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| Photo Courtesy of Chase Kang |
They say you miss 100% of the opportunities you don't take; in fact, as drag icon RuPaul herself says, that if the opportunities you want are there. Simply make them yourself! One writer has gone and done just that and then some. Meet Chase, who went from working as a broadcast journalist to taking a leap into the field of journalism. Now she’s on the red carpets and in the K-pop realm, talking to idols and bringing their stories to life.
But what I admire in particular is her tenacity. Her courage to do what she wants, and that involves creating networking events for people to connect. As at the heart of being creative is meeting like-minded individuals. No space for competition or envy. Just good vibes, kindness and motivation. Moving from Seoul to LA, she now writes for prominent online outlets like Genius Korea.
For me, part of the fun with interviews beside artists is discovering the stories within the fandoms and beyond. Chase too shares that passion, spotlighting not just performers but those at the core of music: the fans. Alongside producers, directors, and songwriters, Chase tells the stories that many leave out. It was a pleasure to talk to her and hear her incredible journey of motivation, and she is incredibly inspiring. We discuss the art of storytelling, fandom, and the importance of cultural accuracy in reporting.
From not having a journalism degree to now working on the red carpets, what made you take that leap into such a fast-paced and dynamic field?
Chase: I still can’t quite believe how quickly things unfolded. Being a foreigner in the U.S. can absolutely feel like a disadvantage, not only because English isn’t my first language but also because of cultural differences. But I chose to treat that as a strength. Because I’m Korean and bilingual, I was able to step into LA’s Korean media landscape as a staff writer right away. In many ways, majoring in traditional journalism might have made it harder to break into such a big city immediately after graduation. I leaned into what made me different, and that opened more doors. At the same time, I consistently practised writing in English by reading, listening, and studying news every day.
As a broadcast journalist at Radio Seoul (The Korea Times US), you report across multimedia as well. Which format do you personally love to work in, and why?
Chase: Writing is my primary strength, but I began my journalism career in radio, so I have a deep love for audio storytelling. I’m drawn to the way audio allows you to paint a scene and capture the raw texture of someone’s voice. There is something intimate about hearing emotion directly rather than just reading it. Because of that attachment, I still run an independent podcast called Chasing K-pop on the side. Radio is where everything started for me, so it will always feel personal.
Your work spans from fan perspectives to deep-dive feature pieces. What kind of articles do you feel most at home writing about, and what part of the process excites you when writing?
Chase: I’m most at home writing stories that feel deeply human. Of course, I admire an artist’s success narrative, but I’m equally fascinated by the global fans, the behind-the-scenes staff, and the producers who quietly shape that journey. Many articles centre the company perspective or focus solely on the artist. I’m more interested in approaching K-pop as a cultural phenomenon through sociological and anthropological lenses. I love asking unexpected, even philosophical questions about identity, community, and what the “K” in K-pop really means today.
You’ll be serving on the Asian American Journalists Association’s 2026 Awards Committee! What’s the most important step creatives should focus on when applying, and what makes someone stand out to you?
Chase: It’s an honour to contribute as part of this team as an Asian journalist. When you don’t have a formal background or a built-in network, especially in a new city, finding community is incredibly important. Instead of hesitating and wondering whether you should reach out or apply, I always encourage people to take initiative. I was relatively young, but I think what helped me stand out was the perspective and diversity I could bring. Sometimes what feels like a weakness actually becomes your differentiator.
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| Photo Courtesy of Chase Kang |
How important is it for you to bring your Korean heritage and insights into your pieces, especially when more Western outlets collaborate within the K-pop and Korean culture industry?
Chase: Working as a K-pop journalist during the global rise of Hallyu is truly meaningful to me. However, because I was born and raised in Korea, I’ve also witnessed the complexities and shadows behind that success for over twenty years. That allows me to approach stories with more balance. I can understand local discourse, trends, and fan conversations in Korean, and when I interview artists in their native language, they often open up more comfortably. Many of my upcoming pieces will reflect both the glamour and the realities behind the industry.
For those working with Korean industry professionals, what should they always keep in mind in terms of respect and cultural awareness? What do you wish to see more of from them?
Chase: Korea is a high-context culture, which means communication often relies on nuance and unspoken understanding. If you take words too literally, you may miss the real intention. Being mindful of this cultural layer is crucial. Even learning simple Korean expressions can help reduce psychological distance and show respect, especially when working closely with managers and industry professionals.
You host K-pop mixers for creatives looking to connect. What inspired you to start building that kind of community, and how did you get started?
Chase: I was already connected to many K-pop fans and industry professionals online, and one day I thought it would be exciting if we could all meet in one space instead of individually. To be honest, I wasn’t confident at first. I wondered whether anyone would actually show up. But the first event filled with 60 RSVPs in just four hours. It grew through word of mouth, and I was later even invited to host in New York. All of the events were non-profit, and sometimes I personally covered extra costs, but the relationships and insights I gained were more valuable than anything.
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| Photo Courtesy of Chase Kang |
What is the most difficult part when it comes to organising the events, and what advice would you give to those looking to start their own?
Chase: The most difficult part was overcoming fear. I used to be too shy to even host a birthday party because I was afraid people wouldn’t come. When I moved to the U.S., I realised that community building is about initiative. I casually posted on LinkedIn asking if anyone would be interested in a K-pop networking event, expecting maybe a small group. Over 500 people responded. If you’re unsure whether to start something, try it anyway. Growth only happens once you push past that initial fear.
Your social media is like a little diary of your tips and tricks for your story navigating the journalistic world. Do you find that sharing those moments helps you reflect on your growth while continuing to inspire others?
Chase: I consider myself one of the journalists who actively leverages social media, especially LinkedIn. When I first arrived in the U.S., I had no network and no visibility, so I began documenting even small milestones like school club visits to music label offices. What started as five likes gradually grew to 50 and eventually hundreds. Without social media, I genuinely don’t think I would be where I am today. It became both my portfolio and my diary of growth.
You’ve interviewed artists such as KARD and Han Sohee. For those who are starting out. What do you think makes not only a good interview but also a great one, and what is the best way to prepare?
Chase: What makes a great interview is depth. Anyone can ask general questions, but truly strong interviews come from studying the person carefully and identifying insights that only they can provide. If someone holds a specific role in a particular industry, they carry experiences unique to that position. Asking questions that only that individual can answer requires serious research. Strong follow-up questions are just as important because that’s where the real conversation often begins.
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| Photo Courtesy of Chase Kang |
As a panellist at K-Play Fest discussing the realities of working in the K-pop industry, what insights were you most excited to share with the audience?
Chase: When I first arrived in the U.S., I had no family, no friends, and no network. I truly started from zero. I even struggled to understand American humour on TikTok during my first social media internship. I remember studying trends in tears because I could not grasp why something was funny. But over time, I adapted and learnt. Now I’ve built a following of my own. If English is your native language and you already understand these cultural cues naturally, you are starting ahead of where I did. So don’t give up. If I could do it, you absolutely can too.
In your view, what makes a feature or interview compelling? You always do a great job at including fans in the conversations. Do you find their voices are a bigger part of the picture that is usually overlooked?
Chase: I especially enjoy writing interview-based feature stories that incorporate fan voices. Understanding why an artist created an album is important, but documenting how that music impacts communities is equally meaningful. I prefer a bottom-up approach that centres real people rather than only institutions. My experience as a radio journalist, where I interviewed everyday citizens on social issues rather than just politicians or PR teams, deeply shaped this perspective.
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| Photo Credit: Irving (IG @irvingvisuals). |
When writing, what's your own personal approach to storytelling?
Chase: When I write, I constantly ask myself whether I am representing diverse voices, from industry insiders to fans. I try to avoid flattening complex cultural phenomena into simple narratives. Instead, I look for multiple angles and question whether there are invisible groups or overlooked perspectives within the story.
Out of all the shows you’ve covered, which one has stood out and left an impact on you?
Chase: I've covered many events, but the K-pop virtual audition stood out because it reflected how the industry is evolving globally. Interviewing Lee Soo-man at the Asian Hall of Fame was also unforgettable. Having the opportunity to speak with someone who shaped the industry’s history and is now building something new felt surreal.
Having accomplished so much, what has been your proudest moment in your journey so far?
Chase: One of my proudest moments was publishing my first long-form feature in a major music outlet. I remember crying because it felt like a personal breakthrough. Seeing readers resonate with the piece, share it, and start conversations around it meant even more than the publication itself. Hosting networking events and seeing people physically show up for something I initiated was another moment that still feels almost unreal.
With a new year in full swing, what are the goals of 2026?
Chase: In 2026, I want to deepen my intellectual foundation. To write stronger long-form features, I need to train myself to think more rigorously and critically. I hope to study sociology, anthropology, aesthetics, and cultural criticism more seriously. My goal is to write work that is thoughtful and able to illuminate voices that have not yet been fully heard.
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