My Journey into K-pop: From a Casual Listener to a Stan

From the catchy beats of Gangnam Style to the intricate harmonies of modern K-pop, my journey into the world of K-pop has been a fascinating one. This article delves into my initial discovery, how I got into it, and where I am currently in my K-pop fandom.

First K-pop Song Heard

When I first heard a K-pop song, it was Gangnam Style by Psy. I remember being confused by the song at first, not realizing that it was K-pop. I thought the words were a mix of gibberish and English. However, eventually, I realized it was a collaboration with Psy, which made the song even more interesting to me.

The First Actual K-pop Song

It was the song Gee by Girls' Generation that truly introduced me to the world of K-pop. The catchy melody and the vibrant music video had me hooked. I would often hear the song on ROBLOX and decided to watch the video. My love for the group only grew from there.

Gradual Involvement with K-pop

After being introduced to Gee, I stumbled upon other songs such as So What by Twice and DNA by BTS. These songs were often heard on ROBLOX, and as I spent time listening to them, I found myself more and more drawn to the music. One day, a friend at school mentioned that she was a big fan of BTS. I listened to the song she recommended and instantly fell in love with BTS, especially with their music and messages.

Staying Engaged with K-pop

Fast forward to the present, and while I still enjoy K-pop, my level of engagement has evolved. I am now a stainer of many K-pop groups, which was unimaginable to my younger self. My staning groups include BTS, Got7, Blackpink, and Twice, as well as newer groups and soloists. I consider myself a casual K-pop fan, not an obsessive one. K-pop remains a significant part of my life, but I've learned to enjoy it without losing sight of other interests.

Recent Discoveries and Stans

I started stanning K-pop in January 2023. The journey began with a Gilde song on my YouTube FYP, which led me to Tomboy. As Gilde became less exciting, I found myself intrigued by SKZ’s Maniac and Enhypen’s Photo. Enhypen quickly became my top favorite group, closely followed by SKZ. The discovery of the 2Hwang siblings rumor introduced me to ITZY, and my interest in Son Dongpyo from MIRAE led me to their song Jump. These experiences have shaped my love for K-pop and led me to find my ultimate K-pop stans.

Classroom Connections and Friendship

One of my classmates, now one of my best friends, was really into TXT and was so delusional about Beomgyu, which made me laugh. Experiencing K-pop through the eyes of friends, whether it’s through music or videos, has made the journey more enjoyable and memorable. Her influence helped me to explore more of the TXT catalog, such as Sugar Rush Ride and Tinnitus.