We're kicking off 2026 with an episode we recorded at the tail end of last year that's all about Santos Bravos! Following HYBE's big experiment with KATSEYE, HYBE Latin America focused its efforts in 2025 on debuting a Latino pop boy group using the K-pop industry model. 

Though the group is most definitely NOT K-pop sonically (more on that later), its creation via a music survival show, its trainee model and its obvious connection to HYBE mean it carries the DNA or building blocks of the K-pop industry. Naturally, all this means we have a LOT of thoughts on the group's debut and where they might best fit into the current music landscape. So, what did Santos Bravos get right about Latino boy bands and is it only a matter of time before everyone knows their name in Latin America?

Tune in to hear Alexis and Theresa discuss:

• The uphill battle the boys faced in the survivial show
• What it was like to watch the Santos Bravos showcase live in Mexico City
• Our takeaways on the final lineup's cohesion (or lack thereof?)
• Why we think Drew was always going to debut as the anchor for the group
• The obvious (and not-so-obvious) comparisons to KATSEYE
• The importance of a visual and sonic identity for a group

And so much more!

It's a K-pop Thing is hosted by two journalists and longtime K-pop stans, Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum and Theresa Avila.

LINKS TO SOCIAL:

• It's a K-pop Thing: @ikptpod
• Alexis: @hoe_doyan
• Theresa: @theresa__avila

CONTACT:
E-mail us at: itsakpopthing@alkemielab.com