Why is it Difficult for K-Pop Fans in Korea to Accept When Their Idols Announce Marriage? Here's the Explanation!

Kapanlagi.com - When Chen from EXO wrote a letter to announce his marriage and awaited the birth of his first child, K-Pop fans immediately went into a frenzy. Chen had never previously revealed his relationship, although many fans were suspicious of it.

In general, EXO fans outside of Korea showed tremendous support and congratulated Chen, even admiring his decision to take responsibility while his career as a K-Pop idol was at its peak. However, this was not entirely the case in Korea. Some EXO fans in Korea were disappointed and even demanded that the man whose real name is Kim Jongdae leave the group.

This situation is reminiscent of Lee Sungmin from Super Junior. When he decided to marry his girlfriend Kim Sa Eun, Suju fans in Korea were not accepting, which eventually led to Sungmin's hiatus from all group activities until now.

So, what is it that makes many Korean fans unable to accept when their idols get married? This article is for fans outside of Korea who cannot comprehend the logic of K-Fans. And it should be noted that Kapanlagi.com is only providing an explanation without taking anyone's side.

1. Fandom Culture in Korea

Before starting, it is important to understand that the mindset of fans in Korea is different. Fandom culture there started in the 90s, beginning with Seo Taiji and the Boys and continued to grow when H.O.T reached the peak of their success. The idol image was formed as a 'imaginary boyfriend' that made fans feel like they have a special relationship with the admired figure.

For Korean people, idols exist and can be very successful because of their fans. Therefore, what they do and show must make their fans feel happy. An idol must frequently express love and gratitude to their fans.

This mindset is not accepted by fans outside of Korea who are used to seeing celebrities change partners frequently, whether in Indonesia, the US, or other countries.

2. Being Able to Maintain an Idol Image

Another request from fans to their idols is to maintain their image as a well-known K-Pop star. One way to do this is by not publicly announcing their relationships. Because if it is known or admitted that they are dating, their image as an idol will be lost and they will no longer have commercial value.

Of course, besides not openly dating, an idol must also maintain proper manners wherever they are to avoid disappointing many people.

3. Regarding Secret Relationships

Letter from Chen © SM Entertainment

Many fans in Korea claim that they are not angry because their idols are getting married, but because the idols cannot maintain their image, which is considered to be able to damage their individual and group careers. Korean fans say that they don't mind if their idols are dating, as long as it is kept secret.

Chen and Sungmin's fans admit that they have known for a long time that their idols are dating, but they have been trying to cover it up to protect Chen and EXO's image.

For EXO fans, Chen himself is considered to have made no effort to hide this relationship and is seen as prioritizing his personal life as Kim Jongdae. Therefore, some fans in Korea feel that there is no point in protecting Chen if Jongdae himself doesn't care about his image as Chen the idol.

4. Reasons for Being Asked to Leave

According to netizens, an active idol who is even at the peak of popularity should not announce their relationship, let alone get married because their partner is pregnant first. Their image as a husband and father will damage their image as an idol.

That's what made many EXO fans ask Chen to leave the group. They don't want EXO to be known and mocked as a group with members who are fathers. They then asked Chen to focus on being a solo singer or live the way he wants. Solo singers in Korea are considered to not have a sentimental relationship with fans, unlike K-Pop idols.

5. Fansite Close Down

Fansite is a term for fans who take videos and photos and follow their idols wherever they go for official activities, both in Korea and abroad. Usually, when they hear that their idol is dating or getting married, some fans are disappointed to the point of closing their sites.

The reason fansite close their sites is because of this disappointment, feeling that they are the ones who spend the most money for their idol. From the cost of going abroad to creating expensive birthday projects for their idol. Therefore, when their idol is seen as no longer able to maintain their image, many fansites feel betrayed and choose not to support them anymore.

6. When Will All of This End?

For now, when will this mindset end, it feels like waiting for fans to grow up or when they themselves have a partner so they won't follow their idol's career too much. Or maybe from the beginning they consider fans as friends or family.

Kim Heechul has always said not to expect too much from him. D.O. EXO also stated that fans are like friends to him. D.O. also firmly said no when a fan jokingly asked him to marry them.

Well, hopefully this mindset will change soon and they can accept that their idols are also ordinary humans!

(kpl/pit)