg I learned so much I really hope they have Han Heejun back bc they had great chemistry and great conversations… The part about the weight is heartbreaking like the pressure to look a certain way and when they talked about starving themselves… it’s not healthy and incredibly dangerous. I bet a bunch of idols developed eating disorders bc of it smh it breaks my heart

[@ftsj572]

Young k needs to be on the show

[@layloo5244]

He has. Have u not seen?

[@kwest1401]

Omg yes please a part 2! This was really refreshing :)

[@bluaaahhhh]

Omg Heejuun!! You were one of my absolute faves in that season!! Nice to see you around ✨

[@kaiulani.jk.]

When peniel said ‘sprinkles here and there’ my mind flashed back to the episode with jamie 🤣✨

[@hessaxjac]

the insight and perspective heejun gave is so interesting... definitely one of my favourite episodes now

[@SoleS26]

I think this is one of the best episode so far, very honest and real.

[@MAj3sty915]

This topic is soooooooooo interesting! definitely needed a part 2!

[@SittieSaheda]

Heejun is such a character I love him!

[@mayasooo4890]

Yes we love this we need this WE WANT THIS

[@Aatish2k8]

I wanna say congrats to BM's solo music. He's so awesome. o/

[@ranthijuniarti9030]

I really want to take this episode and give it listen to KPOP haters, especially those who said that we only like them for the face! Like, the respect we have for our idols is beyond that, you know.

[@ailaercalmae9948]

Yow guys, you gotta check out Heejun's American Idol journey haha especially his off stage he really was a savage, witty, funny guy! He made American Idol Season 11 so much fun coz he was savage AF--check those vids of him and that cowboy dude hahaha We need more Heejun, Diane! I wanna see him being more savage lol

[@haniealipada3917]

I thought heejun felt like the host but when he said he's a radio dj. Okay. That explains it

[@macintoshhjball4686]

i literally love ashley’s laugh omg it reminds me of my best friends laugh😄

[@ahsrav0]

23:48 Peniel talks about kingdom

[@peaobranco2503]

Boy Heejun knows what he's talking about! we need more of this content!

[@saberkite]

I remember watching the season Han Heejun was in. He was one of my favorites from that season.

[@bucoybrown]

Heejun, of Queens NYC, on an English-language podcast and on English-language Arirang TV: just speaks Korean half the time LOL

[@cathyzhang6933]

He's the host of ASC with Jamie!!

[@kennyzk1567]

Please bring Heejun back for another Episode

[@marktuanbestboy1332]

Imagine having heejun & harry in one episode 😯💚

[@barb0211]

mad respect for all idols out there!

[@maureenfaye6403]

The realness of this episode is🛀 part 2 of this please.

[@jule12ify]

Not them putting that commercial after BM mentioned the Mafia to inning companies 😂😂 smooth DIVE!

[@FLYWITHBIEBER6]

People who called Kpop Idols puppets of their companies and Plastic had no idea what they have been through behind the scene. Thank you Dive Studios and Get Real Podcast for brought this topic up.😊😊

[@karinadaya7610]

dont know how i found this specific podcast but this was very entertaining to listen to

[@andreaeli]

BTOB are talented and also very charming, funny and people fell in love with them, whoever this VP was he was so wrong for scolding them for being themselves! Like...let them be! This episode was amazing, they mentioned a lot of things people might avoid, hope we get a part 2.