8 Weird Things That Only Happen in K-POP and Not in Other Music Fandoms

Kapanlagi.com - K-POP has been developing for over a decade. In fact, from being a distinctive music of South Korea, it has now expanded to the international world. The increasing acceptance of K-POP lately has made it successful in various countries.

So, what sets K-POP apart from other music? For K-POP fans, they can easily answer this question. It's not just the language, but there is a culture that makes K-POP unique. Despite being weird, these are actually the things that make K-POP different from other music fandoms. 

1. Light Stick

illustration credit via Big Hit Ent

When attending a music concert, usually to liven up the atmosphere, musicians often invite the audience to turn on their mobile phone's flashlight. However, in K-POP, you don't have to bother doing that because there is a light stick that can even be synchronized in a sophisticated way through a system. As a result, not only can it turn on one type of light, but it can also change colors, making K-POP concerts feel more spectacular. What's unique is that each idol has their own light stick, so it can be a sign of which fandom you belong to. Through this light stick, idols can easily find their fans at festival events.

2. Official Fandom Colors

illustration credit via Big Hit Ent

Although each light stick can produce various colors, every K-POP idol has an official color chosen for their respective fandom. For example, the pastel coral pink color is synonymous with Red Velvet's fandom, ReVeluv. Then, pearl aqua is the official color for SHINee's fandom, and purple is chosen as the official color for BTS' fandom, ARMY. The abundance of emerging K-POP idols has led to the introduction of specific names for official fandom colors. This unique concept has become part of modern culture in K-POP, which is rare in other music fandoms.

3. Fan Chants

illustration credit via SM Ent

For those of you who are not K-POP fans, fan chants may sound strange. However, for K-POP fandom, it has become an interesting culture in enjoying music. Fan chants can even be considered as an art of calling out the names of idols and singing together in a synchronized manner.

Because of that, fans need to understand the appropriate timing to do these fan chants. As a result, the euphoria felt by artists and fans is not just through a chaotic sing along, but through a harmonious concert atmosphere.

4. Fans' Merchandise

illustration credit via YG Ent

K-POP fandom also gives birth to a culture of creativity among fans. Not only do they buy official merchandise released by the companies that manage K-POP idols, but there are also merchandise sold by fansites or individuals, which are then sold to fellow fanbases.

The forms of merchandise vary. From dolls, stationery, to slogans. Usually, this culture of buying and selling merchandise among K-POP fandom can be found at festivals, award shows, and K-POP concerts. 

5. Dance Covers

illustration credit via SM Ent

K-POP idols bring music and dance not just for enjoyment. For K-POP fans, it can mean more. One of them is doing dance covers. For them, this is not just a challenge, but also an appreciation for the work created by their favorite artists.

Even these K-POP fans sometimes learn on their own by just watching music videos (MV), without any video tutorials. The cool thing is, sometimes when they gather with fellow fanbase, they can automatically do dances together or even flashmobs without prior practice.

6. Photo Card

illustration credit via JYP Ent

No music fans appreciate photo cards like K-POP fandom does. In order to get a photo of their idol, or what is commonly called a bias, K-POP fans are willing to buy several albums. However, each album has random photo cards.

The more popular the K-POP idol member, the more expensive their photo card is when sold to the fanbase. Once again, this culture cannot be found in other music fandoms. Because photo cards are part of the long-standing K-POP culture.

7. Being a Fan of K-POP Companies

illustration credit via JYP Ent

There are other peculiar things that happen in K-POP, and it rarely happens in other music fandoms. A successful entertainment company that produces talented idols usually gains their own fans.

That's why in K-POP, there are company stans. Where fans evaluate junior artists from Company A, B, C, they are considered to always have quality because they learn from the success of their seniors. This indirectly successful entertainment company that attracts fans will eventually become a famous entertainment company or agency in South Korea.

8. Prestigious Fan Projects

illustration credit via YG Ent

It can be said that K-POP fans are the most loyal and royal music fandom in the world. Because of their desire to see their idol succeed, K-POP fans not only buy albums and official merchandise released by the overseeing company.

In fact, K-POP fans through K-POP fanbases are not hesitant to raise funds to realize prestigious projects. For example, on their idol's birthday, K-POP fans are not hesitant to display greetings on billboards scattered in various iconic and famous places in the world, such as Times Square New York, Burj Khalifa Dubai, and so on.

This real dedication is what ultimately sets K-POP apart from other music fandoms. It doesn't matter if you're not particularly interested in K-POP because everyone has different music preferences.

However, don't underestimate K-POP fans, as your contribution as a music fan to idol artists may not be as significant as theirs. So, there's no need for unnecessary fanwars. After all, music is meant to be enjoyed, not debated, right?

(kly/tmi)