The Untold Stories Behind Idols.
Nowadays, fandom and fan culture have steadily gained public attention. Many individuals are interested in how this subculture contributes to society. However, their existence appears to have attracted more public notice than ever in recent years. With the advancement of social media, which acts as a convenient platform for fans to engage with their idols and organize and carry out various events, fans' scope and diversity of activities are expanding.
Fandom technology is evolving as well. The firms behind some of K-top pop's performers are paving the road for a new method to commercialize them. They've created online channels to give K-pop fans the impression that they have direct access to their favorite idols. This access influences how these fans connect with the idol as a kind of friendship, as well as how they interact with other fans.
To be honest, there are excellent admirers of pop celebrities and some who pursue them, give strange presents, and even attempt to abduct them. Generally, fandoms are cheerful and stress-free communities. From setting up on-ground fundraising drives to hosting record-breaking internet events, their devotion to and excitement for supporting their heroes frequently earns our respect. While there is no dispute about their dedication, the cruel fact is that sometimes it is the most fervent admirers that endanger their heroes.
Calling the idols' personal phone numbers, hacking their social media accounts, stalking their idols' group, overcrowding at airports, and, in more extreme cases, camping outside their idols' dorms or houses, installing secret cameras, placing recording, or tracking devices in hotels or in cars, sending disturbing gifts or fan letters (a female fan reportedly sent a love note written in menstrual blood to OK Taecyeon, a member of K-pop group 2PM).
Fans prefer to examine those who engage closely with their celebrities, and dating scandals are the pinnacle of their internet digging. If a K-pop artist, for example, has the same Instagram poses and captions as a person they're close to, or wears similar clothing, this can already spark relationship rumors among fans. Some fans get carried away with their strong feelings and emotions for the artist, causing bouts of jealousy whenever their favorite artists interact with the opposite gender or are involved in a dating scandal.
This is why, for them, it's essential to be aware of one's own limitations as a fan, especially when it comes to personal life. Off-camera/off-stage, respecting their privacy, personal space, relationships, and identity ensures their safety and demonstrates to them that they are more than just entertainment robots for you.
Know where you stand as a supporter. Just though you know their birthdays, allergies, and pets' names doesn't imply you know them. And, if you truly want the best for them, demand adequate security to ensure their safety.
Stitch (2021). K-popâs fandom platforms are changing what it means to be an idol. [online] The Verge. Available at: https://www.theverge.com/22589460/kpop-fan-cafe-weverse-universe-lysn-bts-idol-fandom-group.
âJia, B., Li, J. and Ma, J., 2021, December. Transformation of Fan Culture Under the Influence of Social Media. In 2021 4th International Conference on Humanities Education and Social Sciences (ICHESS 2021) (pp. 2173-2178). Atlantis Press.