What Makes a Kpop Journalist?
Is it clicks? Time put in? Minimal consumer hatred?
My name is Ashley and I write about K-content. I have a byline, I recently reached 23,000 views on one long-form article, and I’ve only been digitally cursed out for my writing twice.
It still doesn’t feel like it fits me.
My first name’s common but not so much for my current last name. However, my old Muck Rack — a portfolio space for writers of all walks of life — populates the hard work of at least one other Ashley Borjon. That’s no good.
Now that I’m writing more regularly, I’ve connected with Authory as my portfolio. My old articles, the ones from MACG Magazine and other now-defunct sites, were some of my luckiest works but could I find a repost on someone else’s site? I googled my old moniker and this is what immediately popped up.
The second half, however, wasn’t 100% correct but it’s considered in alignment.
The Muck Rack portfolio features proof of my media coverage and interviews — some of which are lost to the Worldwide Web. Over 11 years across nine publications and at least one YouTube channel, I’ve reported on the KPOPSTAY Hostel in South Korea, Seoul Fashion Week, various U.S. concert stops; reported on disbandments and member departures, at least three deaths, interviewed indie idols and major names in Asian entertainment, and chatted it up with Billboard and Forbes contributors.
“The Hard Climb Up For WINNER: YG Entertainment Rookie Group Prepares For Debut” [Digital, published 07/20/2014] for Kpopstarz was my first paid writing gig AND MY FIRST ARTICLE EVER in the genre. Prior to this, I was an occasional guest blogger compensated through exposure.
It’s wild shit, when I really look at it. My sister goes, “Well yeah, you’ve been out here doing this forever.” I guess I really have?!? — for however long “forever” is in this entertainment space. Bish, am I a real journalist? Like, the undergrad degree says Communications with digital media/marketing or some shit but am I out here for real for real?!? It’s never felt real. It’s never felt like I could quantify myself amongst the pros but this is proof of professionalism.
So, what is it? How do you decide who you trust — those aligned with major publications? Those who have been nice to your fandom only? I’d like to know what makes it click for those of you who read other writers. It can’t be all luck…
I feel like it's maybe something a lot of writers go through: am I legit or is this just a hobby?
I definitely feel that what makes you stand out is your professionalism and delivery. You give honest commentary while also remaining unbiased. And you do it all with your own personal style! 🥰
I absolutely consider you a journalist. It's never "gossipy" and I always walk away with something thought provoking or something new... It's a form of journalism that quite frankly I miss often. Nowadays it just feels like facts don't even matter anymore. "We'll release the correction later; just report the story already so we can get the ratings up." I'm glad that you are committed to integrity when reporting. ♥️
For me atleast I started following you way back when shipping fees were triple the kpop album prices. LOL. Why I followed is because you stuck to the facts and never posted clickbait crap or unnecessary sh*t on someone just cause. It was informative and provided a foot on the ground perspective so to speak. Your living abroad vlogs were dope. TLDR- you were authentic and multifaceted.