I know this has been a recurring topic in a lot of fandom spaces for the last few years, not just the Kpop space, but I really think we don’t talk enough about the fact that along with a whole load of crap, one of the biggest factors in the toxicity getting so out of control in the kpop space (and all more niche fandom spaces) in the last few years, is that all the normie, popular, school bully types who used to make fun of stuff like kpop, anime etc, joined these fandom spaces during the pandemic when they were bored with nothing to do and they never bothered to learn fandom etiquette, and in a lot of cases just disrespectfully steamrolled over it and brought all the behaviour they’ve displayed in other aspects of their lives and social situations to these fandoms. It’s not like the kpop space was ever perfect. There’s always been bullying and toxicity whether it’s between fans or fans hating on idols, but there’s just this specific brand of toxicity that’s observably consistent across most fandom spaces rn, in or out of kpop, that’s characterised by the same behaviour that a lot of us have been mocked or bullied with for being ourselves and having certain hobbies. It’s kinda wild as an adult in their late 20s because it feels like being thrust back into a concentrated mess of everyone and everything being attacked by popular kid, high school bullies all day every day. It’s really sad. Before I go, I feel like I have to make the disclaimer again: I am well aware this isn’t the only issue in the kpop fan space. I’m aware that the kpop fandom was never perfect. It’s merely observation and a continuation of a popular topic that’s been prevalent across a lot of fandom spaces for the past few years. submitted by /u/Known_Introduction72 [link] [comments]