The “X doesn’t deserve a solo” thing is kinda dumb

Kpop industry has tons of shows where they interview kpop celebrities, so this supposition might seem a bit strange for all of you. But the thing is, I kinda wanted to see more nardwuar style journalism in kpop. The thing is kpop has been so commericalized(well right fully so because its all about the money baby), and so structaulized (the only ones ive seen close to being somewhat similar to nardwuar was that journalist from the show mmtg from sbs)that sometimes most questions are so similar when I see these interview shows? So when I see a lot of I would say independent journalists(well nardwuar is technically part of a radio crew, but you would see what I mean by that) in hollywood who just happen to meet celebrities in hollywood just walking by and ask questions that is so astonishing to me. I feel like this is just not seen in kpop overall, because I feel like they always should have like pre planned schedules and everything. Also the reason why I do think that this needs to be more of a thing is because I feel like the questions should represent what the fans are curious about instead of the same rhetoric questions(kinda similar to the first point I made.). Without the backup or funding of big broadcasting institutions and companies with economic objectives, I feel like it would convey the honesty more for celebrities. Though I personally think it might be hard considering how controlled the kpop industry is and the existence of stalkers and sasaengs(like it might be hard for independent journalists to be born in here also cause companies would need some kind of verificaiton to make sure they are not ill intentioned people hoping to get a chance with them), I do hope that we have some kind of freedom that is enjoyed in the United States. Well I am saying it again, but I think this is just me. submitted by /u/xalxary2 [link] [comments]

For me, it was when I started pre-ordering albums. For a year or so my only connection was Spotify. But when I started getting deeper and deeper down in that rabbit hole, I realized I wanted to support my groups more. The packaging and everything was so unique compared to western labels. Very collectable. So that's when I started throwing money at the hobby. And now I go to concerts whenever I can 😆 How about your experiences in becoming a true fan? Update: I realize that my wording may not be the best. When I say "true fan", I mean a fan who went from casual to more invested in the group/music/genre. In the beginning, I'd only listen to Spotify, not checking anything else out ever. But now I buy albums, go to concerts, etc. Those who don't do that are absolutely still fans. I'm thinking more the transition from causual to hobbyist. submitted by /u/M_Prodigy [link] [comments]

You know, when you like a song but there comes a certain part that for some reason you don't like or it irritates you, in my case (I know they are not considered Kpop but I don't care and I'm going to mention them), contrary to many, I did like Gnarly, however, when Megan says "OMG is this reaaaaal?" it irritates me a lot, I imagine it's because of the effect they put on it but I don't like it. On the other hand, I love the beginning of Fast forward by Somi, but the chorus when the chorus comes it's like it drains all the emotion because it feels very simple. submitted by /u/Someonehihi [link] [comments]

February 4, 2024 Min Hee-jin: “In the end, we’ll have to use the media. We need to prepare how we’ll pull ourselves out when HYBE gets dragged down as a whole.” March 15, 2024 Min Hee-jin: “Would HYBE really sell NewJeans for 800 billion won? If we had a really powerful bargaining chip, that might work—like some damned skeleton in the closet or a bizarre condition that forces them to negotiate.” April 20, 2024 Min Hee-jin: “Let’s tank ILLIT’s or HYBE’s reputation by making it public. That way, coming up with alternatives about whether to sell ADOR or not will speed up. Even if quiet discussions start inside, we’ll be the ones getting sold off, unable to take the lead.” submitted by /u/ajjanaajjana [link] [comments]

I've had the privilege of attending j-hope's concerts in Thailand, Macao, and soon in Berlin at Lollapalooza. It's disheartening to see claims that he's the least popular member. Metrics like photocard and fancam streams don't define an artist's popularity. j-hope's live performances showcase his exceptional talent, charisma, and professionalism. Every review highlights his ability to engage and entertain the audience. As a fan, I'm excited to see his future projects. Compared to other artists, j-hope's shows stand out – he's a true performer who knows how to captivate his audience. Even casual music listeners had a blast at his concerts. It's time to appreciate j-hope's hard work and dedication rather than perpetuating misconceptions about his popularity. I understand a lot of people mean well and they are proud of j-hope but keep dragging him down with unjust comments. submitted by /u/Fit-Guitar-4274 [link] [comments]

Don’t know how many of you are in illit spaces but the fans have been begging them to try a horror concept pretty since much forever. Their recent mv is less “illitcore” (think of mvs like magnetic and tick tack that are pure illitcore) and more “spooky”. At least more spooky adjacent. It talks about creating a monster,it shows the girls in monster costumes and at the start they’re throwing a bunch of their magic wands at a huge track to be tossed off. Plus it says the magic is gone and they should bring it back. I’m aware the lyrics are talking abt anxiety but I’m curious about the concept So is the recent comeback going to give fans that horror concept?? Personally I love illitcore and think they should stick to it but at the same time an artist has to experiment at some point and can’t stick to the same stuff forever. Tho the most characteristic elements of their concept are definitely there ngl. So what do you think? Is illit headed to a slight concept change? submitted by /u/Alive-Pitch-9180 [link] [comments]

Knowing how attached and parasocially possessive some kpop fans can be, in your opinion, which idols could trigger a completely unnecessary national crisis when/if they get married? Ones that come to mind for me: BTS’s entire vocal line; TWICE Nayeon, Sana, and Dahyun; G-Dragon; Taeyeon; EXO Kai and Baekhyun; Taemin. Who else? submitted by /u/Royal_Law_3130 [link] [comments]

During the Karina scandal, I’ve seen so many AI generated pictures of Karina wearing MAGA hats, with Trump, etc. These posts have been going viral getting ridiculous levels of engagement. Despite how terrible that in itself is, Karina was one of the most deepfaked idols last year in Korea. Just now SM released a statement revealing some people have already been prosecuted and jailed for deepfake crimes related to the aespa members. So to see western K-Pop stans freely feed her face to AI engines for their stupid fanwars is… crazy. Like, western K-Pop stans are no better than the “knetz” they criticize for creating deepfakes of idols. What’s the difference here? Stop feeding idols’ faces to AI. The consequences are criminal and they’re not worth winning some random fanwar. submitted by /u/randomgirl852007 [link] [comments]

I want to start by saying that I’m not entirely sure if this belongs here, but I feel like it is the only place I can talk about it. Kpop fans in social media treat sexualization very lightly. They just don’t know when to stop when it comes to tweet or speak about an idol and their body. I have seen posts that borderline on harassment. I am genuinely uncomfortable being in these spaces because I cannot scroll for 5 minutes without seeing fans saying some really disgusting things. But then they have the nerve to be mad and offended by other things, that may also be offensive! Do they really not see how hypocritical that is? It is genuinely sad to witness. And their reasoning is that idols will probably not see those tweets, but that is not very convincing because they simply just can, if they wanted to. Idols use their bodies and show skin, specially men, but they take it to extremes and I don’t think they’d be ok with that. submitted by /u/sameoldrussianstan [link] [comments]

How does everyone organise their kpop playlists? By genres? Artists? Trying to get inspiration as I currently have just one GIANT playlist and I really need to categorise it somehow hahaha Curious how different people do it! :) submitted by /u/Message-Agitated [link] [comments]

Okay, I need to ask: why are people still gatekeeping K-pop in 2025? Like, do y’all have a contract with SM, YG, or JYP saying you’re the official fandom bouncer? Who died and made you the K-pop TSA? “Oh, you only know their title tracks? Fake fan.” Sorry, I didn’t realize I needed to memorize their entire discography, blood types, and favorite ramen flavors just to vibe to Super Shy on my morning commute. Then there’s the “I’ve been here since 2013” flex. Congrats, do you want a trophy? A cookie? A lifetime achievement award for being an OG? Newsflash: no one cares how long you’ve been here. We all cringe when we look back at our early fan days. And can we talk about how some of y’all treat new fans like they’re invading your personal territory? “You don’t know second-gen groups? Ew, you’re so basic.” Sorry, Karen, but not everyone has the time to deep-dive into a group that disbanded when I was in elementary school. Look, K-pop is for everyone. Whether you’re here for the music, the performances, or just to simp over idols who are too good-looking for their own good, it doesn’t matter. You don’t need a degree in K-popology to stan. Gatekeepers, I beg you: close Twitter, touch some grass, and let people enjoy things. The world’s already stressful enough—can’t we just enjoy our synchronized dancing and earworms in peace? Peace, and love A Tired K-pop Stan submitted by /u/kpoop_ [link] [comments]

I think we need to remember to pay our respects to STAYC. In terms of GirlGroup Kpop, especially the 4thGen, the contribution they made should not be forgotten. I don't really like their new stuff, GPT was cute tho. Their run of So Bad, Asap, Stereotype, Run2U was just...you had to be there. Not to mention their cover of Kiss Me More, which I don't think many other groups have covered such explicit songs. It was just beautiful. I feel like STAYC been lost in the ocean of GG's, we are well and truly in the 5th Gen wave now. STAYC's influence should not be forgotten in the move away from Girl Crush into more softer concepts. submitted by /u/yummyNikNak [link] [comments]

Enhypen. I love Enhypen and they are my main group that I Stan. I've liked them for around a year now. I always support them, watch the videos they upload, even almost going to a concert. But I am not sure if I can necessarily watch their new comeback. I have been so excited about it, but it seems demonic. As a Christian, you're not supposed to expose yourself to demonic things because it could get into your psyche. (If that's how you spell that). Basically meaning that it will affect how you think on things. I will always support them because it's not them. It's their concept and not even I am entirely sure that they get to choose and say anything about their concept. It seems weird that Belift would make them have a concept like this (similar to Dark Blood) when members like Jake are catholic. (I believe. Correct me if I'm wrong.). There also could be symbolism/demonic symbols in their choreography. I don't feel this way necessarily. It's just that other people have said this as well. I just want to know if anybody feels the same way or if anybody else has any advice. I will always support them. The people who are already hating need to chill out. I'm even thinking of not reading any comments on videos and just purely supporting them because of some of the toxic fans. I'm not trying to hate. This is only based from a religious standpoint. Other than that - I would watch their MV about sixteen hundred times. submitted by /u/Camiis_freaky [link] [comments]

I just wanted to share something that’s been heavy on my heart and maybe someone out there has felt the same. My ex and I met in 2015, around the same time SEVENTEEN debuted. In many ways, SEVENTEEN became a huge part of our relationship. We were both fans from the very start, we always even watch their concerts whenever they came to the Philippines (though I usually paid for the tickets. He never really gave me anything in return, now that I think about it). But SEVENTEEN was something we bonded over. From watching the SEVENTEEN project, to looking forward to every debut, never missing their variety and music shows, to watching GoSe weekly, etc. They were one of the few things that made us feel connected. This year, we were supposed to hit our 10-year anniversary, just like SEVENTEEN. But at the start of this year, he cheated and broke up with me. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to go through. And to make things even worse, the girl he cheated on me with… she’s a huge Carat too. SEVENTEEN was what ALSO brought them together. And suddenly, something that once gave me so much joy became painful to even look at. I lost interest in SEVENTEEN for a while. Being a Carat suddenly felt like a reminder of everything I had lost. Like a part of me had been stolen. But then the new album came out. And slowly, I found myself listening again. Crying again. Singing again. Healing, little by little. And then I realized, SEVENTEEN was never about him. My love for them these past 10 years was mine. Real, deep, and unwavering. I may have lost a version of myself, but I also found something new. Something that still believes in love, in growth, and in music that heals. I don’t know if this will mean anything to anyone reading this. But I felt like I had to let it out. Because being a Carat is still a part of who I am, not because of a relationship, but because of what SEVENTEEN means to me. To anyone going through something similar, I hope you find your way back to what you love, too. submitted by /u/p0llen_ang3l [link] [comments]

I kept seeing that it was slated for May/June, I'm surprised that there's zero announcement so far, despite the tour starting pretty soon. Did it straight up get yeeted or what? submitted by /u/Lost-Investigator266 [link] [comments]

K-Pop monthly listeners don't make sense at all compared to the venues and views the groups get Stray Kids apparently only has 9M monthly listeners and are selling out stadiums and are getting average 100m views on a music video? That just seems weird BTS only having 25M monthly listeners with lots of music videos hitting over 1B views and the other ones getting very close does not make sense with the fact that when they go on tour they sell out the same stadium for at least 2 nights minimum with each member being able to go on tour and sell out an arena by themselves is insane Blackpink definitely has way more than 15M monthly listeners bro again the views they get and the stadiums they sell out? way more let's compare this to a smaller artist that is based in the US with more than all of the groups I've named D4vd he has 34.5 million monthly listeners and he is only playing at small venues? Bro something doesn't add up does Spotify delete the monthly listeners? Before someone gets mad at me for talking about monthly listeners this is just a general observation that doesn't add up for me submitted by /u/jhopesspritee [link] [comments]

Link to the Google Form survey • Rank (up to) your top 25 BIBI songs. #1 gets 25 points, #2 gets 24 points, #3 gets 23 points, etc. • You can list <25 songs if you want. TTT lists are always due by Sunday, 11:59 PM Pacific. • You can choose to vote EITHER by filling in the Google Form above OR by leaving a comment down below. • (If you are using Reddit markdown, please do not number every song as 1, while it will show up as 1-25 publicly, when I retrieve the comment using my automated process, it returns all 1s) . • Songs where BIBI was the featured artist are allowed. • Officially released remixes/alternative versions will be counted as separate songs. • Japanese/Chinese/English songs and unreleased songs are eligible. • Japanese/Chinese/English/Korean versions of songs will be considered the same song. List of BIBI songs: https://kprofiles.com/bibi-discography/ Spotify playlist of BIBI's discography: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5yFLOu5c0cdATA87op1T2o?si=c85bbae2b12f40d9 Schedule: June 10th: STAYC June 17th: OnlyOneOf June 24th: Schedule for Second Half of 2025 July 1st: The Rose (Full schedule can be found in the spreadsheet linked below.) Link to the E'LAST results thread . Google Spreadsheet with all past results and full schedule Spotify channel containing all Top Ten playlists YouTube channel containing all Top Ten playlists Interested in doing more song rates? Come join r/kpoprates, where we have K-Pop song rates on a regular basis! Here are the currently ongoing rates: The "Early Gen 3" Girl Groups Rate! TTT lists are always due by Monday, 6 AM Pacific (deadline has been pushed 6 hours later!) submitted by /u/Zypker125 [link] [comments]

I ’ve been holding this in for a while, but seeing the recent reactions to “Escape” and even earlier works like “Red Lights” and “JJAM” I felt compelled to share my perspective. As someone who genuinely respects Stray Kids, particularly Bang Chan and 3RACHA’s dedication to crafting thoughtful, emotionally driven lyrics, it’s disappointing to witness how often their songs are misread, especially by segments of the international audience. To be clear: yes, some K-pop artists do occasionally release tracks with overtly mature themes. Jungkook’s “Seven” is a good example. That song was written by external producers, specifically designed to project a more adult image, released with both explicit and clean versions, and not written by the artist himself. Context matters. That is not the same approach Stray Kids take. Their music, especially when it comes to lyricism, leans heavily into symbolism, layered meanings, and introspective storytelling. Their creative identity isn’t shaped by shock value; it’s rooted in emotional complexity. Take “Red Lights.” It isn’t a song about physical desire. It uses the imagery of chains and tension as metaphors for obsession and being emotionally trapped in a toxic mental loop. “Drive” explores recklessness and longing, not casual intimacy. “Silent Cry” is about emotional breakdown masked by quiet endurance. “Maze of Memories” is a chaotic, inner monologue about fragmented thoughts and not fantasy. Stray Kids, and 3RACHA in particular, have been writing in this style since before debut. Their music is meant to resonate on a symbolic and emotional level. So it’s frustrating to see that nearly every time a new performance video, unit song, or concept is released, especially involving members like Bang Chan or Hyunjin the dominant online reaction shifts quickly to overly suggestive commentary and content edits focused on superficial attraction. It raises a broader question: is this a byproduct of international expansion and growing popularity in Western markets? While it’s true that other groups face similar treatment, it feels more persistent in SKZ’s case. And in the context of K-pop, this matters. The idol industry still operates within a controlled image structure, where a large portion of the audience includes teenagers, young adults, and even younger fans. Entertainment companies like JYPE are very aware of that demographic balance. Releasing something with overtly mature themes would invite unnecessary backlash and compromise their wider appeal. It’s simply not aligned with how their branding or songwriting is built. Bang Chan is known for his tireless work ethic. He’s someone who spends nights refining lyrics, prioritizes emotional expression in his delivery, and reviews feedback from fans in great detail. So when fans quickly reduce a song like “Escape” to a surface-level interpretation, it undermines the complexity of what he and the team are trying to communicate. To me, “Escape” feels like a reflection on emotional escapism not seduction. It conjures the idea of a dreamlike figure, perhaps romantic, perhaps comforting or even symbolic of safety, inviting the listener into a space away from pain or stress. That interpretation allows for nuance, personal imagination, and emotional connection which is the essence of symbolic writing. This habit of minimizing their work to superficial readings not only misrepresents the intention behind it, but also does a disservice to the effort and creativity that artists like Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han invest into their music. Even Bang Chan has expressed frustration with misinterpretations and assumptions in the past, such as when he reminded fans via Bubble not to feed into exaggerated narratives about mistreatment. He reads the comments. He notices the reactions. Not every visually intense concept or emotionally charged lyric is meant to be provocative. Sometimes, it’s simply meant to express pain, introspection, or personal growth and those messages deserve to be acknowledged for what they are. Let’s respect the work for its depth, and the artists for their integrity. UPDATED :- I’ve read through the replies and I just want to clarify a few things because I think maybe my original post came off more rigid than I intended. I’m not saying people can’t interpret art however they want. Obviously, music is subjective and part of what makes it powerful is that people connect with it in different ways. And yeah, 3RACHA are incredibly smart they absolutely know how to play with layered meaning, and I respect that a lot. That said, my issue isn’t really with the existence of multiple interpretations. It’s more about how often the deeper, emotional side of their work gets drowned out by the more surface-level takes especially the overly sexualized ones. It just feels like, time and time again, certain songs or videos get reduced to thirst edits or comments about how "horny" a track is, and the more personal, symbolic messages barely get acknowledged. I know a song like “Drive” can be read as suggestive, and I get that. But I also think it’s about more than that about recklessness, desire in a broader sense, even emotional chaos. “Red Lights,” too sure, there’s tension in it, but it’s not just physical. It’s about obsession and being mentally trapped. My point is, those emotional layers shouldn’t be pushed aside as if they’re less valid just because the other reading is more flashy or viral. I also brought up the context of K-pop and how idol branding works for a reason. These artists are still performing under certain constraints with younger fans, public image expectations, and company involvement all playing a role. Bang Chan, especially, has talked before about reading fan reactions and feeling misunderstood or hurt by certain assumptions. So when fans latch on to a suggestive reading only and ignore everything else, it’s hard not to feel like that misrepresents what the group is trying to do. And yeah, I saw someone mention the LGBTQ director being involved in “Red Lights” that’s cool and all, but I don’t really see how the director’s identity changes the lyrical intent of the song itself. Direction and songwriting are different things. I guess I’m just tired of seeing really thoughtful, emotional music get flattened into something it’s not. It’s not about being a prude or acting like there’s one “correct” way to interpret things. It’s just about not losing sight of the emotional and symbolic weight these artists clearly put into their work Meant to say why fans 90% of the time chose a whole sexy suggestive theme over the others instead(?!) submitted by /u/Party_Nervous [link] [comments]