I had to share this concert pic it's too cool

Hi, long time lurker, first time poster—I’ve hashed this out on twitter in the past, but no one wants to hear it over there, my bad if it’s already been talked about here before :) I really think excessive album/song variants in k-pop has really spoiled the prestige of Billboard achievements. It’s been ongoing for a few years now, and obviously it’s not exclusive to k-pop either, but k-pop is certainly the worst offender. Back when I got into k-pop, each group sold maybe 2-4 versions of an album, dropped one remix, and that was that. Assuming most western acts at the time were selling both CDs and vinyls—this was well within reason, and selling 100k+ was truly impressive. At that level most fans, even the most dedicated, would be buying one copy of each version and calling it a day. Maybe they’d stream the remix once or twice, maybe they wouldn’t. But the numbers genuinely reflected the audience (to a degree). But around mid-2023, I feel like we totally lost the plot. I feel like the year started off well enough (I’m just using a group I’m familiar with as an example, no hate to anyone) back when TXT’s “Temptation” took a BB200 #1 and a “Sugar Rush Ride” a Bubbling Under #2. There were four versions of the album (8 if you count each member version on its own) and no remixes. This was genuinely reflective of a song/album that had the attention of the american k-pop audience, and the charts reflected as much. But as the year continued, groups suddenly began dropping more and more versions—suddenly we had compact versions, groups with 8, 10, 12+ member versions, extra jewel case versions, etc., and by the time we got to 2024, groups were dropping merch versions, postcard versions, blind box versions, hell—some are straight up just a Pokémon pack of photocards at this point. At the same time, groups went from one remix (like an english version), to 4, 8, 12, random remixes and some even started selling “albums” that were just their title track and remixes as a physical item too. Now it seems like the average fan went from buying 2-4 versions to buying double, or triple that. Fans are running campaigns to “cheat” the billboard 4 per person rule, fans spread infographics explaining spotify filters to “mass stream effectively”, and fans are crowd funding internationally so the same people can buy 10+ copies of the digital singles/albums. Don’t get me wrong, it works—they get their headline, and the fans RUN with it. Fanwars are FUELED by who has what number, where, when, and how many times…But do we not feel it’s a little shallow now when you hit a BB #1 with 20+ versions? Or when the fan campaigns end and groups fall off the chart completely in just a week? Or breaking into the Hot100 mid-chart for one week just to drop off completely the next? These epic highs and lows don’t earn these groups radio play or general public recognition (outside of BTS/BP), and it really just feels like these companies are selling the illusion of popularity at the expense of the same fans at this point. Idk I really just have mad respect for groups that have stuck to smaller variant runs, or limited (or delayed) remix releases nowadays. submitted by /u/OuterFreakinSpace [link] [comments]

I wanted to make this post as an attempt to try to make at the very least some people feel a bit more better. I have been a kpop fan for two years, and I do not know if things were better in the past or not, but I have seen across my short journey in this new world of music that people are being affected by the toxicity caused by their fandom's stans that just ruin the vibe of whatever is going on, with either fanwars or obsession over streaming. This does not apply to just one group in particular and I have these issues in most fandom spaces. Kpop is a very competitive place where participants in it essentially push and make efforts to stand out like athletes do before a competition or even the Olympics. I have only noticed recently the similarity and ever since then, that has helped me take a different perspective across the whole industry. Its natural to have a liking towards your favorite artists, and taste is subjective at the end of the day. As such, never let yourself affected by the fans who go "If you stan XYZ you cannot stan other groups". Kpop is meant to be enjoyed as a source of entertainment first and foremost, not a part-time job that pays in serotonin. Simply think about it: Why would you let a stranger literally dictate your taste, what you like and what you dislike? Not only that, but if you do like something, why would you let a stranger dictate how you should like that thing as well? You shouldn't. So no matter what happens, it will be fine. You know you are a fan of whatever group you decide to support, and no matter how much support you decide to show, or not show, as long as you know in your heart that you identity as a fan, thats all it is worth in the end! You don't have to be obsessed with your passions to be a fan, after all. Hope this will help some of you deal with the toxicity of certain kpop spaces, even if little. Sending hugs your way and I hope you all have an amazing day!!! submitted by /u/Stephan2005 [link] [comments]

I tend to get into groups thru their MVs, and I love guessing their positions, especially who’s the leader and maknae. But i don’t always guess correctly! Wrong guesses i made: -Thought Rosé was leader of Blackpink, lol. I watched an interview and she was so confident and well-spoken and lead the conversation with other members so i assumed she was leader -Thought Ryujin was leader of Itzy. That energy in Wannabe!! 🔥 -Thought Leo was leader of VIXX. He just looked so assertive and had lots of parts in the songs, idk he just looked so leader-ish to me. -Thought Yuqi was a main vocalist. She had such a strong voice! -Thought Seungkwan was an older member 🤦‍♀️ lmao Pls tell me im not the only one who made incorrect assumptions?? submitted by /u/Lilac-Soul [link] [comments]

Saw a video where the mic fully moved from her mouth. No audio interference or change whatsoever…. Yes that’s so LIVE! I’ve seen a 2nd gen vocalist who across 10 performances sounded her exact same during her high note. I just wanted to tell you they lip synced even back then submitted by /u/Royal_Land_7344 [link] [comments]

Okay so just the other night I recently came across KATSEYES promotional ad campaign for GAP Jeans called 'Better in Denim' where at first I truthfully didn't think much of it, as someone from Canada its not uncommon to see promotional ads for GAP, where although they aren't from here they are based here to. Despite not being the biggest follower of girl groups as a whole I do know of a majority of artists (HEIZE for example is someone I enjoy listening to), but I have heard of the group due to this youtuber I follow who's a big fan and casually mentions them or suggest their songs throughout his videos, where sometimes his boyfriend would also suggest their performances, where despite their show I don't know a whole lot. I'm not sure if this is the right word to explain it, but they just have that 'aura' something that just makes you drawn to them if that makes sense. They just really capture my attention in a good way, not only in terms of how they present themselves but just as a whole. I was incredibly happy to see that they weren't 'whitewashed', it made me feel happy for those fans who want/need to see that diversity, and that was so incredibly refreshing and such a positive thing (I can't talk much about that but I did notice that.) It'll be interesting to see what they do next and go from here!. submitted by /u/Responsible-Box2876 [link] [comments]

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I was looking forward to them, when the members got announced and the fact that its LATIN BOY group. and I check them and so much has happened?! I never knew! are they already a group? are the still going through the process of choosing the members? where can I watch? thanks to anyone! submitted by /u/Clear-Ad6161 [link] [comments]

And I'm not even saying this in a sarcastic or condescending way, it's just genuinely so funny and interesting to me - it resembles actual wars in a way lol. Like wdym there's ALLIANCES??? For voting and support?? I'll give you my favourite example (just note, I'm not saying this in a biased way, this is just what I picked up) Currently for the VMAs best group, there's a bunch of polls. It was Katseye vs Stray Kids yesterday, and a lot of eyekons were convincing other fandoms to vote for Katseye in order to make skz lose (for example, moas, armys, mys, etc). Unfortunately, Katseye lost, and today it's Aespa vs Skz. Now, the funny part is apparently a my was trying to convince midzys to vote for Aespa because "mys supported Girls Will Be Girls", and then midzys were like "huh??" Because that account had previously 1) Shaded Itzy on multiple occasions 2) Voted for Doyoung and encouraged other mys to vote for Doyoung last minute solely so Itzy wouldn't win I just realised I explain it badly but my point is, it's funny to me because they take it so seriously. I don't really care for vma awards but they treat the whole thing like politics, and as someone who's studying world war 1 at the moment I'm seeing the similarities. I've been smiling the whole morning while laughing at some of the things people do on social media submitted by /u/Far-Squirrel5021 [link] [comments]

It's becoming more and more widespread as time goes on, and as we know, the companies will take a mile if people give them an inch. Ironically, it's the smaller fanbase like Artms and Billlie that put their foot down and actually got the involved artists to put out a statement. But in the rot starts from the top, and people aren't paying attention. submitted by /u/Recent-Pension1179 [link] [comments]

Today’s two battles are 1. purple kiss vs. loona and 2. Idle vs. itzy. Remember to make two separate comments one being either purple kiss or loona and the other being idle or itzy. Happy voting😊! submitted by /u/No-Recording-3274 [link] [comments]

it feels like she's included in each and every detail and the way the teasers and the song we heard so far and the style gosh it just screams chaeyoung!! i loved the other girls solos and i listen to them all the time but i never got the feeling like they want it in a really specific way and style like she does (maybe because it's a whole different sound and style? irdk) she's so unique and talented and i can't describe how excited i am for her solo the girls are so talented it's amazing to finally see them doing whatever they want submitted by /u/soleyedi [link] [comments]

I enjoy collecting albums too if I love the music but it's also sad to see albums artists have worked so hard on being thrown away in landfills and discarded in back alleys. If physical albums are gone what will that mean for album awards like Album of the Year and smaller awards based on physical numbers? submitted by /u/No-Vehicle1562 [link] [comments]

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by this I mean dude k platforms are a whole level of insanity recently, feels like 2017 again and well it always has been. for the past 2/3 years I was super busy and was barely into Kpop, and my life was soooo peaceful like my feeds were calm and actual fun stuff instead of chronically online people. And then I got bored and got sucked into it all again, I guess because I took a career break, I forgot how addictive it all is when you're in it, I get what people mean when they say Kpop is intense because it actually feels life consuming due to the content. every emotion is elevated, from happiness to anger, like I want to go back to what my peaceful life was but I enjoy the music and I like the artists and how they are funny, but it's war trying to cater your feed to these things without there being, hate, fanwars, body shaming etc.... its so annoying, why do people hate on other groups so much, why do they want to see others fail so badly? is it bitterness? do they have no fulfilment in their lives? I am a fully employed person with no time to even take a glance at the detail that haters do. why are their hearts filled with so much hostility and hate? and if you are a person who comments these things or engage in posts/ makes the hateful posts, why is that? do you have so little happiness in your heart? I know nothing will ever be sunshine and rainbows I guess I am just at a position where I dont understand how a community that for a long time was full of people who were hiding they liked it and/or made fun of- not everyone- and how its become even worse, it was never great I know that, but I also realised how much happier I was being away from it, which I hate because I want to be involved yet it drains me submitted by /u/sonotmeanttobe [link] [comments]

ILLIT Hearts2Hearts Kiikiii Meovv SayMyName Right now, I think ILLIT is really starting to pull away from the pack. They are rapidly developing solid fanbases domestically and internationally. They are setting them selves up for a massive 2026 i think. submitted by /u/tzukani_ [link] [comments]

Feel free at add your or say what you think of mine. ( photo not mine) submitted by /u/kpopfan230 [link] [comments]

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i think most international engenes (not in korea) are seriously underestimating just how negative belift’s rep as a company is here in korea and how this ggum plagiarism is seriously going to affect enha if belift doesn’t step in. Nowadays when you see plagiarism talks in kpop spaces it’s usually lowbrow fanwar manufactured nonsense like “this group copied that groups lighting & outfit color scheme” or “this group used this basic common imagery (like red hearts or pink clouds) & now that group used it too”. not at all newsworthy and the general public doesn’t really care about that. the ggum album keychain plagiarism discourse is unfortunately not that. If you’re into kpop in korea, you know belift as a company that dabbles in plagiarism. they have a reputation for constantly monitoring and ripping off small artists/small brands in a way that’s often grounds for a lawsuit. this reputation comes from multiple plagiarism accusations that each made the news in kpop communities, the mhj/njz scandal & ongoing lawsuits that made national news, and rumors about how belift staff mistreat their own idols. Generally for smaller brands, it would be unwise to sue a company under a major multimillion conglomerate like Hybe. they’ll have to either settle for a stupidly low amount that probably wont even cover half the lawyer fees or risk going bankrupt bc they don’t have enough funds to keep fighting for what’s rightfully theirs. so the public will loudly support them as best as they can and it seems that’s what moas & a lot of k engenes are doing. With the ggum keychain situation, it actually really surprised me when I saw on the international side, engenes were downplaying it and chalking it up to moas overreacting when there was clear concrete evidence unintentionally releases by belift themselves and the original artist agreed that their original limited edition work was in fact used. most k engenes were super upset with the company for lying about the product being artist made when it obviously wasn’t and the rudeness of trying to sell them plagiarized goods. the public reaction was kinda like “ah. belift again. of course.” everyone knows/likes txt & ggum/yeonjun is crazy popular so it’s very audacious for belift to once again keep silent while enhypen unfairly takes the heat from the public and it’s quite disappointing to see in a space that often supports original work and creativity that some are supporting a company that almost always in the wrong over artistic integrity. submitted by /u/RegPop [link] [comments]