Filipino fans express their love for K-pop music

(Edited by: Romeylene L. Rabino)

            Korean popular music or better known as K-pop is gaining worldwide popularity since the beginning of “hallyu wave” phenomenon. From “Nobody” by Wonder Girls, “Fire” by 2NE1, “Into the New World” by Girl’s Generation, “Sorry Sorry” by Super Junior to “Gangnam Style” by Psy and “Dynamite” by BTS; every era leaves a mark that everyone will never forget. This makes every fan develops their love and passion for K-pop music which later became their habit.

            Whether it is their hobby during their leisure time, inspiration or even a part of their daily life; this only proves that K-pop music has a special place in everyone’s heart especially K-pop fans.

            This article features some avid Filipino fans on how they embark on their journey  and what makes them love and embrace K-pop music.

1. It is a form of entertainment that gives happiness.

        Gemma is one of the avid fans of BTS. She is currently studying Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. She loves listening to “Spring Day”, “Dynamite” and “Life Goes On” all courtesy of BTS. Her K-pop biases are Jeon Jungkook of BTS, Lia of Itzy and Kim Jisoo of Blackpink. The reason why she loves BTS is because of their talents, personalities and for being a humble person. She said, “K-pop music inspires me to study harder, love myself and be contented of what I am now as a person”.

2. K-pop music has a power which you can feel the emotion despite of the language barrier. 

        Gerie Line is a multi-fandom but her ultimate favourites are IU, Blackpink and BTS. She became a K-pop fan when she started watching K-drama. “After I’m done watching it, I started to search the characters to know them more, then some of them are K-pop idols. That is when I turn into a K-popper and I started loving them too”, she said. She attended the concert of BLACKPINK 2019 WORLD TOUR WITH KIA [IN YOUR AREA] MANILA last February 2, 2019. She also happened to be in the fan meeting of Park Bo Gum Asia Tour ‘GOOD DAY’ in Manila last June 22, 2019. 

3.  K-pop is not just a genre of music; it’s like a world where you can forget all the problems.

           Liza is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Office Administration and currently working as HR Roving. She is a K-pop fan for seven years (since 2014). Her favourite groups are CNBLUE, Shinee and Got7. She haven’t able to attend a concert or fan meeting because of pandemic but last April 21, 2021 she was able to live stream Taemin’s Beyond Live Concert (Never Gonna Dance Again). When asked what is K-pop for her, she replied “K-pop is my best friend. It gives me comfort in times when I am sad or happy”. 

4. It’s my therapy, the cause of my euphoria.

            Mary Joy is a Grade-12 student under the Accountancy and Business Management (ABM) strand. Her favourite groups are EXO, Treasure and NCT. “I became a K-pop fan out of curiosity. I always heard “eurereong eurereong dae” in our classroom, my teacher sometimes talked about K-pop especially EXO during our class because her daughter is an EX0-L. She talked about “Kyungsoo” whom I don’t know about that time.

I also told myself that I won’t enter the “K-pop community” but I didn’t expect that the biggest plot twist of my life was eating my own words. I searched “EXO”, watched their “Growl MV” for so many times, I followed their journey and until now I am an EXO-L”, she narrated.

            She also develops her love for Treasure because they are not just a group but a family for her. They are all- rounder, producers and have a good and real personality on and off cam. Treasure is a soft precious gem that only wants Treasure Maker’s happiness, she added.

5.  K-pop music is unique; not to mention their fashion and slick choreography.

            Michelle is currently a second year college student studying Information Technology. Her K-pop biases are Lisa Manoban of Blackpink and Hwang Yeji from Itzy. She loves listening to “What is Love” by Twice, “Wannabe” by Itzy and “As If It’s Your Last” by Blackpink. She stated that “I love K-pop; I have been a fan for few years now. Even though I don’t speak Hangul, I still personally find their music unique; but what really inspires me is their determination and hard work just to become idols. They always have  this passion in making their fans happy .I am who I am today because of them. They are my driving force to reach my dreams in life.”   

6.  K-pop is my comfort zone.

           Princess Ludy is a first year Education student majoring in English. She has been a K-pop fan for two years and counting. Her favourite groups are Stray Kids, Day6 and Got7. She loves listening to “Zombie” by Day6, “Miroh” by Stray Kids and “You Calling My Name” by Got7. Her fandom means a lot to her that she will stay and protect them in times of struggles and challenges. It is her strength to continue reaching her goals in life. When asked if what K-pop means to her, she answered, “K-pop is the one who help me during my difficult times, you can relate with their meaningful songs which keeps me motivated in life. It made me realized that language is not a hindrance as long as you can communicate with their songs and feel the vibes of it.” 

We have different stories to share when it comes to knowing K-pop music but one thing in common is our unity and respect regardless of our differences.

Music can cross borders ,touch others heart,relax someone’s mind or even calm our soul.

It has no language  barrier. It doesn’t need a thorough  interpretation,it just comes out naturally .