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California Love
California Love is a blend of memoir, pop culture analysis and oral history. The newest season, K-Pop Dreaming, is about the rise and history of K-pop in the United States, as told from the point-of-view of the Korean diaspora in Los Angeles. Host Vivian Yoon takes listeners on a journey from K-pop’s origins in Korean trot music and American presence in post-war South Korea to the 1992 LA Uprising and the booming global popularity of K-pop in the present day, all juxtaposed against Yoon’s own coming-of-age as a second generation immigrant in Los Angeles, struggling to fit in and come to terms with her own identity.
In the first season Walter Thompson-Hernández was inspired by Tupac and Dr. Dre's "California Love"- a love letter and anthem for a generation. Walter invites listeners to join him in his family home, on horseback through the streets of Compton, and up into the sky to examine belonging.
In the first season Walter Thompson-Hernández was inspired by Tupac and Dr. Dre's "California Love"- a love letter and anthem for a generation. Walter invites listeners to join him in his family home, on horseback through the streets of Compton, and up into the sky to examine belonging.
Episodes
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Bonus: Truth Be Told and California Love's Walter Thompson-HernándezIn this bonus episode, KQED’s Truth Be Told host Tonya Mosley talks with Walter Thompson-Hernández about the making of California Love, growing up in Los Angeles, and the importance of trusting yourself. Plus, in the spirit of Truth Be Told, Walter answers a round of audience questions. The audio is prerecorded from an Instagram Live event from August 20, 2020. -
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Eleuteria “Ellie” Hernández moved to Los Angeles from a small town in Mexico when she was 14 and fell in love with the city. In this episode, Walter sits down with Ellie, his mother, to understand her relationship to L.A. and how it shaped his own. -
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There’s a horse ranch in the heart of Compton that may hold the answers for salvation and redemption for the city’s black cowboys. -
A first-parrot perspective into legends and myths of how L.A. became home to the world’s largest population of green parrots. -
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Listen 39:15Walter was just eleven years old when he was admitted to L.A.'s infamous Scared Straight program for graffiti related crimes. In this episode, Walter, through a chance encounter, checks-in with his friend who went through the program with him, their anti-tagging arch-nemesis, and how they have turned out after all these years.Walter was just eleven years old when he was admitted to L.A.'s infamous Scared Straight program for graffiti related crimes. In this episode, Walter, through a chance encounter, checks-in with his friend who went through the program with him, their anti-tagging arch-nemesis, and how they have turned out after all these years. -
Episodes
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Listen 4:44K-pop disrupted pop culture in South Korea in the early 1990s and quickly the new and electrifying sound found fans across the world.
One of those fans was a kid growing up thousands of miles away in Koreatown, Los Angeles.
In K-Pop Dreaming, the second season of the acclaimed California Love podcast, host and writer Vivian Yoon takes listeners on a journey to learn about the history behind the music that had defined her childhood.
From an occupied Korea in the 1930s and a small hip-hop club in 1980s Seoul to the 1992 LA Uprising and the music’s booming popularity today, the surprising story of K-pop is juxtaposed against Vivian’s own coming of age as a second-generation immigrant, struggling to fit in and come to terms with her own identity.
The series premieres on February 23, 2023.
Episode TrailerIntroducing California Love: K-Pop Dreaming, from LAist StudiosK-pop disrupted pop culture in South Korea in the early 1990s and quickly the new and electrifying sound found fans across the world.
One of those fans was a kid growing up thousands of miles away in Koreatown, Los Angeles.
In K-Pop Dreaming, the second season of the acclaimed California Love podcast, host and writer Vivian Yoon takes listeners on a journey to learn about the history behind the music that had defined her childhood.
From an occupied Korea in the 1930s and a small hip-hop club in 1980s Seoul to the 1992 LA Uprising and the music’s booming popularity today, the surprising story of K-pop is juxtaposed against Vivian’s own coming of age as a second-generation immigrant, struggling to fit in and come to terms with her own identity.
The series premieres on February 23, 2023.
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Listen 17:55Growing up in Koreatown during the 90s and 2000s, host Vivian Yoon was an emo-listening teenager who embraced American pop culture. At least that’s what it seemed from the outside. But at home, by herself, what she listened to was K-Pop. How Vivian's hidden love for the music is propelling her to explore the connections between K-Pop and her hometown.
(Originally published February 23, 2023)
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Dreaming
This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com
to discover movement that inspires.
This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
Episode 1K-Pop Dreaming - Secret FanGrowing up in Koreatown during the 90s and 2000s, host Vivian Yoon was an emo-listening teenager who embraced American pop culture. At least that’s what it seemed from the outside. But at home, by herself, what she listened to was K-Pop. How Vivian's hidden love for the music is propelling her to explore the connections between K-Pop and her hometown.
(Originally published February 23, 2023)
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Dreaming
This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com
to discover movement that inspires.
This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
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Listen 47:06Vivian puts together a mixed CD with some of her favorite K-Pop songs from the 90’s and 2000’s. Each song is connected to a different moment in her life and they all happen to be some of K-pop’s greatest hits. And together, these songs tell the early history of the genre’s evolution and growth, as well as their migration to the Korean diaspora in Los Angeles.
(Original published February 23, 2023)
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Dreaming
This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires.
This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
Episode 2K-Pop Dreaming - MixtapeVivian puts together a mixed CD with some of her favorite K-Pop songs from the 90’s and 2000’s. Each song is connected to a different moment in her life and they all happen to be some of K-pop’s greatest hits. And together, these songs tell the early history of the genre’s evolution and growth, as well as their migration to the Korean diaspora in Los Angeles.
(Original published February 23, 2023)
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Dreaming
This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires.
This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
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Listen 38:48Vivian begins her exploration of K-Pop's history with a genre of Korean music called trot that emerged during the Japanese colonization of Korea. Trot holds up a mirror to Korea’s history and gives rise to an enigmatic quality that, some say, informs K-pop. Vivian’s guide for this episode: her grandmother. Also features 2023 Korean Music Awards nominee and K-pop artist, 250.
(Originally published March 2, 2023)
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Dreaming
This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires.
This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
Episode 3K-Pop Dreaming - TrotVivian begins her exploration of K-Pop's history with a genre of Korean music called trot that emerged during the Japanese colonization of Korea. Trot holds up a mirror to Korea’s history and gives rise to an enigmatic quality that, some say, informs K-pop. Vivian’s guide for this episode: her grandmother. Also features 2023 Korean Music Awards nominee and K-pop artist, 250.
(Originally published March 2, 2023)
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Dreaming
This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires.
This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
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Listen 44:09In this episode, we head to an American military neighborhood in Seoul in the late 1980s. Tucked in an alleyway was a little grimy club that blasted American hip-hop, the place was for African American GIs to cut loose, but it pulled in an unexpected crowd – young Koreans who would become the pioneers of modern K-pop. Itaewon was also the setting for the beginning of another story – it was the place where Vivian’s parents met and fell in love. Features Kang Won Rae, one of K-pop's legends that came out of the Moon Night scene.
(Originally published March 9, 2023)
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Dreaming
This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires.
This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
Episode 4K-Pop Dreaming - Moon NightIn this episode, we head to an American military neighborhood in Seoul in the late 1980s. Tucked in an alleyway was a little grimy club that blasted American hip-hop, the place was for African American GIs to cut loose, but it pulled in an unexpected crowd – young Koreans who would become the pioneers of modern K-pop. Itaewon was also the setting for the beginning of another story – it was the place where Vivian’s parents met and fell in love. Features Kang Won Rae, one of K-pop's legends that came out of the Moon Night scene.
(Originally published March 9, 2023)
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Dreaming
This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires.
This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
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Listen 38:03The underground hip-hop scene in Los Angeles was thriving in the late 1980s. And there, soaking in the vibe, was a Korean American college student by the name of Jae Chong. He was also making music on the side, but didn’t think much was going to come of it. That is, until an out-of-the-blue invitation brought him and his friends to Korea when K-pop was taking off. Their group, Solid, would become the Kings of R&B and the first Korean American act to make a splash in the Korean music industry. Vivian reflects on the importance of Solid and sees the group's Korean-Americanness as the cornerstone of their success.
(Originally published March 16, 2023)
Support K-pop Dreaming by donating now at LAist.com/join
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Dreaming
This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires.
This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
Episode 5K-Pop Dreaming - SolidThe underground hip-hop scene in Los Angeles was thriving in the late 1980s. And there, soaking in the vibe, was a Korean American college student by the name of Jae Chong. He was also making music on the side, but didn’t think much was going to come of it. That is, until an out-of-the-blue invitation brought him and his friends to Korea when K-pop was taking off. Their group, Solid, would become the Kings of R&B and the first Korean American act to make a splash in the Korean music industry. Vivian reflects on the importance of Solid and sees the group's Korean-Americanness as the cornerstone of their success.
(Originally published March 16, 2023)
Support K-pop Dreaming by donating now at LAist.com/join
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Dreaming
This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires.
This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
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Listen 51:33The LA Uprising exploded racial and economic injustices simmering under the surface of Los Angeles into the open. Vivian looks at the events leading up to the Uprising, and the efforts following the protests to promote racial harmony in Los Angeles, including the staging of an African music festival in South Los Angeles that featured a performance by an up-and-coming Korean American rapper named Tiger JK. Years after the festival, he would go on to make a name for himself in South Korea as the “Godfather of Korean Hip-Hop”.
(Originally published March 23, 2023)
Support K-pop Dreaming and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at LAist.com/join
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Dreaming
This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires.
This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
Episode 6K-Pop Dreaming - Roots of RapThe LA Uprising exploded racial and economic injustices simmering under the surface of Los Angeles into the open. Vivian looks at the events leading up to the Uprising, and the efforts following the protests to promote racial harmony in Los Angeles, including the staging of an African music festival in South Los Angeles that featured a performance by an up-and-coming Korean American rapper named Tiger JK. Years after the festival, he would go on to make a name for himself in South Korea as the “Godfather of Korean Hip-Hop”.
(Originally published March 23, 2023)
Support K-pop Dreaming and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at LAist.com/join
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Dreaming
This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires.
This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
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Listen 33:01There’s no better place to experience K-Pop fandom in all of its passion and glory than KCON. In the span of a decade, the annual fan convention has grown to a nationwide event drawing hundreds of thousands of fans. And just like many things K-Pop-related in the US – the extravaganza started right here in Southern California. Vivian and her childhood friends visit KCON held in downtown Los Angeles to witness the impact of the music firsthand.
(Originally published March 30, 2023)
Support K-pop Dreaming and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at LAist.com/join
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Dreaming
This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires.
This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
Episode 7K-Pop Dreaming - KCONThere’s no better place to experience K-Pop fandom in all of its passion and glory than KCON. In the span of a decade, the annual fan convention has grown to a nationwide event drawing hundreds of thousands of fans. And just like many things K-Pop-related in the US – the extravaganza started right here in Southern California. Vivian and her childhood friends visit KCON held in downtown Los Angeles to witness the impact of the music firsthand.
(Originally published March 30, 2023)
Support K-pop Dreaming and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at LAist.com/join
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Dreaming
This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires.
This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
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Listen 29:39K-Pop has put Koreatown on the map for a lot of people who might not have known about the neighborhood otherwise. Fans from around the country visit the area for concerts, special K-Pop events, and to find rare or one-of-a-kind merch. Vivian hits up some of these establishments in K-town to see what they reveal about the history of the neighborhood and the music, and how those connections have shaped Korean Americans who have grown up in Los Angeles. Features Ryan Lee Wong, author of the novel, “Which Side Are You On”.
(originally published April 6, 2023)
Support K-pop Dreaming and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at LAist.com/join
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Dreaming
This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires.
This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
Episode 8K-Pop Dreaming - KoreatownK-Pop has put Koreatown on the map for a lot of people who might not have known about the neighborhood otherwise. Fans from around the country visit the area for concerts, special K-Pop events, and to find rare or one-of-a-kind merch. Vivian hits up some of these establishments in K-town to see what they reveal about the history of the neighborhood and the music, and how those connections have shaped Korean Americans who have grown up in Los Angeles. Features Ryan Lee Wong, author of the novel, “Which Side Are You On”.
(originally published April 6, 2023)
Support K-pop Dreaming and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at LAist.com/join
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Dreaming
This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires.
This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
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Listen 26:171TYM is one of the most iconic first-generation K-pop groups from the 90’s. The group is also one of Vivian’s all-time favorites.
This special bonus episode features an extended interview with Danny Im, the lead vocalist of 1TYM.
Danny talks to Vivian about meeting legendary K-pop producer YG in Koreatown for an impromptu audition, 1TYM’s rise to fame during K-pop’s infancy in the ‘90s and early 2000s, and Danny’s first impressions of Jennie and Lisa -- when the two auditioned for YG Entertainment before becoming members of BLACKPINK.
(originally published April 13, 2023)
Support K-pop Dreaming and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at LAist.com/join
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Dreaming
This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires.
This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
Episode 9K-Pop Dreaming - Bonus #1: Danny Im1TYM is one of the most iconic first-generation K-pop groups from the 90’s. The group is also one of Vivian’s all-time favorites.
This special bonus episode features an extended interview with Danny Im, the lead vocalist of 1TYM.
Danny talks to Vivian about meeting legendary K-pop producer YG in Koreatown for an impromptu audition, 1TYM’s rise to fame during K-pop’s infancy in the ‘90s and early 2000s, and Danny’s first impressions of Jennie and Lisa -- when the two auditioned for YG Entertainment before becoming members of BLACKPINK.
(originally published April 13, 2023)
Support K-pop Dreaming and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at LAist.com/join
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Dreaming
This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires.
This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
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Listen 27:44"Psycho" was an instant K-Pop hit when it came out in 2019. The Red Velvet song debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart, and the music video now has over 300 million views on Youtube.
In this bonus episode, we look at the creation of "Psycho". Vivian speaks to two of the songwriters behind the song -- and learns about a little-known incident that erupted just days before the song's release.
(Originally published April 20, 2023)
Support K-pop Dreaming and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at LAist.com/join
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Dreaming
This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires.
This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
Episode 10K-Pop Dreaming - Bonus #2: The Making of Red Velvet's "Psycho""Psycho" was an instant K-Pop hit when it came out in 2019. The Red Velvet song debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart, and the music video now has over 300 million views on Youtube.
In this bonus episode, we look at the creation of "Psycho". Vivian speaks to two of the songwriters behind the song -- and learns about a little-known incident that erupted just days before the song's release.
(Originally published April 20, 2023)
Support K-pop Dreaming and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at LAist.com/join
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Dreaming
This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires.
This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
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Listen 42:43In a special live event in partnership between LAist Studios and GYOPO, Vivian delves into the origins of K-Pop with Michello Cho, a professor at University of Toronto, and Jheanelle Brown, a California Institute of the Arts faculty member. The conversation goes deep on the influence of hip hop on K-Pop's sound and dance, the impact of American imperialism on the music, and more.
(originally published April 27, 2023)
This episode features clips from these videos:
Korean Kittens - What'd I Say: The Korean Kittens What'd I Say
Girls’ Generation - Genie: Girls' Generation 소녀시대 '소원을 말해봐 (Genie)' MV (Start at 00:35)
BTS - Intro Performance Trailer: BTS (방탄소년단) 가요대제전 Intro performance Trailer
Seo Taiji & Boys - Anyhow Song: 서태지와 아이들(Seotaiji and Boys) - 하여가(Anyhow Song) M/V
Yoon Mirae - Black Happiness: [MV] Yoonmirae(윤미래) _ Black Happiness(검은 행복) -
Support K-pop Dreaming and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at LAist.com/join
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Dreaming
This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires.
This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
Episode 11K-Pop Dreaming - Bonus #3: Origins of K-PopIn a special live event in partnership between LAist Studios and GYOPO, Vivian delves into the origins of K-Pop with Michello Cho, a professor at University of Toronto, and Jheanelle Brown, a California Institute of the Arts faculty member. The conversation goes deep on the influence of hip hop on K-Pop's sound and dance, the impact of American imperialism on the music, and more.
(originally published April 27, 2023)
This episode features clips from these videos:
Korean Kittens - What'd I Say: The Korean Kittens What'd I Say
Girls’ Generation - Genie: Girls' Generation 소녀시대 '소원을 말해봐 (Genie)' MV (Start at 00:35)
BTS - Intro Performance Trailer: BTS (방탄소년단) 가요대제전 Intro performance Trailer
Seo Taiji & Boys - Anyhow Song: 서태지와 아이들(Seotaiji and Boys) - 하여가(Anyhow Song) M/V
Yoon Mirae - Black Happiness: [MV] Yoonmirae(윤미래) _ Black Happiness(검은 행복) -
Support K-pop Dreaming and other LAist Studios podcasts by donating now at LAist.com/join
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/Dreaming
This episode is brought to you by your local Kia dealers. Visit kia.com to discover movement that inspires.
This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
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