When Adoration Gets Creepy: A Fuzzy Line

Fans love being able to feel connected to their idols. They buy merchandise, brand collaborations, concert tickets, and even clothing items that they have seen their favorite idol wear. This drive for connection can sometimes drift into questionable territory, even crossing the line into downright creepy. Here are some examples of the “do’s,” “don’ts,” and the “questionable” things that fans have done. Use these examples when navigating decisions as a fan and whether or not your choices cross a line. Be aware this is nowhere near a complete list of things. 

Do’s 

Buy Things That Your Idol Has Created or Helped Create 

Any way you can help support your idol is always a good thing. A lot of idols have participated in the creation or curation of clothing, makeup, and even accessory collections. When you purchase these items, they help support the idols who helped create them. Some well-known idol-made brands range from the pricey streetwear to affordable accessories. There are a lot more idol-curated or created brands than you may think. KARD’s BM has a street fashion brand called STAYDIUM LA. BIGBANG’s G-DRAGON’s brand is called PEACEMINUSONE, which has become popular across the world. In 2018. EXO’s Baekhyun was named Co-Creative Director for Prive Alliance and has released his own collection through the brand. Some other collaborations have been through the brand Represent, which has collaborated with GOT7 members JB and Mark Tuan, Kevin Woo, and TVXQ’s Changmin to name a few. Jewelry creator Kapsul has done partnerships with VICTON, Park Jihoon, and Samuel. 

Buy Things From Brands Your Idol Represents

Many idols have had the opportunity to be the face of a brand; this allows for different brands to market to different audiences. Name the item and there is a brand with an idol’s face attached. They represent these items because the brands want you to buy them, and so do the idols. 

Buy Clothing or Accessories Your Idol Has Wore

Lookbook Twitter accounts thrive for a reason; idols are fashionable people. Sometimes a piece will catch your eye. A lot of these brands that idols wear are often unknown to western fans and it helps bring attention to Korean brands, or smaller brands that could benefit from the attention of more people. You never know—an idol may point you in the direction of your new favorite piece. 

Support Organizations Your Idol Supports

A lot of idols support organizations for good causes and often wear items that show the same support. Many idols have been seen sporting the UNICEF ring that helps support children in need. MONSTA X wears bracelets that are from the Global Goals. Stray Kids’s Minho has been seen wearing earrings that the money helps save the polar bears. Hongjoong from ATEEZ has been seen with a single painted fingernail in support of the Painted Man Campaign. There are countless examples of idols showing support for causes through accessories and articles of clothing. Get involved with these same causes that are near and dear to your idols’ hearts. 

Get Tattoos Inspired by Your Idol

Tattoos are something that are sometimes personal and connected to a story. For many of us, our idols helped us work through some tough life moments and this piece of art inked into our skin serves as a reminder of trials overcome. Idols love seeing that they made an impact on our lives. 

Questionable 

These are things that are still things you can do, but in some circles could cross a line. Tread lightly. 

Putting an Idol’s Face on Strange Items

While this can be really hilarious in some cases, others can cross into the creepy territory. If choosing to cover an item with their face, ask yourself: Would you want to see your own face on this in public? If not, the item should be left in the comfort of your home, or not exist at all. Imagine knowing someone you didn’t know had your face plastered on a pair of underwear or stretched out across someone’s body on a pair of leggings. 

Buying it JUST because your idol sponsored/has it

This is something that has been seen in more recent years. As more and more idols are becoming the face of certain brands, their fans are becoming more and more reckless with their purchases. The best example of this behavior is how many BTS fans were purchasing the Samsung Galaxy S20 BTS collaboration just because it was BTS. Days after receiving the purchases many people were returning their devices because they couldn’t find themselves making the switch to the new device. They only purchased a 1000 dollar device because BTS was on it. These impulsive choices can lead to issues later on; only make a purchase if you find yourself using it. 

Don'ts 

Copy clothes or accessories of major significance to your idol 

This is something that has become way too prevalent among fan communities. Fans will purchase or replicate accessories or clothing that hold major meaning to their idols. An example is the SEVENTEEN member ring. Even though Pledis Entertainment had released it as official merchandise, it still crosses a boundary that should never be crossed. Those rings hold major significance to the members of SEVENTEEN. There should only ever be 13 of them at a time; more than that defeats the purpose. If the only meaning to you is that your idol has one, reconsider your purchase. 

Get The Exact Same Tattoo as Your Idol in the Same Spot

Recently a video on TikTok emerged of a BTS fan getting Jungkook’s exact hand and finger tattoos. These tattoos have a specific meaning to Jungkook and it devalues the meaning behind them when someone “steals” them from him. A tattoo is forever on a person’s body and is often deeply personal. A direct replica of a tattoo is never okay. 

Force “Ships” in the Presence of the Idol

Never ever bring up a fan “ship” in front of an idol or even on a platform your idol frequents. On platforms like WeVerse, VLIVE, and Lysn, some “fans” are bringing these discussions to the platforms and causing fights between other fans. These are discussions never meant for idols’ eyes or ears and should remain among fan discussions. No exceptions. 

Final Thoughts

Like mentioned earlier in the article, this is not an exhaustive list. It merely starts the conversation of where the lines should be when seeking the connection with your favorite idol. Being a fan should be fun for everyone. However, keeping realistic boundaries and expectations is what allows for the fun to continue.