KPOP’s Fan Culture: How Fans Work for Their Bias’ Success

With the rise of the pandemic, many western media productions have come to a stop, or limited and focus has shifted to kpop and other foreign media. With the boom of Latinx and Asian music taking over the charts, it may seem sudden to most. But a vital part of this phenomenon is the fans.

With the rise of social media, many connected across the world. Teens and adults could share and consume more music, fashion, and language. And, with YouTube, people were able to exchange culture in an even broader way. As people broadened their horizons, they were able to form these communities that would help grow artists to global sensations.

One of the fundamental factors of kpop is that it is, in fact, Korean. Even if you smushed both North and South Korea back together, the size still would not make up a big chunk of the globe. So, how can an audience consume content in their language? Some migrated to South Korea and learned the language others became teachers and shared lessons online. From that, fans were able to provide translations to not only songs but live streams, interviews, and other media that would allow more connection with Korean idols.

With the language barrier out of the way, fans could connect not only with the content but with each other as well. From there, they could organize their fandoms to contribute to their idols' success. Whether it was organizing streaming parties to boost a comebacks performance or trading photocards in their fan club.

Fans have gone on to support idols in a variety of ways: raising money for food/coffee trucks, organizing fan clubs, as well as sending designer gifts to their bias. And other less favorable ways as well. (Which I can discuss in another post.) But fans and kpop idols have a partnership that eases some faults of record companies who may not promote their artists as much as they should. Some may take for granted the effort that many fans put into supporting their favorites, but they are the backbone of an industry that is taking the world by storm.