My KPop Journey Part III
How has KPop positively impacted your life?
- Music was always a part of my life, so naturally, music was there to calm my emotions when they get the best of me. Music also comforted me at my worst times, made me feel heard and KPop as a music genre, was no better.
Can you share a story of how KPop helped you through a tough time?
- My first ever KPop group I stanned, saved me from when I was deep in depression and for once, felt like I belonged somewhere. Back then, I was in a community with people who liked the same group and music as I did and I was able to distract myself from the dark and negative things that were happening in reality. TVXQ as five, helped me when I was constantly bullied at school and being ignored at home.
Have you made any significant life decisions inspired by KPop?
- Not that I can think of at the moment.
What's the most valuable lesson you've learned from being a KPop fan?
- That you can easily fall into being a parasocial relationship with a group you find yourself attached to and that it will spiral into betrayal and hate if you fall in too deep.
How has KPop influenced your worldview or interactions with different cultures?
- It didn't influence my view all that much.
Do you have any KPop related goals or dreams, like learning Korean or visiting South Korea?
- I used to, during my first year or two of being in KPop. But after 16 years of listening to KPop and 3 Generations of groups debuting, I've stopped. However, there is still one KPop related goal/dream that I've held up until a year or two ago. The dream of seeing my first ever group, TVXQ, that I've witnessed splitting into two groups, to be back together again as five. To perform as five. To make music as five. I've always thought AKTF (Always Keep The Faith) in the back of my mind, but lately, when I finally was able to process Yoochun's scandal (3 years after the incident came out), I realized that the dream will never come true. A part of me that used to love him as he was my 2nd Bias of the group and my self-called Soulmate, now has disappeared and I feel weird whenever I see his pictures. Lowkey, I blame him for destroying my dream of seeing them as five.
Has KPop inspired you to pursue any particular hobbies or interests?
- KPop didn't help me have any new hobbies. They have only helped strengthened it. I've always loved writing and writing fanfics about KPop groups only made me love writing even more. Same goes for the music. Music has been my comfort. And lately, a certain group member has been showing his drawings/paintings on social media, which kind of awoken a past side of me that used to draw and paint as a means of getting my emotions out rather than letting it simmer inside of me. But it hasn't been enough for me to actively re-start drawing/painting though.
What's the biggest change you've noticed in your life since becoming a KPop fan?
- Usually I would keep to myself and not be curious about anyone. KPop has changed me with it's parasocial relationship that the companies like to put between their artists and the fans.
How do you integrate KPop into your daily life?
- I always listen to music. At this point, a moment without music, I feel empty. So naturally, KPop as a music genre, is now a part of my daily life.
Do you share your passion for KPop with family or friends who aren't fans? How do they react?
- My little sister used to listen to KPop back when I first stumbled upon it, but now ... I'm not sure. I did tell my Mom certain things when she ask about it. And I had a friend that talked about BlackPink and BTS, but that's it. Then there's also two co-workers at the moment that likes BTS. Other than my Mom, I haven't told anyone about my love for KPop.
Has KPop inspired you to create any content like art, music, or writing?
- Yes. Through TVXQ, I wrote poetry and made many FMV (Fan music videos). I've also written fanfics of TVXQ, GOT7, and now Stray Kids.
What's the most meaningful KPop related event you've participated in?
- Being in a Tumblr group dedicated to AKTF with TVXQ which comprised of OT5 fans, JYJ fans, TVXQ (as two) fans, and solo fans and creating peace and giving out information to new fans.
How do you think KPop improves understanding and appreciation among different cultures?
- By introducing new foods, etiquette, various ideals.
Do you use KPop as a way to connect with people who have different interests from yours?
- I used to, but now, I'm only here for the music and not the drama.
What advice would you give to someone who's just starting to explore KPop?
- KPop doesn't stop at BlackPink, BTS, LE SSERAFIM, and New Jeans. Just saying.