Donna Kwon
@hallyulikedonna.bsky.social
Korean/Asian/American music and culture aca-fan/multi-stan. Professor of ethnomusicology. Author of Stepping in the Madang (2024, Wesleyan) and trying desperately to maintain hope in humanity. CSIS US-Korea NextGen Scholar 24-25.
I don't usually like alt-rock-coded K-pop songs, but wow super impressed by the way #RIIZE_Fame builds as well the way they are highlighting the differences in their voices. Lots of fun harmonies and syncopation too. Feels like a new evolution of SM.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVqE...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVqE...
RIIZE 라이즈 'Fame' MV
YouTube video by SMTOWN
www.youtube.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:53 PM
I don't usually like alt-rock-coded K-pop songs, but wow super impressed by the way #RIIZE_Fame builds as well the way they are highlighting the differences in their voices. Lots of fun harmonies and syncopation too. Feels like a new evolution of SM.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVqE...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVqE...
I didn't have #SEVENTEEN on #NPRTinyDesk on my 2025 Bingo card, but okay, I'll take it!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=M74y...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=M74y...
SEVENTEEN: Tiny Desk Concert
YouTube video by NPR Music
www.youtube.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:14 PM
I didn't have #SEVENTEEN on #NPRTinyDesk on my 2025 Bingo card, but okay, I'll take it!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=M74y...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=M74y...
I had the privilege of being interviewed on my journey as a performer and scholar on a podcast with Stanley Clark! He is such a great interviewer! I was super impressed with the whole process. Please check it out!
ifeveryourelistening.substack.com/p/73a53287-0...
ifeveryourelistening.substack.com/p/73a53287-0...
If Ever You’re Listening
Weekly music essays from a millennial independent music journalist with 10+ years of experience. Here I share tips for early-stage musicians, advice for fellow indie music writers, and analysis of mus...
ifeveryourelistening.substack.com
November 24, 2025 at 5:04 PM
I had the privilege of being interviewed on my journey as a performer and scholar on a podcast with Stanley Clark! He is such a great interviewer! I was super impressed with the whole process. Please check it out!
ifeveryourelistening.substack.com/p/73a53287-0...
ifeveryourelistening.substack.com/p/73a53287-0...
Love this new release "RED-DY SET GO" by #BigOcean! It's been a joy following this group and I'm really impressed with the incorporation of sign language and the unexpected moment at 1:45. Curious to hear your thoughts.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2llj...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2llj...
Big Ocean 빅오션 'RED-DY SET GO' Official MV
YouTube video by BIG OCEAN
www.youtube.com
November 23, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Love this new release "RED-DY SET GO" by #BigOcean! It's been a joy following this group and I'm really impressed with the incorporation of sign language and the unexpected moment at 1:45. Curious to hear your thoughts.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2llj...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2llj...
Umm, excuse me....new #Katseye #Gnarly dance break on tour??? They are pulling out all the stops.
www.youtube.com/shorts/qcaDf...
www.youtube.com/shorts/qcaDf...
Gnarly NEW DANCE BREAK | #katseye #shorts #dance #concert #fyp #tour
YouTube video by yunjinlicious
www.youtube.com
November 16, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Umm, excuse me....new #Katseye #Gnarly dance break on tour??? They are pulling out all the stops.
www.youtube.com/shorts/qcaDf...
www.youtube.com/shorts/qcaDf...
Big day in K-pop!!! #Jessi is back with #GirlsLikeMe flexing her unni-power! In other news, not surprised #NewJeans is going back to Ador. I hope this will be an opportunity for them to flex their unni power too and develop more of their own creativity without MHJ.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkhN...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkhN...
Jessi (제시) - 'Girls Like Me' MV
YouTube video by Jessi
www.youtube.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Big day in K-pop!!! #Jessi is back with #GirlsLikeMe flexing her unni-power! In other news, not surprised #NewJeans is going back to Ador. I hope this will be an opportunity for them to flex their unni power too and develop more of their own creativity without MHJ.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkhN...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkhN...
So Senator Rand Paul voted NO for the deal to end the shutdown to register his support for hemp farmers in Kentucky??? Okayyyy. . . umm, how about to provide affordable healthcare for your Kentuckty constituents???
November 11, 2025 at 4:40 PM
So Senator Rand Paul voted NO for the deal to end the shutdown to register his support for hemp farmers in Kentucky??? Okayyyy. . . umm, how about to provide affordable healthcare for your Kentuckty constituents???
A new level of callous disregard for the most vulnerable. “Trump Administration Demands States ‘Undo’ Work to Send Full Food Stamps” www.nytimes.com/2025/11/09/b...
Trump Administration Demands States ‘Undo’ Work to Send Full Food Stamps
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:18 AM
A new level of callous disregard for the most vulnerable. “Trump Administration Demands States ‘Undo’ Work to Send Full Food Stamps” www.nytimes.com/2025/11/09/b...
So. . . it's called "Tactical Frivolity"!!! Love it!
Explore this gift article from The New York Times. You can read it for free without a subscription. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/20/o...
Explore this gift article from The New York Times. You can read it for free without a subscription. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/20/o...
www.nytimes.com
October 20, 2025 at 3:05 PM
So. . . it's called "Tactical Frivolity"!!! Love it!
Explore this gift article from The New York Times. You can read it for free without a subscription. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/20/o...
Explore this gift article from The New York Times. You can read it for free without a subscription. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/20/o...
Balming Tiger, Yaeji - wo ai ni (Official Video)
YouTube video by Balming Tiger
www.youtube.com
October 16, 2025 at 3:45 PM
OMG! Love this goofy version of #NMIXX_BlueValentine! How did they keep a straight face doing this??? 🤣
www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6QG...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6QG...
NMIXX(엔믹스) “Blue Valentine” Dance Practice (Blue Character Ver.)
YouTube video by NMIXX
www.youtube.com
October 16, 2025 at 2:28 AM
OMG! Love this goofy version of #NMIXX_BlueValentine! How did they keep a straight face doing this??? 🤣
www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6QG...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6QG...
#StrayKids are SO back with #CEREMONY. Haven't seen a fanchant video in awhile but this seems made for next level stadium tour audience participation. Can't wait!!!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlCS...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlCS...
Stray Kids "CEREMONY" (Feat. STAY) Guide Video
YouTube video by Stray Kids
www.youtube.com
August 22, 2025 at 12:53 PM
#StrayKids are SO back with #CEREMONY. Haven't seen a fanchant video in awhile but this seems made for next level stadium tour audience participation. Can't wait!!!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlCS...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlCS...
I'm here for this COLLAB between #PablloVittar and #NMIXX. May seem out of the blue, but NMIXX has been exploring daring work like this since their debut with the Brazilian baile funk-infused O.O. Love them! Divas all.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zgJ...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zgJ...
Pabllo Vittar, NMIXX - MEXE (Official Music Video)
YouTube video by Pabllo Vittar
www.youtube.com
August 22, 2025 at 1:56 AM
I'm here for this COLLAB between #PablloVittar and #NMIXX. May seem out of the blue, but NMIXX has been exploring daring work like this since their debut with the Brazilian baile funk-infused O.O. Love them! Divas all.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zgJ...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zgJ...
Keeping our elections free and under the control of the states is probably the last shred of democracy we have left. Protect it with your life . . . or at least call your representatives! 5calls.org
August 19, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Keeping our elections free and under the control of the states is probably the last shred of democracy we have left. Protect it with your life . . . or at least call your representatives! 5calls.org
Reposted by Donna Kwon
People are constantly asking me — what can I do?
Between now and the 2026 midterm elections, here are five practical steps you can take to make a difference.
Between now and the 2026 midterm elections, here are five practical steps you can take to make a difference.
How YOU Can Fight Back Against Trump
Robert Reich
www.youtube.com
August 19, 2025 at 2:00 PM
People are constantly asking me — what can I do?
Between now and the 2026 midterm elections, here are five practical steps you can take to make a difference.
Between now and the 2026 midterm elections, here are five practical steps you can take to make a difference.
Well said. As scholars, as citizens, we must stand up for all of the evidence-based research, curation, and artistic expertise cultivated and presented at the Smithsonian museums.
If you’re trying to erase history, you’re on the wrong side of it.
Exclusive: The White House plans to conduct a far-reaching review of Smithsonian museum exhibitions, materials and operations ahead of America’s 250th anniversary to ensure the museums align with President Trump’s interpretation of American history.
August 18, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Well said. As scholars, as citizens, we must stand up for all of the evidence-based research, curation, and artistic expertise cultivated and presented at the Smithsonian museums.
For the Francophone K-pop fans out there, it doesn't get better than this!
open.spotify.com/show/0NAAWoO...
open.spotify.com/show/0NAAWoO...
Amphi K-pop
Podcast · Math · Le podcast où on analyse nos bias en mode thèse/antithèse/synthèse 🎓✨ Bienvenue dans Amphi K-pop, le podcast francophone qui transforme votre passion K-pop en analyse académique ! An...
open.spotify.com
August 18, 2025 at 2:15 PM
For the Francophone K-pop fans out there, it doesn't get better than this!
open.spotify.com/show/0NAAWoO...
open.spotify.com/show/0NAAWoO...
"As for all-women collectives of three or more members, HUNTR/X is the first to top the Hot 100 in 24 years — since Destiny’s Child dominated with “Bootylicious” for two weeks in August 2001." Crazy!
HUNTR/X’s ‘Golden’ From ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Hits No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100
HUNTR/X’s ‘Golden’ From ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Hits No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100
HUNTR/X’s “Golden,” from the hit film 'KPop Demon Hunters,' slays in its first week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
bit.ly
August 12, 2025 at 12:50 PM
"As for all-women collectives of three or more members, HUNTR/X is the first to top the Hot 100 in 24 years — since Destiny’s Child dominated with “Bootylicious” for two weeks in August 2001." Crazy!
Whoa! It’s their moment for sure!
HUNTR/X’s ‘Golden’ From ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Hits No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100
HUNTR/X’s ‘Golden’ From ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Hits No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100
HUNTR/X’s “Golden,” from the hit film 'KPop Demon Hunters,' slays in its first week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
bit.ly
August 12, 2025 at 2:38 AM
Whoa! It’s their moment for sure!
Massive respect for #JacksonWang. He managed to drop multiple bombs in under a minute at #KCONLA.
youtube.com/shorts/9zJ54...
youtube.com/shorts/9zJ54...
Jackson Wang drops multiple bombs at KCON LA!
YouTube video by donnabee
youtube.com
August 5, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Massive respect for #JacksonWang. He managed to drop multiple bombs in under a minute at #KCONLA.
youtube.com/shorts/9zJ54...
youtube.com/shorts/9zJ54...
I'm trying to write a fun K-pop piece once a month on Medium. If you liked KPop Demon Hunters, check it out!
medium.com/@donnaleekwo...
medium.com/@donnaleekwo...
Did KPop Demon Hunters Inadvertently Create the Song of the Summer?
July 25, 2025
medium.com
July 25, 2025 at 8:08 PM
I'm trying to write a fun K-pop piece once a month on Medium. If you liked KPop Demon Hunters, check it out!
medium.com/@donnaleekwo...
medium.com/@donnaleekwo...
Hongjoong is my #NO1 any day! He even created and performed this country-esque intro at #Ateez_Nashville! Wait for his smile at the end, it says it all😍😊🤩.
July 21, 2025 at 11:51 PM
Hongjoong is my #NO1 any day! He even created and performed this country-esque intro at #Ateez_Nashville! Wait for his smile at the end, it says it all😍😊🤩.
I LIVE for JONGHO A CAPPELLA! The falsetto at the end is so heavenly. #Ateez #Ateez_Nashville #ToBeYourLight
July 21, 2025 at 1:01 PM
I LIVE for JONGHO A CAPPELLA! The falsetto at the end is so heavenly. #Ateez #Ateez_Nashville #ToBeYourLight