Throwback Thursday: For the Fans
As any fan can attest, there’s a special relationship forged between K-Pop artists and their fans that’s unlike any other. Fans will fiercely support their group or idol through the ups and downs of their career, and artists will do all they can to comfort their listeners with their music. Many fandoms have special songs reserved especially for this unique idol-fan relationship, and this week on Throwback Thursdays we’d like to highlight some of them! Check out our favorite fan-dedicated songs below.
“Be The Light” - Block B
Released in 2013, Block B’s “Be The Light” represents a turning point for the group after leaving Stardom Entertainment and signing with Seven Seasons. The track was pre-released before their newest album at the time and offered BBCs hope that things would finally get better for the group. While the music video can be interpreted in several ways, looking at the lyrics, it's pretty clear that the group had their fans—their light—in mind during their dark times.
“Dear Kamilia” - KARA
Originally released as a Japanese track on their 2011 album Jet Coaster Love, KARA gifted fans with “Dear Kamilia.” In both its Japanese and Korean versions, the girls thank their fans for staying so dutifully by their sides and promise to do the same in return. The song is soft and somber, everything that an emotional fan song should be, and has kept the bond strong between KARA and their Kamilia despite all these years.
“B.A.B.Y” - B.A.P
Fans of B.A.P are no strangers to the hardships that can come with loving an idol group so dearly. Throughout the many ups and downs the group faced in their legal struggles with TS Entertainment, BABYz were always there to support B.A.P when they needed it the most, so it’s no wonder their song “B.A.B.Y” is dedicated to the group’s fans. Vowing to protect their BABYz in the same way BABYz did for them, this song is a testament to the loyal relationship between B.A.P and their fans. Ever since the members’ departure from TS Entertainment in 2018, this song continues to remind BABYz and B.A.P that they are stronger together.
“Promise” - EXO
Following the departure of members Luhan and Kris, EXO further pledged to stay with EXO-Ls through thick and thin in their 2014 song, “Promise.” Composed by Lay with lyrics penned by Chen and Chanyeol, this song is a beautiful and heart-wrenching listen for fans and non-fans alike, but will always hold a special place in the hearts of EXO-Ls. On top of its gorgeous instrumentation and EXO’s token breathtaking vocals, this song is one of the group’s most uninhibited and raw, if still bittersweet.
These are just a couple of the wonderful fan songs out there; but, of course, there are many others just as special as the bond between the groups and their fans. Although we’d love to feature all the artist-fan songs we could only pick a few, so feel free to comment with your fandom song below!