Millennials’ Fandom to K-pop Group: Reasons and Effect

Introduction

As individuals, we often idolize popular personalities categorized as Philippine idols, Korean idols, and so on. Nowadays, the popularity of the K-pop genre is among the most common searches on the internet, along with Korean products like K-dramas and K-idols. K-pop emerges from newfound economic surplus, providing the means to develop entertainment and cultural products. Yet, does K-pop serve the needs of the Korean people? How does it fit into Korea's history of struggle, pain, and hard work in development?

Millennials’ Fandom to K-pop Group: Reasons and Effects

Many millennials seem deeply engrossed in the internet, particularly using apps like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, which have become integral to their daily lives. Among these apps, YouTube stands out as a platform where they engage with K-pop content, often impersonating K-pop idols due to their intense fandom. Many young people emulate K-pop by mimicking their speech, fashion, learning Korean, and even adopting their food preferences. Some students are so absorbed in K-pop that they watch videos and dance like K-pop idols even during school hours. Consequently, they may lack academic knowledge because they do not listen to their teachers or participate in class, essentially becoming consumed by their K-pop obsession.

The internet is a powerful tool for acquiring new knowledge, but some youths do not use it appropriately. They fail to gather information that could expand their learning and be applied in daily life, resulting in a lack of knowledge. As students, it is important to expand our knowledge or learn new things that highlight the advantages and disadvantages of being part of a K-pop fandom. Therefore, we should formulate questions that fans need to answer to better understand their engagement.

The K-pop Phenomenon

K-pop is a broad term for music and culture centered around the Korean language. Although many artists hail from countries such as China and Thailand, they are usually based in Korea. Most K-pop groups form through entertainment companies. Each idol undergoes a trainee period where they train and prepare for debut. Your favorite member of a group is referred to as your bias, and if you like a group enough to join their fandom, it’s called ‘stanning a group’ (Kim, 2021). You will likely hear the term UB or ultimate bias, which means your absolute favorite group or person that you stan.

Each group is unique and tends to frequently change its style or theme. K-pop has become a global phenomenon thanks to its distinctive blend of addictive melodies, slick choreography, high production values, and a continuous parade of attractive South Korean performers who spend years in rigorous studio systems learning to sing and dance in synchronized perfection (Jin, 2020).

The Impact on Teenagers and Filipinos

Many teenagers and Filipinos idolize K-pop, which brings them joy when viewed on television. However, idolization can sometimes have negative effects. Many millennials become fans of K-pop groups, and some individuals develop an addiction. It is crucial to consider both the positive and negative aspects of this cultural phenomenon and how it influences young people's lives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while K-pop provides a source of entertainment and cultural exchange, it is essential to balance fandom with real-world responsibilities and knowledge acquisition. Understanding the reasons behind the intense fandom and its effects can help individuals make informed decisions about their engagement with K-pop culture.

References

Jin, D. Y. (2020). K-pop Idols: Popular Culture and the Emergence of the Korean Music Industry. Oxford University Press.

Kim, Y. (2021). The Rise of K-pop: Cultural Influence and Global Phenomenon. Routledge.