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Donna Kwon

@hallyulikedonna.bsky.social

3.2K followers 1.6K following 176 posts

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.

Posts Replies Media

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 7h

It took me awhile but I really enjoyed learning this beautiful song called "Seasonal Love Letters" (사계연서)by a somewhat new group called dodree (도드리). I have been obsessed with them because of the way they K-pop with traditional Korean vocal styles. www.youtube.com/watch?v=neow...

dodree (도드리) "사계연서 (Seasonal Love Letters)" - Cover by Donna

YouTube video by Kpop Covers by Donna

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Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

OMG - this is such a fly fusion of trot and pop! Love, love, love! And the phrase #놀아보세 is a phrase you hear a lot in Korean traditional folk music! Definitely did not have this on my K-pop summer bingo card! #Picheolin www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do9B...

피철인 (Picheolin) '놀아보세 (prod. Hitchhiker)' Official MV

YouTube video by HYBE LABELS

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

As part of my research, I was able to visit KING STUDIOS in Seoul, Korea and record a cover of YENA's "Catch Catch"! I will be sharing some videos on the experience in the future, but for now, here's the cover! Enjoy! #YENA_CatchCatch www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTp5...

Cover of YENA (최예나) - 캐치 캐치 (Catch Catch) Recorded by a K-pop Professor in 2 hours! Down 1/2 step

YouTube video by Kpop Covers by Donna

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

Finally, I uploaded my cover of #Hwasa_GoodGoodbye! This is definitely the hardest one I've done so far - Hwasa is the indisputed 👑 queen and she it makes it seem so effortless. www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zQz...

화사 (HWASA) - 'Good Goodbye' - Cover by Donna

YouTube video by Donna's kpop cover channel

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

I think this might be the best thing I've watched all year. Bringing together five fandoms (proud to admit I engage in all five) though mixed Asian solidarity?!!! And should it be read through the lens of the privileges and perils of mixed identity??? #Laufey_Madwoman www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNa8...

Laufey - Madwoman (Official Music Video)

YouTube video by Laufey

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

Getting ready to teach this to my K-pop class! It was my first time singing a song in three languages: Korean, Japanese, and English. Singing the last line "in a moment we unite" was especially bittersweet. Added English captions for those who want to singalong! www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYm5...

NewJeans (뉴진스) - Supernatural - Cover by Donna

YouTube video by Donna's kpop cover channel

Reposted by Donna Kwon

Daily BTS⁷ 💜 @dailybts.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

BTS (방탄소년단) <2.0> Official Teaser (youtu.be/O_UAV5Ckr-g) #BTS #방탄소년단 #BTS_ARIRANG #2point0

BTS (방탄소년단) '2.0' Official Teaser

YouTube video by HYBE LABELS

Reposted by Donna Kwon

Daily BTS⁷ 💜 @dailybts.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

BTS becomes the first artist in history to simultaneously occupy the entire top 10 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. singles chart. They hold the entire top 13. (cr: chartdata)

BTS in their coordinated leather and denim outfit in a dark living room setting

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

If you were wanting more Korean folk culture on the BTS Arirang album, I came up with this mash-up of #BTS_Swim and the Korean namdo minyo (southwestern folksong) called Baetnorae or "Boat Song." www.youtube.com/shorts/QTg02...

BTS SWIM Korean Folksong Mash-up (뱃노래 - Boat Song)

YouTube video by Donna's kpop cover channel

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

Taking things in a retro 90s Korean rock direction with Boohwal's "The More I Love" (사랑할수록). youtu.be/oH1NqtIqyiI

Boohwal - The More I Love (부활 사랑할수록 여자키) - Cover by Donna

YouTube video by Donna's kpop cover channel

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 22/03/2026

This IU cover of "Through the Night" was so deceptively challenging that I had to set it aside for months before trying again. Lesson learned: less is more! youtu.be/Y0JBVr9GhPM

IU Through the NIght (아이유 밤편지) - Cover by Donna

YouTube video by Donna's kpop cover channel

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 21/03/2026

My favorite track so far! The VOCALS, emotion, and expression really shine on this song. 💜💜💜 #Normal #BTS_ARIRANG

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 21/03/2026

Ugh! If the last election was about the economy, this is clearly NOT what Americans want. So hypocritical. "The Pentagon has requested $200 billion (more than $1,400 per American household) to fund the war, but even that understates the total cost." www.nytimes.com/2026/03/21/o...

Opinion | The $1.3-Million-a-Minute War

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 07/02/2026

Working on my vocal chops. . . for my research 😜 I hope I did justice to the great Shinae An on "Kimchi and Smile." youtu.be/q3Xf-cyzzz0

K-pop Professor Sings Korean Pop!

YouTube video by Hallyu Like That!

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

So happy to contribute my thoughts to Jae-Ha Kim's article delving into the meaning of "Arirang" on BTS's upcoming comeback. I guess I had a lot to say and so thankful that so much of it was featured here! #BTS_Arirang jaehakim.substack.com/p/korean-fol...

jaehakim.substack.com

How The Korean Folk Song "Arirang" Ties In With BTS' March Comeback

Plus: Interviews with Korean diaspora and an ethnomusicologist on the significance of "Arirang"

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

I needed this today from the ultimate K-pop QUEENS - i-dle (아이들)!!! 🔥🌈 😍 I have to say this is a pretty direct solidarity statement from a K-pop group, although not at all surprising from this group. www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYgE...

i-dle (아이들) 'Mono (Feat. skaiwater)' Official Music Video

YouTube video by i-dle (아이들)

Reposted by Donna Kwon

Patti Olivier 💙VOTE BLUE @patti3333.bsky.social · 24/01/2026

ICE OUT OF MINNESOTA TENS OF THOUSANDS IN -24 PLUS WEATHER WALK IN THEIR SHOES STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH MINNESOTA How you can help: Call Your Senators 202 224-3121 No funding for ICE Boycott 🚫TARGET 🚫HOME DEPOT 🚫 HILTON ( ICE USES) 🚫ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR (ICE USES) TY MN

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

Curious about what a Voice Studies perspective might reveal about #KpopDemonHunters? Would love to hear your thoughts! www.asianstudies.org/what-a-voice...

asianstudies.org

What a Voice Studies Perspective Can Tell Us About the Success of KPop Demon Hunters - Association for Asian Studies

By Donna Lee Kwon Born with voices that could drive back the darkness, singing songs of courage and hope. But hunters are more than warriors. Our music ignites the soul and brings people together. Wit...

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

Thanks to Jae-ha Kim for quoting me in her #RollingStone article on #ENHYPEN. I've been following them since DARK BLOOD and looking forward to listening more closely to THE SIN: VANISH! www.rollingstone.com/music/music-...

rollingstone.com

ENHYPEN Share the Secrets of Their Seven Remix Albums

All seven members of ENHYPEN have released remix versions of the group's new album, 'The Sin : Vanish.' They talk to us about their approaches

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

I can't say this made me feel that much better, but I made my calls. Maybe I need to take some deep breaths. SAY HER NAME: RENEE NICOLE GOOD. 5calls.org

Spend 5 minutes. Make 5 calls. Make your voice heard.

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

This is gut-wrenching. And this is on top of the fact that 35 people have died in ICE custody in 2025 – making it the agency’s deadliest year in more than two decades. It's past time to impeach Kristi Noem and get ICE out of Minneapolis.

Reposted by Donna Kwon

Moira Donegan @moiradonegan.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

I wrote about ICE’s execution of Renee Nicole Good. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

theguardian.com

ICE agents have killed – again. The Trump administration blames the victim | Moira Donegan

An agent shot a woman in Minneapolis, causing vast and needless grief. Our country is diseased – but that is not the only truth

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 04/01/2026

A great palate cleanser! www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCrc...

창작발레 ‘갓’ 2026 GAT TOUR | Dance Film

YouTube video by Yun Byul Ballet Company

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 03/01/2026

For those of you world/Korean music folks out there, I created a YouTube playlist for my Global Music Series book, Music in Korea, that was published with a CD back in 2012 on Oxford University Press. The book is super expensive because of the CDs so enjoy! youtube.com/playlist?lis...

Music in Korea - YouTube

Audio tracks that accompany the book Music in Korea, by Donna Lee Kwon.

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

Ooooh! This literally is the coolest #신선놀음 or "fresh play" on Korean tradition! Feels like it is riding a little bit on the coat tails of the Saja Boys but in a creative way 🔥☺️🔥. Love the dragons 🐉 too! www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8i3...

Stray Kids "신선놀음 (DIVINE)" M/V

YouTube video by JYP Entertainment

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

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...

RIIZE 라이즈 'Fame' MV

YouTube video by SMTOWN

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

I didn't have #SEVENTEEN on #NPRTinyDesk on my 2025 Bingo card, but okay, I'll take it! www.youtube.com/watch?v=M74y...

SEVENTEEN: Tiny Desk Concert

YouTube video by NPR Music

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

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

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...

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 23/11/2025

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...

Big Ocean 빅오션 'RED-DY SET GO' Official MV

YouTube video by BIG OCEAN

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 16/11/2025

Umm, excuse me....new #Katseye #Gnarly dance break on tour??? They are pulling out all the stops. www.youtube.com/shorts/qcaDf...

Gnarly NEW DANCE BREAK | #katseye #shorts #dance #concert #fyp #tour

YouTube video by yunjinlicious

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

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...

Jessi (제시) - 'Girls Like Me' MV

YouTube video by Jessi

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

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???

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Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

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

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 20/10/2025

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...

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 18/10/2025

Inflatable Puff Power in Lexington, KY! #NoKings

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

I so NEEDED this! #BalmingTiger #Yaeji Thank you! www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZqk...

Balming Tiger, Yaeji - wo ai ni (Official Video)

YouTube video by Balming Tiger

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

OMG! Love this goofy version of #NMIXX_BlueValentine! How did they keep a straight face doing this??? 🤣 www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6QG...

NMIXX(엔믹스) “Blue Valentine” Dance Practice (Blue Character Ver.)

YouTube video by NMIXX

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Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

#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...

Stray Kids "CEREMONY" (Feat. STAY) Guide Video

YouTube video by Stray Kids

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

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...

Pabllo Vittar, NMIXX - MEXE (Official Music Video)

YouTube video by Pabllo Vittar

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 19/08/2025

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

Spend 5 minutes. Make 5 calls. Make your voice heard.

Reposted by Donna Kwon

Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 19/08/2025

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.

How YOU Can Fight Back Against Trump

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 18/08/2025

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.

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 18/08/2025

For the Francophone K-pop fans out there, it doesn't get better than this! open.spotify.com/show/0NAAWoO...

open.spotify.com

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...

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 12/08/2025

"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!

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 12/08/2025

Whoa! It’s their moment for sure!

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 05/08/2025

Massive respect for #JacksonWang. He managed to drop multiple bombs in under a minute at #KCONLA. youtube.com/shorts/9zJ54...

Jackson Wang drops multiple bombs at KCON LA!

YouTube video by donnabee

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 03/08/2025

Caught MonstaX at soundcheck! Such a cool experience and they were super generous in coming down close to the fans and interacting! #MonstaX #KconLA

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

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...

Did KPop Demon Hunters Inadvertently Create the Song of the Summer?

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 22/07/2025

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😍😊🤩.

Donna Kwon @hallyulikedonna.bsky.social · 21/07/2025

I LIVE for JONGHO A CAPPELLA! The falsetto at the end is so heavenly. #Ateez #Ateez_Nashville #ToBeYourLight