I am sure as many of you read the title, you will have related to it on a deep level. Most of us who love K-Pop (Korean Pop Music) have been told or have heard one of the following:
- “But they all look the same?!”
- “Aren’t you a bit old to be into Boy Groups/Girl Groups?”
- “I am sure it will just be a phase”.
- “Why are you caring about people who don’t even know you?”
But what makes this fandom so special? And why do people really stay within it for so long? Let’s chat about it.
First, let me tell you my story. I got into K-Pop back in March 2017 when I watched BTS’ dance practise video for Silver Spoon, thanks to a friend at the time who introduced me to it. Since then, I have been waist-deep in the K-Pop fandom, listening to BTS, GOT7, Stray Kids, Astro & more! I have collected a crazy number of albums, merch items and photocards… and went to various concerts that often meant I had to travel to London from Scotland. But why have I stayed in this ‘phase’?
Images 1-3: Miri at BTS in London (2018) and Stray Kids in London (2019)
It's pretty simple. K-Pop, for me, brought me a community I needed during a period of my life where I craved company and felt so understood by other fans on the internet rather than those around me. I was 15 and enjoying the feeling of engaging with other people online, via X (formerly Twitter) about music… something that still stands today, although parts of the online sphere I’ve outgrown. Through K-Pop, I have met some of my closest friends including Cerys and Katie who I work with now in a shop dedicated to this ‘phase’ – how insane is that! And, I have an absolutely banging playlist for when my non-K-Pop friends dare to ask me to play music through the Aux… it’s not for the weak.
Image 4: BBC News report on K-Pop fans in Birmingham.
Image 5: BBC News report celebrating 10 years of BTS.
Over the years K-Pop has gained a tremendous amount of attention, including Britain’s own BBC who have lots of coverage: celebrations, activist movements, concerts, and more. And while we, as fans, are still battling a lot of negative coverage and fangirl/fanboy stereotyping, one thing that continues to stick out is how tight knit our unique community is and how we are utilising our bond for change.
But is it just me? I decided to ask the K-Pop community here at Lilakshop about their own experiences and what has kept them within the fandom for so long.
Image 7: Responses from Lilakshop's lovely customers on our X account.
From making close friends, bringing people together, having great and varied music to listen to, engaging in another culture, to sharing a special part of your life with others that understand you, the answers have been astounding. I am truly not alone.
K-Pop has opened doors, not only to new experiences and cultures, but to help many people across the world fight off loneliness which seems to be rampant in our society today. No matter where you are or what you’re going through you always have a friend within the fandom, or music from artists that describe exactly how you feel. ‘I hate to admit’ by Bang Chan (Stray Kids) hits different!!
Image 8: More responses from Lilakshop customers via our X account.
So, is it just a phase? Although I am biased, I truly beg to differ… and even if it is, it doesn’t justify demeaning someone’s interests. Anything that is a force for change and positivity, is something that fans should not be ashamed of or have to hide.
What has made you stay in the fandom? And do you think it’s just a phase? Let us know.
