Being a part of the K-Pop community can be so fun. There’s so many different fandoms for every group in the industry. While being in the fandom can be fun, it can also be exhausting. Here’s some of the ups and downs of what being in the fandom can be like.

The Ups

Making Friends

The amount of people you’re able to meet just by being a fan of a group is insane. Knowing there’s so many others who you can bond with just by being a fan is a wonderful feeling. There’s so many different ways to meet everyone too,  whether it’s by attending concerts, being active on social media (particularly Twitter), or going to other events like cup sleeves or dance plays. One thing to know for sure is you aren’t alone in navigating fandom life.

The Concerts

K-Pop concerts are easily some of the funnest concerts EVER. Between finding the perfect outfit, getting a lightstick, learning fanchants, and watching idols perform, the energy at a concert is unmatched. A lot of groups know how to get the energy to fill entire arenas and stadiums, so even the people who are sitting the furthest away have the funnest night of their lives. It’s also fun going to venues early and getting lots of freebies such as slogans and photocards from people!

Comeback Season

Everyone loves comeback season! The weeks and days leading up to your favorite group’s comeback can be so exciting. Concept photos, teasers, and the weeks of promotion following are all fun ways to keep up with the groups! It’s also so fun to see a fandom come together with the excitement when the song/album drops.

Making Memories

Combining the fact you’ll make amazing friends and see fantastic concerts, they will create some amazing memories. There’s no better feeling than remembering the fun you had with the people you’ve met simply by being a fan of K-Pop. 

The Downs

While there’s some great parts of being in fandoms, there’s always some downsides that can be frustrating.

Fan Wars

While no one likes to be involved in fan wars, they unfortunately happen. Usually fan wars are over the silliest things that are not a big deal at all, but it doesn’t stop these fights from happening. It’s important to know that it’s a good idea to sometimes step away from Twitter or other social media for a while if you need a break from the drama. And yes, while it’s sometimes hard not to voice your own opinion during fan wars, it’s also best not to get involved and escalate it even more. It’s never that big of a deal, and it will eventually blow over.

Some Fans Are Just Exhausting

Everyone is a fan in their own way. No one should dictate how to be a fan of anything, not just K-Pop. If you’re the type of fan who wants to camp out for a concert, then go for it! If you’d rather just show up the day of the concert and enjoy the day, then you’re allowed to do that too! Other times, the fans will make you feel disconnected from a group due to drama that some fans cause. Just know that it’s okay to be a fan of a group and not the fans; after all, the group is who makes the music! Go at your own pace, nothing else will matter except how comfortable you are being a fan at the pace you want to be.

Not Everyone Will Understand

Because of the language barrier, many people won’t always understand why we’re fans of K-Pop without making comments. If you’re a newer fan of K-Pop, just remember why you became a fan. Maybe you thought the music was catchy or thought a music video was really cool. Comments about not understanding what they’re singing or what they look like will start to roll off your shoulders easier if you just remember that not everyone will be as understanding and open-minded. Friendly reminder, these same types of people will make these comments while listening to other non-English songs too. It makes no difference. Just take a breath and continue to enjoy what you like. I promise it will get easier the longer you’re a fan.

Despite the fact that being in a K-Pop fandom can be a rollercoaster sometimes, we wouldn’t have it any other way. We’re all here to support our favorite idols and at the end of the day, that’s the most important thing.