We set the stage with the very first episode the podcast, a mix of heavy-hitting k-pop culture analysis with an anthropological twist. 



































Kay was looking for someone who also wanted to take K-pop seriously

The K-pop journalistic analogue to Harper’s; erudition with accessibility

The intent to blog and West African music

What the hell is anthropology? Let us explain what we do at the same time we completely dodge the question

De-linking our content production from the K-pop news cycle; in-depth select coverage

Stanning talent and the principles of our analysis

Do it for the love and Emily’s secret hip hop past

Episode 2: Taste and Talent

Inspired by the Korean drama fandom phenomenon of a side character who comes to take center stage, Second Lead Syndrome unites Kay and Emily, two doctoral students with a burning desire to discuss both k-pop and anthropology. To challenge the idea that academics should only be devoted to their research subjects, Second Lead Syndrome takes an ethically non-monogamous approach to combine smart talk with fervent fangirling. Our main squeeze is anthropology, but we believe an academic vocation is compatible with our undeniable attraction to k-pop and k-dramas. Each enhances the appreciation and understanding of the other. We ditch the notion of a guilty pleasure and turn it into true love.