Launched as podcasts "by fans, for fans," the Spanish-language TODO EN EL VERSO and the English-language POD IN THE VERSE have been releasing weekly episodes since March. Co-produced by HYBE Latin America and the global fan platform Weverse, the two series offer a variety of perspectives on artists and content, while also highlighting the real stories of fan creators and professionals across the K-pop industry. We spoke with Sissi and Chrismaly, the hosts of both shows, to discuss why fan-centered content is more important than ever in today's K-pop landscape—and what they hope to convey through each episode.

To start off, could you briefly introduce yourselves to our readers as the hosts of TODO EN EL VERSO and POD IN THE VERSE?
Sissi: My name is Sissi. I was born and raised in Argentina to a Taiwanese immigrant family. Growing up, I was one of the only Asian kids at school, and I often felt out of place. K-pop was the one thing that made me feel proud of being Asian. It gave me a safe space where I could embrace my identity without hiding it. I saw Asian artists celebrated for their talent, style, and individuality, which helped me break free from the stereotypes I’d grown up with. My journey with K-pop began at a Super Junior concert. I didn’t understand the language or the lyrics, but I left the concert crying, deeply moved by the experience. That moment stayed with me because I realized that K-pop wasn’t just music—it was an emotional connection that went beyond words. Now I want to hold onto that feeling from the Super Junior concert. 

Chrismaly: I’m Chrismaly, a US Hispanic K-pop fan of Dominican descent. Growing up in the United States, I was always surrounded by a diverse mix of cultures and interests—but discovering K-pop was one of the first passions I found entirely on my own. Over the past 13 years, that love has only deepened, sparking a curiosity that eventually took me to a place no one in my family had ever been: Korea. K-pop allowed me the chance to discover just how much is out there and how music can truly bring people together all over the world.
I found K-pop randomly on YouTube when I was in high school, and that interest led me to learning more about Korea and even being interested enough to eventually live and work in Korea for a few years.

What was the motivation behind creating the podcast, and what kind of synergy were you hoping to achieve with Weverse?
Chrismaly: When we first discovered K-pop, there weren’t many ways to connect with the community. Most fan clubs were based in Asia and required a local phone number or email, so we had to find our own path—through the YouTube comments, Twitter, and fan blogs. As the fandom grew, we felt drawn to help others connect globally, just as we had. 

Sissi: Weverse was a natural fit for this project because of its mission to unite fans with their favorite artists to create a seamless, engaging space for the community—and that’s exactly what we wanted to do with the podcast. Growing up with K-pop on the other side of the world, I often had to rely on low-quality content that was posted on unreliable websites. This experience made it challenging to fully connect with the artist. That’s why the idea for the podcast was to bridge the gap between K-pop and passionate fan communities, who often feel left out by traditional media. With Weverse’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, it was the ideal platform to help close that gap and provide fans with the content they deserve.

Chrismaly: At our core, we are fan-first. We keep the spirit of wanting to bring fans the content they are interested in and platforms for them to share and create a community with others. Whether it’s talking about their favorite artists, their careers in the K-pop world, or music video theories, there is a place and an audience within our podcasts.

Your podcast is produced in two versions: the English POD IN THE VERSE and the Spanish TODO EN EL VERSO. What made you decide on producing the podcast in these two languages?
Chrismaly: With Weverse now engaging with Latin America, we’re proud to be part of TODO EN EL VERSO—the first official fan podcast in the region, backed by some of the same people who helped shape fandom culture globally. And for the global English-speaking audience, even with many podcasts already out there, our show, POD IN THE VERSE, is about putting the fans front and center, making space for their voices and experiences.

Sissi: We focus on what will resonate with each audience. While the format is similar, we tailor the topics to fit each community. For TODO EN EL VERSO, we explore how K-pop is experienced in Latin America. Since the podcast is filmed in Mexico, we invite guests who have locally contributed to the K-pop world—whether they’re part of the industry or passionate fans—who can share their insights and experiences. For POD IN THE VERSE, we cover broader K-pop trends that appeal to an international audience. By adapting the content to each audience’s interests, we make both podcasts feel engaging and relevant. It’s not just about translating content—it’s about creating a space where fans feel understood in their own language.

Both POD IN THE VERSE and TODO EN EL VERSO aim to be "podcasts created by fans, for fans."Why do you believe that this kind of approach is necessary in today’s content landscape?
Sissi: In today’s content landscape, fans are no longer just looking for entertainment—they want to feel connected to the people behind the content. Our team loves featuring fan creators because they bring something special to the K-pop community, whether through fan art, organizing events, or other creative work. These conversations highlight how fans are an integral part of K-pop culture, and we hope it encourages others to express themselves and get involved. That’s why I’ve also shared personal stories, like my audition experience. I hope to show that K-pop is more than just the music—it’s about the dreams, challenges, and experiences that come with being a fan or even an aspiring idol. So many fans, like me, have dreamed of becoming idols, and I wanted to show that it’s okay if those dreams change.

Chrismaly: We consider what kind of stories fans may want to hear that aren’t normally platformed on an official channel. By sharing diverse stories such as auditioning, visual storytelling, and careers within the K-pop space, we are opening ourselves to listeners with a diverse range of interests and helping others discover a bit more about these worlds. The goal is to bring all aspects of fandom to the forefront and display the beautiful diversity of experiences that exists within. We have people who have gone on to create their very own K-pop magazine, short film, and others who have created a community within their very own YouTube channels and podcasts. By bringing a diverse set of creators, we hope to bring fans closer as they see there is a space for all interests and talents within the community and even within the industry.  For some, it is a creative outlet, for others an avenue to discovering their passions in certain fields, and for many, it’s given them a community. There is a space for us all, and there are endless possibilities when you put this passion towards doing what you love.

Among the episodes you’ve recorded so far, is there a particular conversation that stood out to you?
Sissi: One conversation that really stands out to me was our collaboration episode with Entre Chingus, a local podcast all about K-culture, on TODO EN EL VERSO. What made it so memorable was connecting with two creators who started their podcast simply because they loved talking about Korean culture. They are one of the many creators who help normalize K-pop on this side of the world, and hearing their story reminded me of the passion and courage it takes to bring such a project to life. It made me realize how important it is to have spaces where fans can come together and celebrate K-pop. Their journey left me feeling incredibly grateful for creators like them, who make K-pop more accessible and relatable to fans like me.

Chrismaly: Out of all the episodes I’ve been in, the conversation that sticks with me most is with the webcomic author, Jjolee (Lost In Translation). Hearing her story of how her love for K-pop and her favorite artist led her to become a creator, which over the years gave her community and even led her to inspire the very artist she was inspired by so many years before, was incredible. It just goes to show how at the end of the day, the artists we love are also looking for the very connection we are and when we take this pure love of the medium and combine it with our talents, we can create something so beautiful that even one day, our favorite artists can find themselves inspired by it. 

In some episodes—like your conversations with HIT! Magazine editor-in-chief Carol Steinhert and Seoul Switch director Liann Kaye—you explore how K-pop has shaped people’s personal lives. Through these intimate and in-depth stories, what message were you hoping to convey?
Sissi: In the episode with Liann Kaye, I shared how much I connected with the story. The film’s characters are identical in appearance but have completely different experiences based on how they're viewed in their cultures—one is considered “ugly and unlovable” in the U.S., while the other is seen as “the most handsome man” in Korea. Even though they look the same, their self-perceptions and the way others see them are worlds apart. That storyline really resonated with my own experiences growing up. As a child, I was often made to feel like I didn’t fit into my community because I looked different, and my culture and food were unfamiliar to others. K-pop, however, helped me embrace my identity, and stories like Liann’s and Carol’s show how passion for something—whether it’s K-pop or anything else—can turn a feeling of difference into something empowering. It reminded me that our unique experiences are what make us special, and they can lead to building something meaningful, both for ourselves and for the communities we’re part of.

Chrismaly: Through these stories, we aim to inspire fans to let their passion for the medium drive them to actively contribute to the very ecosystem they love. Carol’s journey demonstrates that no start is too small. What began as a simple curiosity led her to teach dance to her peers, and later, to leverage her journalistic background to make K-pop more accessible to her community. Today, she runs Brazil's largest K-pop magazine and continues to reach new heights. As for Liann, she was already a successful filmmaker when inspiration struck to create a fun story for K-pop fans. Armed with the skills she honed throughout her career, she produced a globally recognized short film and is now working towards turning it into a full-length feature. Through these two incredible stories, fans can see that their passion for K-pop can open countless doors, and that there’s a way to combine their interests to create something truly special for the communities they belong to.

You’ve also highlighted the experiences of members from specific countries — such as KATSEYE’s Daniela or Hearts2Hearts’ Carmen — who have debuted in K-pop. What does it mean to you to have members from various countries joining the K-pop industry? Through covering these stories on your podcast, what kind of value or message do you hope to deliver to your listeners?
Sissi: It’s incredibly inspiring to see members from different countries joining the K-pop industry. It shows that K-pop is truly global and that talent isn’t confined to one place—it’s about talent, passion, hard work, and dedication. Having artists from various backgrounds helps break cultural barriers and makes K-pop even more inclusive. It shows that anyone, no matter where they come from, can find a place in this industry. Through these stories, we want to deliver the message that K-pop is a space for everyone. It’s about chasing your dreams and knowing that opportunities are available, even if the journey looks different from what you expected. We hope to inspire our listeners to pursue their own dreams, knowing they have the same potential to succeed, just like the artists we feature.

Chrismaly: To me, seeing these talented performers achieve their dreams in an industry once so elusive to those outside of Korea has been both validating and inspiring. Especially when seeing someone like KATSEYE’s Daniela, who like me, is a US Hispanic of Latin Descent, not only aim for this career but succeed in showing her talents. 13 years ago, when I first got into K-pop, I never would have dreamed of seeing someone like us in that spot, but I am so happy and hope we continue to see even more global talents join the medium we all love. We hope to inspire listeners to not only feel at home, but to feel moved enough to take the chance and express their appreciation for the medium in the way they want! Whether that’s writing blog posts, creating a YouTube channel, learning a dance to show their friends, or even auditioning one day themselves, we want them to feel empowered by their fandom to chase their dreams!

The fact that a genre born in one country is now being explored through English and Spanish content is quite symbolic of the current global significance of K-pop. Why do you think K-pop has become such a powerful genre that resonates with people of diverse backgrounds around the world? And how has that belief influenced the way you produce and host the podcast?
Chrismaly: Reflecting on my 13 years as a fan, I’d say that at its core, K-pop has always offered fans a safe space—a place to feel good and enjoy the moment, no matter what’s happening in their lives. It gave me music that could lift me up, push me to open my mind to new sounds and cultures, and remind me not to limit myself to just what’s in front of me. For something that I once thought to be a phase, I have found some of the greatest friendships and lived experiences I never thought possible. 
With that belief at heart, we produce and host both of our shows to help preserve and grow that feeling—creating a space where fans can feel connected, seen, and part of something bigger. Though our two podcasts are different in focus, they share the same purpose: to reflect and celebrate the community that makes up the universe of K-pop fandom.

Sissi: K-pop resonates globally because it’s not just about the music—it’s about the whole experience. It combines visuals, storytelling, and performances that connect with people on an emotional level, no matter where they’re from. Growing up in Argentina with Taiwanese parents, I never expected K-pop to become such a big part of my life, but it was the one space where I could embrace both my Asian and Latin roots. The genre’s diversity and inclusivity create a space where everyone feels like they belong, even if they don’t speak the same language as the artists. That belief is at the core of how we produce and host the podcasts. We want to make sure fans from all backgrounds feel included in the conversation, which is why we produce both POD IN THE VERSE and TODO EN EL VERSO in English and Spanish. Just like K-pop brings fans together from all over the world, we aim to do the same through the podcasts.

You’ve engaged with local fans and subscribers in many different ways. As both fans and podcast hosts, what does it mean to you to connect with the audience directly?
And is there a fan comment or moment that has stayed with you?
Sissi: Connecting directly with the audience is the heart of the podcast. As fans ourselves, we want to create that sense of belonging for our listeners. Honestly, even getting comments now feels a bit crazy to me. To think we’re making content that fans are engaging with and sharing their thoughts on is wild. There’s no one specific comment that stands out, but every message or comment makes me feel so grateful. Seeing comments from my hometown or with the Argentinian flag fills me with pride. It’s amazing to feel that connection with fans, especially on this side of the world, so far from where K-pop started.

Chrismaly: To be able to connect with the audience in such a direct way, I feel grateful for all the advancements that K-pop has had since I first became a fan. Before, it was hard to truly find community being a fan so far away, but now with apps like Weverse and so many content sites, being able to receive comments, interact in real time with fans in person at these events, has been a dream come true. It not only gives us a space to get to know the fans in the community, but also gives us a space to enjoy as fellow fans.

How would you describe K-pop’s influence in Mexico? In what moments do you most strongly feel its presence or impact?
Sissi: Honestly, 2025 has been a game-changing year for K-pop in Mexico. It's wild to see SEVENTEEN performing at Tecate Pa’l Norte and TXT at AXE Ceremonia, two Mexican music festivals, right alongside global icons like Green Day, Olivia Rodrigo, and Charli XCX. To see K-pop acts at the same level as these major international artists is mind-blowing. The energy from fans at these events is something I’ve never seen before, and it really shows how K-pop is no longer just a trend—it’s a cultural force. This has all happened in just the first half of 2025, and with concerts and fan events from J-Hope, NMIXX, Stray Kids, and others already taking place, it’s clear that the demand, passion, and impact of K-pop fans here are only growing. With ‘SMTOWN LIVE 2025’ having already made its debut in Latin America, it’s obvious that K-pop is getting stronger than ever in the region. Watching this growth has been incredibly exciting, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.

Chrismaly: Having lived here for well over a year and engaged in all sorts of fandom activity, I would describe K-pop’s influence in Mexico as being rewired into the fan’s DNA. Mexican fans, in general, are incredibly passionate. They create murals, wait at the airport, and even dedicate street food stands to their favorite artists. Pairing that with the infectious music and explosive performances of K-pop artists, you have a match made in heaven. In Mexico, I feel Idols and the music they sing have found their match, both in energy and passion. I especially feel this when I am at a concert and hear screaming so loud that even the fans screaming are covering their ears. It’s both a fun and incredible experience, getting to share a love with a fanbase that isn’t afraid to show it.

Lastly, would you like to leave a message for your subscribers?
Sissi: I just want to say thank you—truly. Being able to share this space with you has meant so much to me. Every message, every comment, every listen reminds me why we started this in the first place: to connect with fans around the world who feel just as passionate about this music as we do. I hope our episodes have brought you joy, made you feel seen, or even just kept you company during your day. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

Chrismaly: As always, they can look forward to fun fan-first content! We are looking to bring more dynamic conversations, interesting guests, and maybe a few more surprise interviews like we did with the Japanese Pop Group ONE OR EIGHT…but of course, you’ll need to stay tuned to find out just what we have under our sleeves 🤫