Post 5: Korean Invasion

Ever since Korean Dramas were released in the previous years, people have been interested about it. An increase number of people watched the shows, or even buy their own copy of CDs. Yet, a couple of companies in Seoul were having their auditions and years of training for their soon-to-be stars in the near future. I came across with the article, 10 Reasons Why the KPOP Fandom is not like the rest, written by Victoria Huynh. Since then, every group has debuted back in the early 20's. They are first known in certain parts in Seoul, to Asia, and now, they are known worldwide.

In recent events, even the past year, most Korean groups have traveled in popular parts in USA. Like SM Entertainment for example, they had their own concert in New York last 2012 and it was one of their most unbelievable and unforgettable experience ever. They didn't expect that huge number of fans will attend the tour since they are from South Korea. But this is not only in the USA. They are known in every part of the world.

Which part of this is unique and different about KPOP compared to other international artists? Similar to what the article have said, KPOP is indeed a unique world compared to the rest. I'll start off with their fans-- it's true that their fans also have names like V.I.P, Sones, Shawols, ELF, and many more. They have these different colors to represent themselves. Yellow, Pink, Green, Blue... Once you are outside, inside, or above the venue of that particular concert, you will be amazed on how beautiful those light sticks are as they glow all throughout the night. Other things that their fans do is, fan chants. This is not similar to chants that cheerleaders used to yell; fan chants are often studied well. It must have the correct beat and timing. It was something that gives the Korean artists the courage to have an outstanding performance on stage because you're cheering them on. Yelling their names or their group's tagline.

Next about the fans is when a group made a comeback, prepare your money, your light sticks, or even your phones. Expect a big album launch on stores, and selling merchandises because you might spend your money because of it. Fans always looks after every comeback they have. Merchandises includes caps they used on stage, dolls, pillows, signed posters, bags, anything you can imagine. That's why other fans are lucky that they live in Korea or can travel and go there just to buy these things. They are also lucky enough if they can attend a fansigning event in a mall and meet their idols in person. Imagine them looking and smiling back at you!

In concerts, they also have official photographers. It's not similar to paparazzi. They have plenty of photos of the artists individually organized by member or event. They will keep you updates on what show they are in, which airport did they arrived, pictures from their concert in a certain country, and many more. Most of them would even release a photo book for fans to keep, and it includes photos of that particular member for the whole year.

Fans also have fansites and it is present in any country. They give fans updates, reviews, news, and even gatherings. Most fansites have a fan gathering for a celebration, a member's birthday for an example. Things like that could melt your heart because even though the idol is far away, they will still celebrate his/her birthday anyway. Fansites also sends gifts or even packages during a comeback, birthday, or a group's anniversary. And most likely, it is from fans all over the world. They give suggestions, send donations, send messages, buy gifts, create fanmade video for them, all the little things that a fan can do but, a big thing in their idol's hearts.

Second is Korean Dramas. Because KPOP groups has already been known, fans look up to their upcoming projects. If they know that the member will participate in a drama, in any genre it is, they will really look forward in watching it. Korean sites are available in the internet so most of them can watch online. They won't miss a single episode of it and watch it until the end.

Lastly, is even fans are not Korean, they still love KPOP music. Most people don't rely on the lyrics, it depends on the person who is listening. Some because of the dance, the lyrics, or the rhythm. If the song is catchy from the very first part, then most likely, they will listen to the whole song. And Korean fans are loyal and very courageous. They will do anything for their idols and there will be no minute of the day that they won't be thinking about them or singing along with their songs. Korean artists also have this love that cannot be explained through words. Deep inside them, they appreciate every single thing a fan does for them.