The 'Black Ocean' Phenomenon in K-pop

In K-pop, the 'Black Ocean' refers to a situation where fans of a specific group intentionally turn off their light sticks, creating a sea of darkness in the audience. This phenomenon, showcasing the competitive nature of fandoms, has been documented in several major events, leading to significant discussions and controversies.

Notable Instances of 'Black Ocean'

Over the years, several notable events have captured the essence of 'Black Ocean' in K-pop. Here are some instances that have garnered considerable attention:

2014 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA)

During EXO's performance at the 2014 MAMA, fans of other groups, particularly those of BTS and Girls Generation, reportedly turned off their light sticks, creating a striking 'Black Ocean' effect. This event highlighted the competitive nature of K-pop fandoms and sparked discussions about fan behavior and group rivalry.

2015 MNET Asia Music Awards (MAMA)

Similar occurrences were noted during performances by groups such as GOT7 and TWICE. During these performances, fans of other groups did not participate in cheering, contributing to the 'Black Ocean' atmosphere. These instances further underscored the competitive nature within the K-pop community, leading to intense discussions and debates.

2016 KCON

During a performance by I.O.I at the 2016 KCON event, some fans reportedly did not engage, leading to a 'Black Ocean' effect. This event highlighted not only the competitive nature of fandoms but also the sometimes polarized views and reactions among fans.

Famous Groups Affected by 'Black Ocean'

The phenomenon of 'Black Ocean' is not confined to a single group but has affected several K-pop groups, revealing the underlying issues within the fandoms.

BTS

In 2016, at the Melon Music Awards and the Golden Disk Awards, many people turned off their lightsticks when BTS were performing. Many fans of BTS (Armys) claimed that the 'Black Ocean' was caused by EXO-Ls, the fans of EXO. At both events, the lack of support for BTS creates a stark contrast, highlighting the rivalry between fans of different groups.

Girls Generation (SNSD)

The Dream Concert, held on June 7, 2008, was a significant event. Despite the presence of many stars performing at the event, fans of SNSD were reportedly targeted by other fandoms. In an instant, all fans except for those of SNSD turned off their lightsticks, creating a dark and silent atmosphere. The incident not only demonstrated the competitive nature of fan groups but also showed the underestimation and perception of new groups in the K-pop scene.

SEVENTEEN

On December 2nd in Hong Kong at the Asia World Expo, SEVENTEEN, as rookies, attended the yearly award show. During their performance of their new song 'Mansae,' the whole stadium went dark, suggesting an 'accidental blackout.' Many speculate that it might have been when other fandoms turned off their lightsticks to save batteries, reinforcing the idea of the 'Black Ocean' effect.

Lovelyz

During the Pepsi Concert on December 6th, Lovelyz performed and the event saw many posts indicating that the lightstick bulbs were turned off. Some fans pointed out that the majority in the crowd were INFINITE fans, making it unlikely for them to boycott their own group. This incident adds another layer of complexity to the already intricate dynamics of K-pop fandoms.

EXO

At the 2016 Dream Concert, other fandoms decided to turn off their lightsticks when EXO was performing, citing that their lightstick batteries were out. While EXO-Ls still had their lightsticks on, this incident is often debated and discussed in the context of the 'Black Ocean' phenomenon, adding to the ongoing controversies within the K-pop community.

Apart from the Notable Events

These events are some of the more memorable instances of 'Black Ocean' in K-pop. However, there are many more examples that have been documented but may not be as widely recognized. Fans and enthusiasts often share their experiences and observations, contributing to a larger narrative about the competitive nature of K-pop fandoms.

For more updates and anecdotes, feel free to share your experiences or mention any other 'Black Ocean' events in the comments below. Your contributions can help us better understand and document this fascinating aspect of K-pop culture.