Navigating the Complex World of K-pop Fandoms
K-pop culture has seen a significant rise in popularity.
The love for K-pop extends far beyond just the music and idols themselves. It includes the various fan communities that each have their unique characteristics and challenges. For example, ARMY (Bangtan Sonyeondan Army), the official fandom of South Korean boy band BTS, has gained notoriety for its intense passion and sometimes aggressive behavior online. As someone who has been part of a similar fandom, Irsquo;ve learned firsthand about the multifaceted dynamics that exist.
Understanding the Fear Factor
One of the most intimidating aspects of ARMY for me is its power to cancel individuals or groups, particularly those involving BTS. The incident with James Corden is a prime example of this. During his show, he made a comment that seemed to be a generalization about my fandom. Instead of constructively addressing the issue, ARMY members resorted to sending death threats and negative feedback, which ultimately led to Corden bringing BTS back to the show to apologize. This type of behavior makes me uncomfortable and raises questions about the genuine respect and integrity of such fandoms on social media.
Collaboration and Growth Through Fandom
The reality is that artists often collaborate to gain more recognition from their shared fanbases. In the case of BTS and Jason Derulo, their collaboration on the track ldquo;Heartlessrdquo; was mutually beneficial. While itrsquo;s true that some fans took Derulo to task for using BTS as a platform for clout, this too can be seen as a natural part of the fan dynamics. Similarly, as a K-pop fan, I personally gained exposure to artists like Halsey through BTSrsquo; collaborations and activities.
Evolution in Fandom Behavior
Over time, I have observed a trend of ARMY members becoming more compassionate and less prone to heightened reactions. This change can be attributed to the increased number of interactions between the team of BTS and other K-pop idols, proving that the group is more mature and less likely to engage in the previous level of toxicity. For instance, in recent shows like 'Suchwita,' where Yoongi from BTS interviewed another K-pop idol, the overall interaction appeared more natural and less tense.
The Realities of Toxic Behavior
While I believe that there is a significant portion of the ARMY that is kind and genuinely supportive, there are indeed toxic elements within the fandom as well. These individuals tend to be more vocal and disruptive, often drowning out the voices of the more sensible fans. It is important to recognize that toxic behavior is not representative of the whole fandom. I have met many kind and fun ARMY members, and my experience with these fans has been positive and enjoyable, despite my former concerns.