Becoming Editor-in-Chief Without Being a K-pop Expert

Hello, this is Klab Insight.

In this interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jessica, the editor-in-chief of KPOPPOST, an online platform dedicated to Korean entertainment.

Originally from Indonesia, Jessica has been deeply involved in the K-pop industry for several years, bringing her passion for Korean culture and professional expertise to the forefront.

She shares insights into her journey, responsibilities, and the growing international presence of K-pop, as well as advice for those looking to enter the industry—especially in global business roles.

As K-pop continues to expand its reach beyond South Korea, Jessica’s perspective on the industry’s evolution, her role at KPOPPOST, and her guidance for aspiring professionals offers invaluable insights for anyone seeking to explore career opportunities within this dynamic sector.

This newsletter highlights:

• Role of the editor-in-chief

• Global K-pop Magazine's Differentiation and Long-Term Goals

• Key Advice for Aspiring Professionals in K-pop’s Global Market

Q. Can you introduce yourself?

Hi, I'm Jessica, the editor-in-chief of KPOPPOST, an online media platform focusing on the world of Korean entertainment. I’m originally from Indonesia.

KPOPPOST receives an impressive average of around 200,000 monthly views, with most of our readers from the United States, India, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

Q. Can you share a little about your background and how you first became involved with the K-pop industry?

My first K-pop idols were Jang Nara and BoA. Yes, they were part of the first generation of K-pop! I loved listening to their songs back in high school.

As for Korean dramas, the first one I watched was “Jewel in the Palace (Dae Jang Geum).” This drama made me fall in love with Korean culture. The traditional Korean architecture and hanbok (traditional clothing) are just so beautiful. Since then, I’ve always wanted to visit South Korea.

Years later, I never imagined meeting James Jung from beSUCCESS and having the opportunity to manage content for KPOPPOST. Honestly, I wasn’t up-to-date with the K-pop scene back then; my knowledge was mostly centered on first- and second-generation artists.

However, to manage KPOPPOST effectively, I made an effort to keep up with the evolving K-pop industry. It’s now been five years working with beSUCCESS and KPOPPOST!

I am truly amazed by the South Korean music industry, especially K-pop. It’s incredible to see how K-pop has transformed over the years, adapting to changing times and fan preferences. And now, they’re even adapting to technology with virtual artists. It's simply impressive!

Q. What motivated you to join KPOPPOST, and how has your journey with the company been so far?

I was motivated to join KPOPPOST because of my passion for Korean entertainment and the opportunity to be part of a platform that shares the latest news and insights about K-pop with a global audience.

My journey with the company has been incredibly rewarding. I've learned so much about the industry and have had the chance to connect with amazing professionals. Over time, I’ve grown both personally and professionally, and I’m excited to continue contributing to the success of KPOPPOST as we expand our reach and influence in the global K-pop scene.

Q. Can you describe your responsibilities as an editor-in-chief and how they contribute to KPOPPOST's global presence?

As the editor-in-chief at KPOPPOST, I’m responsible for overseeing and maintaining the work of writers and authors who contribute content to the platform.

We have two main writers/editors and a few collaborators. Plus, we encourage our readers to join in and write about their favorite K-pop groups or idols, making it a fun team effort.

In 2025, KPOPPOST is focusing on becoming a trusted news hub for the global content industry, offering up-to-date and reliable insights into Korean content.

As a media publication, promoting Korean artists internationally means understanding different cultures and their preferences. We adjust our content to fit what works best in each region, whether it’s the music, fashion, or the artists’ personalities.

We work with local influencers and use popular social media platforms in each region to ensure our messages connect with fans. We also explain the cultural background of K-pop to help fans better understand it.

Q. Your collaboration with local influencers is very intriguing. How do you typically collaborate with them?

We reach out to local influencers through social media. Our collaborations usually involve discussions on recent trending issues or Korean culture. Like previously we talked about "Exhuma" with "Ngedrakor! Podacast" from Indonesia and Joshua Alvarez, a cinephile from New York.

Q. When working with local influencers, it seems likely that compensation is involved. Could you share the structure for this?

There is no compensation in these collaborations; it’s about our shared passion for Korean entertainment and creating content together based on mutual interests.

Q. What were some pivotal moments or decisions that significantly advanced your career in the entertainment industry?

When the KPOPPOST team decided to go beyond just being a news portal for Korean entertainment and instead focus on connecting business people in the Korean entertainment industry to the global market, it was a significant decision.

KPOPPOST has built valuable connections and helped global fans connect with Korean businesses. It’s not just about how many views our website get—our focus is on building genuine human connections with integrity. That’s what truly matters to us right now.

What sets KPOPPOST apart is our strong business connections. Another key difference is our commitment to supporting indie artists and nugu (lesser-known) artists. Through KPOPPOST, we aim to give them a platform to reach a wider audience and gain the recognition they deserve. This dual focus on business collaboration and artist promotion makes KPOPPOST unique in the media landscape.

Q. What guidance would you offer to individuals looking to enter the K-Pop industry, particularly in international business roles?

My advice to individuals looking to enter the K-pop industry, especially in international business roles, would be to first develop a deep understanding of both Korean culture and global markets. It’s crucial to stay updated on K-pop trends, learn about the history of the industry, and understand how K-pop has evolved over the years.

Additionally, networking is key—build connections with people in the industry, attend events, and actively engage on platforms where K-pop is discussed.

Lastly, be adaptable and open to learning, as the K-pop industry is dynamic and constantly changing. Understanding cultural differences and being able to communicate effectively across various markets will be essential for success in international business roles.

Q. How have you built and maintained professional relationships within the global entertainment industry?

Building and maintaining professional relationships in the global entertainment industry has been a gradual process for me. By attending industry events, virtual seminars and business talks, I can meet key figures and learn from their expertise.

One of the most memorable moments for me was when we first launched the K-Wave Business Talk. I had the chance to meet amazing people like Sung Kuk Kim and Sang Hwan Lee from KLAB COMPANY.

I also make an effort to stay engaged with professionals through social media, emails, and personal meetings when possible. Showing genuine interest in their work and offering value where I can is an essential point.

Q. What are some challenges you’ve faced when negotiating or collaborating with international partners, and how have you overcome them?

One challenge I've faced when negotiating or collaborating with international partners is dealing with cultural differences in communication and expectations. Different markets may have varying approaches to business, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.

To overcome this, I make sure to take time to learn about the partner's culture and communication style, ensuring I’m respectful and clear in discussions.

Another challenge is coordinating across time zones, which can make scheduling difficult. I’ve learned to be flexible and plan ahead, using tools like shared calendars to make sure everyone is on the same page. Building strong, open relationships has helped bridge these challenges.

Q. Can you share an example of a successful collaboration with a global partner and what made it a standout experience?

One successful collaboration we had at KPOPPOST was working with an international media outlet to cover a K-pop artist’s global tour. What made this experience great was the smooth communication and mutual understanding of each other's audience and goals.

We've also conducted successful talks and interviews with Korean companies, helping them expand their reach to a wider global audience by showcasing their work in international markets. This experience stood out because it demonstrated how teamwork and strategic partnerships can help spread Korean entertainment to a global scale.

Q. What are your goals moving forward in your career, and are there any new areas within the industry you'd like to explore?

Moving forward, my goal is to continue growing KPOPPOST into a trusted platform for global audiences while expanding its influence in the Korean entertainment industry.

I’m interested in exploring new areas like virtual artists and digital fan engagement.

I also enjoy connecting people in business, so I hope to help build more networks between people in the Korean entertainment industry and international markets.

By doing this, I aim to create more opportunities for collaboration and growth in the industry.

Q. What would you say for people who want to work in the K-pop industry?

If you want to work in the K-pop industry,

• Start by learning about Korean culture since K-pop is closely connected to it.

• Stay updated on trends, as the industry changes fast.

• Focus on building your skills, whether it’s marketing, writing, or promoting indie artists.

• Network actively by attending events and reaching out to industry professionals.

• Be open to learning and adapting, as it’s a competitive field. Most importantly.

• Show your passion—enthusiasm for K-pop can help you stand out and create opportunities in this exciting industry.

Q. Does KPOPPOST have any hiring plans?

We’re always looking to hire talented individuals! Whether you're passionate about K-pop, skilled in writing, or have creative ideas, we’d love to hear from you. While we don’t have a dedicated job-posting page, we announce all opportunities on our LinkedIn. If you're interested, please follow us there for updates on new roles and collaborations. We’re always open to fresh talent and new partnerships!

Q. Lastly, is there anything you want to say?

Kpoppost, together with KoreaProductPost under beSUCCESS, successfully hosted two virtual expos connecting Korean beauty companies with distributors and buyers in countries like India, Indonesia, Russia, and Australia.

We’ll be organizing another semi-virtual Korean Beauty Expo in March or April. Stay tuned for more details!

As K-pop continues to thrive and evolve on the global stage, Jessica’s insights provide a valuable roadmap for those eager to contribute to the industry’s future, showing that there are countless ways to make an impact in K-pop beyond traditional entertainment roles.

Key Insights

1. Career Path

   Even without professional experience in K-pop, Jessica’s journey shows that it's possible to work in the industry, leading her to become editor-in-chief of KPOPPOST.

2. Global Expansion of K-pop

   Jessica emphasizes the importance of understanding different cultures, using social media and local influencers to promote K-pop internationally.

3. Advice for Aspiring Professionals

   She recommends learning about both Korean culture and global markets, actively networking, and staying adaptable in a constantly evolving industry.

We would love to hear your thoughts on this interview! Feel free to leave your comments below or email us at [email protected]. Your insights and questions are always welcome as we continue to explore the vibrant world of K-pop.

And feel free to connect with me on X, LinkedIn, & Thread.