Parasocial Kpop Fans and Their Unrealistic Expectations

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There’s been a trend of kpop idols making the transition from the Korean entertainment industry to Hollywood and America. We’ve been noticing it a lot more ever since the industry started getting recognized all over the world with the help of BTS, kbeauty, and kdramas. Jennie from Blackpink recently starred in Sam Levinson’s show “The Idol” and Jungkook released an English song catered to a Western audience. K-pop fans are divided on this topic since the curated image these idols originally showed them doesn’t match up with how they’re portraying themselves now. There’s an industry formula that’s been perfected where companies will create the perfect environment for fans to have one-sided relationships with celebrities. Everyone’s fighting on social media and in the TikTok comments - it’s time to deep dive into the rabbit hole. Parasocial Kpop Fans and Their Unrealistic Expectations #edvasian

[@YellowLemonRedApple]

It is so insane to me that there are adults in this world who think they have a right to control someone because they made a decision to give that person money...

[@HailToTheMeep]

You sure they’re adults? 😂

[@mordecaiissad8529]

It doesn't surprise me they exist. we saw this mindset in abusive people all the time. What does surprise me is that fans say these things so directly and with such confidence. It's so common to hear K-pop fans say "you would be nothing without fans" when ever they mad at idols not doing exactly what they want. It's so confidently publicly abusive it hurts my brain

[@nervousbreakdown711]

It gives “financially abusive parents” but from someone on Twitter a whole ocean away

[@private755]

It’s so much more common than you think (in my experience dating as a woman)

[@PoussinNoNeko]

They didn't even give the money to them personaly, but to the company... And gifts don't entitle you to anything, otherwise, it's not a gift anymore.

[@ivamladenova589]

Everytime i want to make fun of KPOP stans, i remember my One Direction phase

[@raptoress6131]

I just get scared that they'll find me

[@Real_Jungwon]

I understand why everyone hates kpop stans -a kpop stan

[@iamxxworld]

Me too 😭😭

[@chemicalz000]

Most of us are actually pretty normal, its just the bad ones that get the attention💀💀

[@awtumn]

This was me, but in my Melanie Martinez phase. 💀

[@frankenfurterr3432]

this is exactly why i always say no one hates kpop stans more than other kpop stans 💀 i was shocked that people treated these grown adults like kids and put so much pressure on them its honestly wild! also these people arent fans, theyre delusional stalkers that think they are gonna live out their y/n fantasy 😂

[@dj.j5099]

I agree! I seriously hate some kpop stans 🤦‍♀️ I know some of my ex friends who were horrible

[@jil12345]

I think we have to start calling these people kpop stalkers, cause while stan originally meant stalker fan, it doesn't have that meaning anymore. Just to differentiate, I think it would be good to have a word to differentiate those "fans"

[@Little.Janette]

Yes!!! You spoke right out of my soul😂😂

[@bchud19]

This! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@strwbrryriki]

I agree 100% every single fandom hates themselves and other kpop fans. I’m sorry but everyone hates armies☠️

[@ashers.hangout]

I absolutely hate people infantilize Asian idol groups. It’s so gross and weird, these idols are in their 20s and 30s and people treat them like teenagers. 💀 Like it’s god awful.

[@quirkywoman8969]

or babies with the pacifier edit photos.

[@whatislife3603]

👏👏

[@annayeboah1184]

​@@quirkywoman8969OMG I cringe so hard at those 😢

[@notaspeck6104]

Doesn’t that tie back to the aegyo (not sure if I spelt that right) thing? I mean it doesn’t make it okay. Just pointing out that in a lot of cases companies market their artists/idols and actually want parasocial relationships, I mean it makes them money. I just think it’s a two way street, companies know what they’re doing and the fans getting carried away probably need a reality check and to get a job lol.

[@ashers.hangout]

@@notaspeck6104 I agree, however this phenomenon of fetishizing and infantilism also ends up effecting asian people who aren't idols as well. The whole thing is very gross and people do indeed need a reality check.

[@allMinabe]

To avoid being in a parasocial relationship: do not Stan anyone or groups and feel entitled to them

[@promisemochi]

@@Blueness1230 really? you can't? none of this is new. people have had favorite authors and actors since even before shakespear's time. there's nothing wrong with finding comfort in a person whose message you are drawn to. the problem lies when people take things too far. there's a difference between someone saying "my favorite idols help me see the positivity in my life and i've gained courage and comfort in them when i'm sad" and then the weirdos who show up to their homes and send them things to their private addresses. like that's where the problem is. not in someone just simply being a fan.

[@spaceninja7984]

@@promisemochi No, no. Of the person, not the work. Being a fan of the person is weird.

[@promisemochi]

@@spaceninja7984 i still don't think being a fan of a celebrity is weird as long as it doesn't cross a line. like for me, i was in a very dark place. yoongi's lyrics that he chooses to share in order to help his fans through their dark times helped me out of that dark place. it was bts' message of self love that got me through a lot. and without run episodes and vlives etc. i don't think i'd have gotten that same strength. but to say that finding comfort in them is toxic is so weird to me. what's toxic is the fans that cross boundaries and are invasive and entitled and who do creepy things. just simply finding comfort in a person and their message isn't weird.

[@spaceninja7984]

@@promisemochi That's still about the work, not the individual behind it, that was my point.

[@promisemochi]

@@spaceninja7984 but it isn't. for me, i became a fan of BTS for example because of their personalities first, and their music second. their sound could change a thousand times and i'll still love watching them after a hard day. i am a fan of them as people. of jin who puts others before himself and at 19 decided he was going to look after them all with all that he is. of yoongi who has been through so much pain and suffering and still smiles. of hobi who loves to make others laugh and feel loved. of namjoon who is a safe harbor. of jimin who has taught me it's okay to be openly affectionate. of taehyung who has taught me an appreciation for art and beauty and aesthetic. of jungkook who has helped me be a more sweeter and loving person. i am a fan of the people they are because of the person they inspire me to be. that's not weird. what is weird is the people sending food to jungkook's home or booking a flight to be seated next to tae. it's people leaving hateful and hurtful remarks on girls' social medias that are connected to BTS in any way. that's what's toxic and not okay. there's nothing wrong with simply being a fan of someone and gaining strength and comfort from them.

[@damdamfino]

I just find it a bit unfair that the entire KPop industry not only creates and presents the parasocial relationship on a silver platter - but *depends* on it and *exploits* it for sales - and despite the industry selling this idea to fans, it’s the fans who are made fun of and blamed for taking the bait hook line and sinker. There’s two parties here. The fisherman, and the fish.

[@makesmewannadie647]

Especially some idols are extremeley feeding onto these delusions like jungkook right now. He is a talented guy but he is really onto something nowadays his Fans will get really obssessive if he continues his lives like that in weverse

[@ch4eunwoo]

@@makesmewannadie647his fans are scarily attached to him to the point where any woman whose even associated with him will get dragged so much like take han sohee for example ever since her collaboration w jungkook her instagram comment section is filled with immature delusional fans

[@nehalilisays]

Yeah, I've seen some comments of JK stans who were like "damn, my parasocial relationship with Jungkook is so strong, I can't help it 😭" Some are quite self-aware about it but probably too many are not and lowkey see him as their long-distance boyfriend 🙈

[@claracerqueira5]

@@nehalilisays It's quite scary tbh

[@lou-pf6sj]

​@@ch4eunwoofr, remember when IU's relationship was announced? Omg the comments from the delusional Jungkook stans seriously made me sick... They were insulting her and calling her so many names because of a small thing Jungkook said when he was what, 16/17 y/o ??? How crazy do you have to be to actually go and comment those things???

[@JungkooksTingTingBall]

the thing is... kpop marketing strategies are based on parasocial relations. i wrote a whole BA thesis on this, the kpop industry perfected the cultivation of parasocial behavior and using it to make a shit ton of money

[@DivaViews]

A whole thesis? Would love to read it, if it is online.

[@DearStephanieX]

I agree 🎯 I think even more research will be done on this because it’s becoming more and more of an issue 🙁

[@empress_enchantress]

Finally someone speaks THE TRUTH

[@chloeadams8703]

Your name is unsettling..

[@SugaKookieCloud]

If you would please, I would greatly enjoy reading your BA thesis on this.

[@nyom6378]

Robert Pattinson once had a stalker who idolized him. He invited her to have dinner and then the whole time complained about his life. She never bothered him again afterwards. People forget celebrities are human too. Yes, they can do really fucked up shit and deserve to be held accountable over it, like any normal person would have to. But they also deserve to feel basic human emotuons as well as complex. It's insane one has to say that. Idols, actors, singers, any public figure aren't your picrew for you to edit all over. They're people.

[@quirkywoman8969]

it's kind of interesting when celebs give the intentions back to their fans because then fans realize how annoying or stupid that is.

[@minhyuksssmile]

Editing pictures is not a problem it's just a art picture edit a fan makes like Harry style edits

[@samblasco2359]

@@minhyuksssmile what they are trying to say is that celebrities aren't something you can make up to your own taste, just like an image, they are real people

[@minhyuksssmile]

@@samblasco2359 dont tell me what to do you shouldn't do that too your celebrities either there's people out there who follow there celebrities you think editing is bad no it's good also I know what there saying don't tell me what to do

[@delia1813]

If Jungkook would to this then he would need a whole country and millions of desks and chairs. Because these delusional Fans of him are everywhere

[@niah_19]

Nah cause Latto's comment section on instagram after she posted a picture of her and jungkook after the collab was actually insane and heartbreaking. It's mostly just backhanded racism. Stanning BTS back in 2019 threw me in a whole loop because before that, I stanned One Direction and we had to see them with different romantic partners almost every month to a point where we just were like "whatever". But seeing how ARMY and Kpop Stans react to idols even glancing at each other literally is something I thought i'd only witness in a movie 💀💀 Cause why yall got grown 20+ yr olds apologizing for having normal human emotions and interactions ?? 😭 and Jungkook put them on blast in his latest lives basically saying he’s a grown man and he cant stay young forever. its INSANE he even has to say this.

[@grasstastesbad]

in which live did he say that?

[@niah_19]

@@grasstastesbad when he was in the UK in the hotel room like 9 days ago. 22.07.2023. people were asking him why he made an “explicit” version of Seven, and he basically went on to say it’s his life.

[@hillarysudeikis2264]

God loves you, if you're living in sin He won’t reject you if you are willing to repent and stop sinning. all you have to do is acknowledge that you are a sinner who needs forgiveness from Lord Jesus Christ the true God. If you ask for forgiveness sincerely, He will forgive you and guide you, in The Mighty Name of Lord Jesus Christ Amen. Remember that sin leads to Hell🔥🔥🔥. Do not idolise celebrities or your loved ones. Worship the Lord Jesus Christ in spirit and truth! Roman Catholicism is a lie from hell. Don't believe in it and don't stick to anything that goes against the Bible. Exodus 20:4 tells us not to make images to bow down to! Focus solely on The Lord Jesus Christ, not worshiping celebrities, music, movies, television, other forms of entertainment. He promises that there is more to life than sex outside of marriage, money, parties, homosexuality and entertainment. Hell is real, repent of your sins, confess your sins, and ask God for forgiveness. The people who don’t believe the Gospel will greatly and unpleasantly be surprised on Judgment Day. Hell is very hot people, repent! In the mighty Name of the Lord Jesus Christ! Islam, Catholicism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Santa Clausism, Confucianism, Halloweenism, Harry Potterism, Racism, Donald Trumpism, Joe Bidenism, vanity, pride and other non-Christian religions and idols lead to hell, do not believe the public figures, believe in the Almighty God who begot Lord Jesus Christ. God doesn’t need a woman to have biological Son, He is God. I choose to believe in a God who can do anything and everything, a God who has infinite power to beget a Son without a woman.

[@MarlenaTheCreator]

but we us 1d fandom had weird and creepy stans who send death threats to members and their gf drama with Louis' son is insane. we were just like kpop stans rn its just our dirt was only between us not among whole industry like kpop fans

[@niah_19]

@@MarlenaTheCreator exactly and that’s the reason i essentially left the 1D fandom because even now, the fandom is just full of shippers and it doesn’t seem like they really care about the music or supporting them, just their romantic lives. the thing with Louis’s son was so so disturbing to me as well, and i think a lot of people switched to Kpop because of the type of relationship and content they give their fans, which somehow leads them into thinking they actually own these idols. the 1D boys used to get backlash for relationships but it was mainly from shippers and it’s easier for them to be out with people. these kpop stans are actually thinking they have a chance with these idols in real life. like recently someone went to an airport and tried to grab Jackson Wang and claimed they were in a relationship, and the same thing happened to Jungkook before he flew to america to promote seven.

[@reigen8320]

enhypen having to remove the female dancers from their "bite me" choreo was wild, like it's PERFORMANCE, these are professionals and they're doing a damn good job too. it's just sad to see this obsession with male/female idol interactions and i feel like it puts us 10 steps backwards in terms of encouraging healthy relationships (esp platonic) between men and women Edited to clarify: they are on tour right now so needed a choreo without the dancers anyway, it's good to see the company doesn't seem to care about the backlash, and hopefully it didn't upset everyone involved too much! Thx everyone for the extra info!!

[@stayville-connections]

Wait they actually ended up having to remove them???? Oh my god 😭 I just feel so bad for enhypen and those dancers. Like?? It wasn’t even an explicit/bad choreography, in which case I would kind of(?) understand the backlash as niki is still a minor, but that whole situation is just so weird dude

[@reigen8320]

@@stayville-connections they performed it at a school recently without the dancers so there's a possibility it was just to tone down the performance / because it wasn't a huge stage. but there's defs been enough of a situation about it that i wouldn't be surprised if they don't do the full version live again sadly... we'll see i guess. either way, the response was way over the top and yeah i feel bad for enhypen and the dancers that they had to see that response to their hard work

[@makesmewannadie647]

I dont even Support enhypen but that is just like im speechless literally how..........howwwwwww

[@makesmewannadie647]

Those kids have brain damage for Sure........poor them...i mean i guess most are kids cause enhypen are very young younger than me so i cant imagine grown ass girls simping over them and wanting to remove those dancers....if so...yikes

[@valorie444]

I feel bad especially when the members start dating girls bc they’ll probably have terrible reactions from international and Korean netizens because if one interaction that is platonic between men and women gets visceral reactions out of people w comments like “stay away from her/him” I wonder what happens when they find a girlfriend (if one of the members don’t already have a girlfriend ofc)

[@dero2209]

I can't even imagine how someone could wake up in the morning brush their teeth take a shower put on clothes and go protest out side of a building to stop a man from marrying a woman who he's any happy relationship with and is the mother of his child.😂😂 Honestly they should have all been arrested by the moral police

[@quirkywoman8969]

and some of those ppl looked like kids don't they have school to be at.

[@calmelamalata4471]

Only in s.korea lol 😅

[@user-sw6uu6ig2p]

lmaoo ur comment made me laugh

[@Strawberry_0408]

Happens only in sk 😂

[@edotori091]

​@@quirkywoman8969That's why they were covering their faces and got mad when people were trying to take pictures of them

[@xXxakurokuxXx123]

Delulu fans be like “let’s make explicit edits and fanfics but god forbid this same idol have suggestive lyrics or dancing”

[@secretpeace-wp6xg]

People don't like the idol they like the idea of being with the idol. Stan by Eminem explained it the best.

[@sentientplant9658]

That is the only way I interpret "stan" like maybe don't brand yourself that guys 😅

[@secretpeace-wp6xg]

@@sentientplant9658 People don't care and in the age of social media people want to base their entire personality on something specific and its honestly frightening how far this heard mentality has come. If its just children doing stuff like this I can understand cause I was in that boat too but if its grown adults doing this I'm actually scared for the future.

[@sentientplant9658]

@@secretpeace-wp6xg 100%

[@sm1purplmurderedme583]

love eminem

[@MarlenaTheCreator]

whole Stan terminology came from his song so it's explain a lot about stan culture

[@0Luz0]

I'm happy jungkook is breaking out of the imagine a lot of fans have about him. He used to be so focused on what fans wanted from him and now he's doing what he wants. I wish idols had the freedom to do what they want and speak freely about the things they'd like to.

[@alexxpanda6412]

Same , a lot of them probably won't until they get to BTS status or something.

[@pearson7392]

He is still focused on what fans want from him, even more than before, just now he is focusing on different fans - horny western fans. He recenty asked fans to cover or remove his scar. He is just servng like always.

[@makesmewannadie647]

Nah im sorry but jungkook is doing too muxh on weverse nowadays its almost like He is literally se*ting his Fans He is being horny with his Fans on live i mean it can be exciting for horny Fans i guess but after some time the Fans will get even more obssessive

[@makesmewannadie647]

​@@pearson7392for real

[@alexxpanda6412]

@@pearson7392 lmao oh geez and seriously? That shouldn't be a question! He should do what he want ! Lol

[@fusionofmyth]

As an older kop fan, I never understood the obsession about your idol getting mad because they married/ dating, not paying attention to you and most importantly not treating them as HUMANS. And don’t let me start on twitter I actually left it because of how toxic it is. Like just celebrate their existence, appreciate it because you never know what the future holds :(

[@aprilblues3202]

It’s because the industry sells them as a product. The sheer amount of merchandise and content they pump is insane and makes the consumer feel as if they know the idol. Variety and house shows, vlogs, chats, livestreams, etc. all pushes fake intimacy between the consumer and idol. The idol ceases to be a human with basic rights and instead is, well, an idol. We all agree this level parasocial obsession is extremely unhealthy but the agencies will only encourage it so they can make as much money as possible.

[@LyssieLysse]

PERIOD! PR got my faves out here like $2 gardening tools while feeding the delulus imaginations. Don’t get me started on Twitter accounts, fan fics/one shots I’ve come across. A lot of these fans need to be in the psych ward and I’m saying this because I care.

[@jiniyoon7336]

i think it is because most of them are young and have hyper fixation over certain group

[@bchud19]

This! I couldn’t care less about their love life or whatever, i just want cool songs to do the dishes or clean my house 😂

[@iloveskz495]

As a new kpop fan I also find it strange, Korea has this obsession with childlike personality or childlike innocence specially towards female idols.

[@amandag1337]

I think the worst are the fans getting upset at their idols for getting married and having children. You're telling me you want them to be alone their whole lives??

[@jxstadri]

I mean if you have Idols apologising for dating or getting married is saying a lot. And the whole no-dating rule is so stupid, why are they trying to forbid young people from dating and doing stuff that young 20-year olds do. I mean, being a fan of someone and following them on their social media accounts and like collecting some photocards is fine but stalking idols, sending them death threats cause they date and shit is just weird.

[@stephtastrophe]

Exactly! Like don't you want them to be happy if you're a fan of them?

[@6Kubik]

No, they want to marry them themself.

[@jameshetfieldno1fan]

I’ll be real honest, this is one of the main reasons why I left the K-pop fandom and stopped listening to K-pop in general. I was 14 years old when I got into Kpop (not that I’m defending myself. I’m just giving explanation),but I did have strong parasocial relationships with these idols, not that I was obsessed to the point where I thought I would actually be able to date them irl (i wasn’t that delusional). I just would fantasize about them ALL the time and think about them ALL the time. I stopped focusing on school and just read fanfiction for hours, and hours on end. It wasn’t until I turned 17 when I realize that this isn’t healthy for me and that I need to stay away from this as much as possible (it was also just due to me losing interest in K-pop in general). Really sucks that some fans are like this but I don’t necessarily blame them. The whole entire K-pop industry thrives off of fandom and parasocial culture. EDIT: another main reason why I left is because of the behavior of some fans I interacted with displayed. They would infantilize the idols, who are in their 20s by the way!!!! and treat them like “they’re babies” and that they can “do no wrong”. Not only that but getting mad when their favorite idol interacts with someone of the opposite gender…like y’all are so ridiculous like be for real.😭😭. Also, it could just be the fact that I’m turning 20 in a couple of months, so me being an adult I am more mature now than I was back then, but I know there are fans my age who act like this

[@sentientplant9658]

I started listening when I was 14 too and felt roughly the same, but I was able to focus on my studies and eventually snap out of it. I'm still a fan (I still see "stan" as the original way Eminem intended - stalker fan - and I literally do not have the time, energy, or lack of morals to do that shit), but fully aware that they're humans. I'm getting older just like them, and it's cool to see how I either grow to appreciate them more or start to not really like what they're putting out (and that's okay). I've been called "not a true fan" because I literally have no time to develop a parasocial relationship with Jungkook lol like bro I did in 2017 it's over now I gotta write a thesis and I'm pretty sure JK is fine with that 😂

[@CrimsonDawn-ou4og]

I got into it when I was 14 too. I never did stuff like making fanfictions because for as long as I remembered I had a set rule in my mind to never ship real people unless they're a thing, and I just preferred watching fan content on YT. Now that I know a ton of more groups I honestly feel burnt out.

[@jamie7027]

the thing is the people who do act like they have a chance to date their idols are around 14. don’t beat yourself up over what you did in the past. when you’re 14 you’re still somewhat naive so they think they might actually have a chance at being in the kpop industry or dating an idol but we know that’s not true. idk where i’m going with this but being that delusions just comes with that age it’s just more obvious/scary with social media

[@tms3119]

Same

[@duck8049]

Mood. I left too but I’ll occasionally listen (to newjeans lmfao). Glad I’m not part of any fandom just like the music and vibe and yeet-

[@loveleads2673]

The claim that Jennie was “forced” to do the idol especially revolving around the explicit material perfectly matches that plotline in perfect blue… if you know you know

[@babsgalv6556]

So you mean she is hoing to go crazy after being violently gangraped?

[@RobinLecter]

I was searching for a comment mentioning Perfect Blue! It's scarily accurate how the book from 1991 and movie from 1997 reflect the current attitude towards idols. You'd expect some sort of progress in ~ 30 years. It sometimes seems that the attitude not only stagnated but sometimes even worsened.

[@snatuiolvi]

Tbh, I think jennie just gets convinced very easily even tho she has a strict/strong personality I don't even think she actually knows what the script was all about and since two of her best friends came in she must've just went along with it Unlike other idols who have similar personalities like jennie, such as irene, she makes sure to get what she wants and what's she's getting herself into / isn't convinced easily I remember when she got into a problematic situation Because of her stylist and basically it was about irene not taking any bs from her but ofc as an idol she still had to apologize

[@nenokedoken885]

@@snatuiolvi You don't know her. There is a difference between her persona and her real personnality. You are actually infantilizing and babying her by suggering she doesnt know what she's doing as if she was incapable of taking decision for and by herself. You are also implying that she's kind of a sheep?That she naively follows her two friends without knowing what she's getting into. If she has that supposed strong/strict personnality why would she get involved in something she doesnt want to do? Her fault for engaging herself into a show without reading the script or asking what was it about. Stop making excuses for her

[@Steph489]

@@snatuiolvi she literally said that the reason she is involved in the show is because of a second Director. That was the one that wrote everything and that change the plot lines and that made it to just see women as objects she’s a grown ass woman she can make her own decisions stop trying to baby her

[@DearStephanieX]

Parasocial relationships can be a sign that you’re missing something deeper in your life (friendship, romantic relationships, family, a satisfying job/social life etc). I say this because I’ve been there with K-pop and used it as an escape from reality. It’s good to recognize it and get out before you lose a bunch of time and money 💔. Most importantly, work on creating a life that you don’t need to escape from 💕. PS I’ve never been this early! And I watched that video on parasocial relationships by aini, it’s very well done. She covers some examples of parasocial relationships that went way too far, they are tragic 😓

[@armyshope]

Yeah when you have no inner depth or guidance and when you're a soulless NPC

[@rainsqws]

After reading this, I realized that I really only get into fandoms/ parasocial relationships during the summer when I'm away from friends. It's nerve wracking for me to reach out during the summer, so as a result I'm pretty much at home online the whole summer

[@idk-uv9dk]

yea exactly, I'm just gonna step away from it because while it does evoke positive emotions, it sort of evokes negative emotions as well, from our pov they are so successful at such young ages, comparison etc comes in, opportunity and network wise - things that most of them have yet many of us don't, slogging of sleep deprived with school work while they are making bank in the creative feild (med applicant here 💀), also how they all look etc, it like a sort of weird mix of emotions and I don't want to build a dependency on kpop like I have done in the past, also I agree with the comment above as well that's so true

[@armyshope]

@@idk-uv9dk just because you agree with something doesn't make it objectively true.

[@idk-uv9dk]

@@armyshope what are you even getting at? I'm agreeing with it because in some cases it is true, many stans/fans that have decided to step away went through that. Edit: I don't think you know what "objectively true" means - you have used it in the wrong context here.

[@yaoiblfan]

If you're a fan, you'll be happy seeing your idol living a life he wants and doing things he really likes.

[@phoenixikki2641]

Unfortunately I don't think many idol fans see their idols as humans as said in the video. They don't like it when these people do things that don't line up with their image of them, regardless if it makes them happy.

[@yaoiblfan]

@@phoenixikki2641 true. It's Sad. Both for those Fans who can't see the truth and their idols tied to their so called Image

[@keimep1676]

Yes 🙌🏾 ✨

[@rf1283]

I think people should start calling out K-pop companies out more for encouraging such fans and forcing their groups to pander to them because it brings in the moolah.

[@quirkywoman8969]

they're already calling out k-pop companies for crazy sadistic fans.

[@wondershop]

idk where you at but twt armys are so much supportive and hyped sohee, idk about insta and weverse people 😑but twt armys are the most chill and the funniest you'll ever meet.

[@rf1283]

@@wondershop you've GOT to be joking

[@wondershop]

@@rf1283 no i am not, ofc twt armys get into many arguments, but if you know the context you'll understand the point. Some are obviously useless too. But most twt armys are chill, if you have seen armytwt during any comeback or release you'll only find posts about streaming, votings, memes, and having fun concepts. Twt people also are against shippers who weirdly tries to force a ship into reality, and solos and antis. But again about fun things and cooperation with bangtan they are hella supportive. A normal fan must know the boundaries being a fan and most twtarmys are aware of that 🤷 if you're only gonna judge them from the argumental views I'm sorry you know nothing about them.

[@sandygonsalves4646]

​@@wondershop there was literally an army that told lady Gaga she deserved to SA simply because she beat BTS out of a Grammy. Da fuq are you on about Twitter armys being "chill"?

[@CrimsonDawn-ou4og]

As an Army I'm at a loss. Not surprising people are coming after Seo Hee. I just hope she is safe.

[@CrimsonDawn-ou4og]

@@Heyiguess I stay off of most platforms, but I am aware there is plenty worse out there

[@sentientplant9658]

Stuff like this is why I just call myself a BTS fan, not an ARMY. I don't want to be associated with those people, and I have had more negative interactions with ARMY than positive.

[@makima874]

​@@sentientplant9658exactly

[@bangtanboys1298]

​@@Heyiguessnothing in front of Jennie ig comments after v dating rumours.

[@galaxies.]

It's always the IG and Weverse army's too. Twt army's hate those types of fans so much that they wanted to take over Weverse and IG. Weverse army's are the worst army's.

[@imveryanxious]

it always grinds my gears extra bad when an adult celebrity drinks or smokes and people start crying about setting a bad example. if a fan wants to smoke or drink because their idol is doing so, it is the fan's problem. i have seen many people who i adore smoke and i never wanted to do it myself. why? because i am my own person and i am not insane and think i have to do everything the people that i admire do

[@gyrthez246]

For adults of age this train of thought makes sense though I'm pretty sure they're referring to younger and more impressionable kids that may take it as a sign because X person is doing it, they think it's cool to do it, so they'll copy.

[@imveryanxious]

@@gyrthez246 i mean usually when they talk about younger fans they refer to maybe 12-17 year olds so minors. people that age are not stupid trust me and they have a brain of their own and if their parents did their jobs right, they should understand

[@imveryanxious]

@@gyrthez246 replying again cuz i forgot to say that yes you’re right. but i think even in the case of minors and younger fans, it is more up to the parents. it is NEVER a celeb’s responsibility to raise another person’s child yk

[@user-bz5mr7kb1i]

​@@imveryanxiousthere are 20-29 Yr old fans Too. Very immature in twitter. Last time blinks Caught one Muslim Airhostess trolling Jennie For outfit. Other Day One Married Women Who had children was Spreading Rumors about Teddy and Jennie.. Blinks made her apologise and Send mails to her husband Office too.

[@eggi4443]

exactly. they're not their parents. they have their own lives and can do whatever the hell they want with their bodies and health

[@milo-uk8wl]

A few of my friends recently got me into kpop and I genuinely enjoy the music. I didn’t realize that a lot of fans treat these group members and the people associated with them with blatant disrespect. they act as if the members themselves Forced them to spend their money, but fans make their own decisions to blow their paychecks on photocards and concert tickets. there’s nothing wrong with liking kpop, but this type of behavior is so wild to me. mfs need to stop policing these grown ass adults. they don’t owe you anything.

[@reigen8320]

so true, i never understand the fans who are so quick to get angry with their idols, like do u like them or not? and i've literally never seen an idol themselves outright encouraging fans to purchase items or merch, like if ur gonna buy 534 copies of the new album to try to get a particular pc that's on you. it's true that spending money supports that group, but it doesn't mean they're gonna act like ur dolls and do whatever u want

[@realistnightshade6300]

They owe us. I'll explain. Idols (celebrities) are objects of worship and desire. The name "idol" leaves little room for error or imperfection. Greatly revered, idols present themselves in an immaculate manner. They want to be well known for their well-knownness. But fame is not meant to be a free, unrequited surrender of a fan's resources. It comes with a price Fans give and idols take. In addition to fame and fortune, fans give idols a part of themselves, bestowing a quality of "sacredness" upon the fame and fortune that pass beyond measure. This asymmetry provokes indebtedness. The giving would be accompanied by an expectation of receiving something of equal value in return. Music and performance on their own wouldn't be enough to compensate for a fan's loss of resources Idols, then, should pay the piper by giving fans a part of themselves and undertaking a state of perpetual decency or virginity: no tattoos, no alcohol, no cigarettes, no drugs, no racism, no homophobia, no weight gain, no "dating," no "fornication" and no "marriage." The rule is to date the same-sex or practice celibacy To refuse to give themselves to their fans would be tantamount to cheating or declaring war; to rejecting alliance and commonality "Idols are people, not objects" annuls the status of idols, catching itself in a singular double bind. Objects of desire trying to escape their fate as objects of desire would be inconsistent with their purpose. A madness at its very best Be that as it may, idols are people who are looked up to. They are role models. And role models are held to a higher standard than everyone else I sympathize with idols, while enjoying the spectacle of their fall if they let me down "What happens when people get older? They change. Pretty gross, right?" (2:46) It's pretty gross "There's an expectation for idols to never change, never age, never date" (2:50) Privacy is the price of fame. Fame resembles an enormous, global washing machine in which rumors swirl around in motion. Everyone gossips about celebrities. And celebrities let them. They are some of the biggest liars. Everything they do or say is directed towards fame. They don't publicize their "dating lives" for no reason. You see a male idol/celebrity with a woman? Or a female idol/celebrity with a man? That's fake news; a publicity stunt. Their "straight" lifestyle is forged in a marketing boardroom to get the attention of the public. They aren't satisfied or happy. They convince others to convince themselves of a lie A "personal life" should be kept personal. Private. Hidden. When shared on the internet, when brought out on the streets, it's not personal anymore. It's public A "public life" gives the public a front-row seat to the show and invites our opinions. Positive and negative opinions. The public is allowed to dislike idols/celebrities and their partners. Don't blame the public. Blame the idols/celebrities who make their "personal lives" a public matter and put forth no conscientious effort to serve our interest "Who else would it be?" (7:24) A man! A male partner! Female idols have been dating their female groupmates, and male idols have been dating their male groupmates since debut. The idols who do the unthinkable and engage in the "straight" lifestyle should be disciplined For all their flaws, Korean entertainment agencies have done one thing right; girl/boy groups. Equally equipped sex-exclusive programs teach members of the same-sex to work together and develop vital social skills. They share meals, split up chores, hug, hold hands, flirt, kiss, and support each other through work stress. Their relationships involve comfort, honesty, trust, respect and open communication. Every second is homoerotic and romantic. They look outward in the same direction, and therein lies the gay. Society doesn't let them see that a relationship is a strong friendship. The strong friendship, brotherhood or sisterhood, solidifies the relationship. They don't see the beauty or romantic potential in same-sex socialization/love I know that people assign a high value to "privacy." The high value is reflected by their tolerance of formerly sanctioned conduct They say, "it's none of your business, idols can date whoever they want" Little do they know that in a society intolerant of or hostile to non-conformity and singlehood, "dating" inflicts upon the idols a distress far greater than could be inflicted by "not dating" The "no dating" rule is an important pre-condition for the development of independent individuals More important are the paparazzi and their surveillance of "private" affairs. The data generated by reporters, photographers and media outlets can be stored, organized and disseminated in computer-usable form. The "private lives" of celebrities have already been transformed into comprehensive dossiers for the public to criticize. They made it our business "Free" to obtrude the "dating lives" of idols to public notice, people would be as free to positively or negatively respond to the news. It is the mark of a weak opinion to take offense at the negative responses, and not the positive responses They say, "the rule is toxic" The highs and rock-bottom lows of celebrity lives are accompanied by toxic and dysfunctional dynamics. Their "glitter" isn't gold. It's toxin, and new strains of the toxin hit the market daily Celebrities are lucrative public products and smiling faces of corporate machines that receive disproportionate attention. Their expertise lies in channeling the public's visions and distracting the public. Their principal qualities are conformity, vapidity, vacuity and physical beauty. They are blank screens on to which anything can be projected. This explains the mass delusion among their followers that, "they are just humans" I treat public properties how they should be treated. They don't like my "toxicity?" They shouldn't have become celebrities They say, "the Kpop idol culture will change over time" It shouldn't change They say, "money is exchanged for things like albums, tickets and merch. Idols also give their time for their jobs. Idols already give their energy training, etc" Idols do not always "give something in return." Lifestyle changes act as compensation for the banal, unnecessarily gendered lyrics, rhythmically sloppy, out of tune, heterosexist performances, etc

[@valorie444]

@@realistnightshade6300 what are u yapping about u sound like an incel

[@weewoo897]

​@realistnightshade6300 I'm guessing ur life is pretty sad if ur obsessing and nit picking over what a group of people ,who don't know you, do.

[@sentientplant9658]

I felt so bad for Chen. Like, i do not approve of "oops i got you pregnant so let's get married" because I've seen how badly that can end, but like...how do i know that's actually what happened? I don't. Not my business. I was more concerned about him and his now wife's wellbeing due to everyone hating on him so hard. I hope what happened to him didn't happen to Bobby, but it probably did at a smaller scale. That was so unfair and uncalled for.

[@RenopunkJo]

People judging him so hard for getting married AFTER getting his girlfriend/fiance pregnant while in Europe, that's like normal??? (Not saying if it's OK or not - to each their own, but the amount of over exaggeration is insane to me...)

[@veganmeatballhead5798]

right? and like the shotgun wedding still can end up well,, my parents were dating when mom got pregnant and then they just decided that they are ready for the kids, only then got married,, im 23 and they are still together

[@jellyrolly]

i think in korea though, him marrying her was more honourable because having a child out of wedlock is already not socially acceptable but raising a child as a single mother is even more so. even if he were to pay child support, it's better for the wife to be married to him even if it lasts in a divorce. being a divorcee is not considered taboo anymore. i live in korea and am korean, so i know thaat he made the best choice.

[@ishathakor]

i mean, she was his long term girlfriend, wasn't she? it's not like he had a one night stand and then the woman got pregnant and they're getting married because it's shameful or something. which sucks but that would also be none of our business. it really seems like he was in a happy relationship, they had an unplanned pregnancy, and then decided it's a good idea to get married now for social and legal reasons? considering how people react to any idols being in relationships though it doesn't really matter. they'd be mad if a 30 year old married his high school sweetheart who he's been dating for 15 years

[@tdelioncourt1268]

See, several idols have done that. I believe they purposely wait for kid to be on the way because nobody will talk them out of marriage at that point.

[@thysxlf]

I remember everyone saying Jennie's acting sucked like a few weeks ago and I just thought it was bad material she was working with😭😭

[@sentientplant9658]

Good actors can't fix shitty writing I never watched The Idol, but from some of the script that I saw I felt so bad for her lmao

[@user-gw5kq1hi5g]

her acting didnt suck necessarily. i think the way she delivered dialogue was awkward (most of the dialogue was weird asf so i didnt expect much) but you can really see her mv experience come through esp in the scene where shes just giving facial expressions and how shes able to act those out

[@absolutelynotellen]

Since it's the first time she's pursuing an acting projectーso i didn't expect anything "wow" from her. But the fact, it was directed by Sam Levinson, so yeah 💀 everything he made is straight up bad LMAOO

[@alanaatkinson551]

Just say it. Jennie does not have any acting skills.

[@buzzfeedhater]

Her acting sucks and the script sucked and it's okay. Just because someone is a bad actor doesn't mean you can degrade them. Just because someone is an idol doesn't mean they're above criticism.

[@Laura_Luminous]

It's so funny how some fans think going to the US will make idols smoke cigarettes, when according to surveys around 1 in 3 men in Korea smoke, and only around 1 in 10 in the US. And like, half of NCT has been caught smoking before they ever went abroad 😂

[@phantomlovebs]

No literally bc I'm sure these fans themselves are smokers and partiers and have sex with random people and that's fine but if an idol does it 😮😮😮😮 smh

[@riybe4226]

I admire Jungkook for breaking idol stereotypes left and right. From getting tattoos and piercings back in 2019, to releasing “SEVEN” and collaborating with Latto and Han So Hee. Many BTS fans have been putting Jungkook into the “cute innocent maknae” box for years, and exploiting his shy quiet personality to their liking. So for Jungkook of all idols to debut with SEVEN is historical. It truly takes courage.

[@armyshope]

One is just a rapper the other one is just an actress... it's not that deep

[@hvladarosie]

@@armyshope I think they are referring to the song being more vulgar, as it's not as common to put out such songs in k-pop, not who appeared in the mv.

[@riybe4226]

@@armyshopefor western people yes, but for K-pop fans, it is actually wild that Jungkook collaborated with American black woman rapper and starred a female actress in his MV. Especially since Jungkook’s image in BTS was “the one who is afraid of girls”

[@armyshope]

@@riybe4226 understandable

[@LoveYourself-my9nz]

@@riybe4226 doesn't people understand that people get out of their shy zone at some point! He was young at that time and was shy around girls then it became a funny meme but I can't believe people can't digest this natural change.

[@ace.of.space.]

i have significantly mellowed out as a bts fan since 2014, mainly thanks to not being a teenager anymore. wishing the fans with unhealthy obsessions and entitlement issues the best in recovering from that

[@ace.of.space.]

i would like to clarify- i still love bts. i am just very chill about it now, especially compared to how intense i was as a teenager

[@ppjskh]

I loved BTS back in 2014 but I don’t consume any of their content anymore. I still listen to their music here and there sometimes though.

[@juiceboxj7752]

As a teenage BTS and kpop fan I have never and will never be entitled or obsessed over them😢 it's insane that people can't understand how different humans are from each other

[@minhyuksssmile]

Thank you i am trying to leave kpop phase because i think I'm getting older and I wanna find new music and study

[@bensophin]

I was a bts fan since I was 10 but I swear I was never parasocial even as a kid💀💀 something is just wrong with these people man

[@the_agate_gate3782]

This shit is so wild to me. I’ve had tons of full -blown obsessions with celebrities. Never have I ever felt betrayed if they dated someone or judged them for smoking/drinking etc. The sense of entitlement some people have is unbelievable.

[@Made8202010]

Right G-dragon smokes so idk what's the problem if the rest of them do. I mean cigarettes are very bad for your lungs and highly additive but these are adults it's their choice. They do not live for anyone else or are here to baby sit anyone's kids.

[@yolk818]

omg fr 😭

[@eth3realdivine336]

This is embarrassing lmao

[@Kierispet159]

This is what happens when your life is so lacking that you focus ALL of your energy on strangers (that aren't even aware of your existence) instead of improving yourself, and reaching your highest potential. This is nothing to laugh about, it's rather extremely sad.

[@XiaoLing-pu9st]

If people loved themselves, these industries would not exist. I agree 100%, sad people wasting their time on people who are already born in wealthy families. Classism

[@Lucasmagalhaes-vg5ox]

i was reading your comment while listening moonlight sonata

[@ebonyunicorn7138]

I ended up taking a break from kpop because I felt my interest in idols was becoming weird. It's all fun and games joking about ideal types amd biases until you actually start getting bothered about them living like regular people and not the image you imagined them being. Now I'm thankfully able to enjoy the music and check up on groups from time to time to see how they're progressing ❤

[@minhyuksssmile]

Me too I will take a break from kpop because I felt like I do nothing anymore from just seeing rich idols but I agree❤

[@V.U.4six]

Well hey, good on you for recognizing it

[@elsa7594]

i also did that, like in 2022 i took a break cuz a lot of drama happened and like i was a bit delulu, honestly best decision, now i'm back into kpop and it's just much healthier. It's important to keep yourself in check cuz the companies are just so good at what they do, they really know how to get you in the parasocial relationship

[@nerd26373]

Parasocial relationships are common nowadays. People can get too attached to people whom they regard as their biggest inspirations or idols. I know for certain that I can get too nosy in celebrities’ personal lives. For some reason, you have this inclination to find out what they’ve been up to. For example, if they’re going traveling or getting invited to high profile events. As for expectations, celebrities are still people and they make mistakes. They don’t always have to reach our standards. After all, there’s a limit as to how people can put up with it, even if it means sacrificing their image and own sense of self worth.

[@fbiagent3998]

And defend them with their lives as if they know them personally like their mother or something 😅😅

[@fbiagent3998]

@@taelgii you know what I mean

[@makesmewannadie647]

​@@taelgiiyou KNOW what they mean you just ignorantly try to Twist it

[@fbiagent3998]

@@taelgii your deleted rage fit, basically explains what I'm talking about lol

[@fbiagent3998]

@@taelgii you did I have it in my notifications lmao

[@wendyraye1]

Honestly I think the kpop industry takes advantage of the parasocial relationship to increase profits. I really only pay attention to BTS but their youtube channel has new crap for people to buy every other week. I like seeing BTS doing new things though I think I relate more to their older stuff. I have also stopped being on youtube channels about them, too many toxic fans. They are going to have to start teaching kids in schools about the dangers of the parasocial relationship. Obsessive fans have always been around, but the internet just breeds it. But. This is just my opinion :)

[@user-gw5kq1hi5g]

oh yeah definitely. i think thats def a reason why idol relationships arent disclosed most of the time because it makes them look more desirable like you “have a chance”. like these idols are in their mid 20s and you really think they havent been in one relationship. on another hand i do not think idols owe their fans information on their dating life because thats none of anyones business and fans get really weird when their favs get in relationships

[@wendyraye1]

@@user-gw5kq1hi5g oh I agree, it's none of our business if they are dating or not and with the things people do, I wouldn't tell anyone either! Like who wants their fans to treat their partners like that ? I mostly don't like how the kpop industry and probably the whole entertainment industry uses all this to encourage the parasocial relationship in order to increase profits.

[@duck8049]

Aww I felt the same :( There older content was more entertaining for me but times change I guess

[@idk-uv9dk]

Yea, that's why when say they love their fans and all that, sure u like the money and support, I'm pretty sure they appreciate it, but realistically they don't know you. Kpop definitely does exploit that avenue and the money it rakes in is quite high, sometimes it feels fake-ish or sort of set up, kpop does evoke many mixed emotions, positive and negative, so I've just stepped away overall. I feel bad for the young fans who are so dependent on their idols, I hope they soon form a support network and they don't use kpop as an avenue for escape.

[@quirkywoman8969]

they might use it for escape because they already use kpop for insecurities.@@idk-uv9dk

[@ashrista]

It’s so funny that they got mad at taehyung for smoking. In Korea, they smoke a lot even inside clubs. Def could have been picked up way before moving to Hollywood 😂

[@levantergrl]

lmaoooo right

[@stanwjsnstantalent]

i think people have to distance themselves. when i first got into kpop, i felt the need to watch every video and buy everything related to my faves, but over the past year especially, i've found a healthy happy medium. being a fan is okay - it's honestly a lot of fun - but do it on your terms (i cannot stress how important that is). if you choose to engage in fandom, do what makes you happy. it gets unhealthy when you start feeling obligated to do things - you do not owe these people anything. listen to music and watch videos and buy things to make yourself happy, not because you feel like you "have" to.

[@sophiagrace6361]

I don’t understand what causes fans to feel obligated though? They feel obligated to spend money on millionaires? For what reason? The people they’re spending money on have no idea who they even are, so why would fans feel obligated? Makes no sense. I’m confused.

[@stanwjsnstantalent]

@@sophiagrace6361 unless you've been in a fandom you're probably not going to understand. it stems from pressure to show that you're a "real fan". it does sound stupid but that's why so many people go crazy over celebrities - they feel obligated to do shit for their faves, so they expect their faves to return to them. once you start not having feelings of obligations, you don't feel like you owe them nor that they owe you

[@ifood2509]

Ikr! I’ve seen so many fans hating on other fans for not voting enough or watching a music video like 500 times. Like I’m sorry I have a life?

[@CrimsonDawn-ou4og]

I got into K-Pop in 2018, and all I have to say is now I think I'm just going to avoid fandoms more and more. I never interacted with them in the first place apart from KZbin and maybe Twitter occasionally, but I rather not see too much. It's not like it's going to benefit me anyway knowing the wrongdoings or something of a person who lives on the other sider of the planet. It'll just make me crestfallen.

[@sashenkadumerve3017]

I got into K-Pop in 2022-2023… I refuse to interact LOL

[@Beautiful07536]

same me got in 2018. But i tend to avoid fandoms at all!! sometime i will come and go to positive vibe and nice word to them like " enjoy your day, have fun" etc you know what i mean right. so the way i heard or seen from social media are whoooooaaaa oh my freaking goodness! Let them be breath and doing their lives ok!!

[@tbakhalid4781]

Same I got into kpop in 2018, I enjoyed many groups but then I noticed I was being forced by social friends to "stan" the groups and the fandom. Fandom wars didn't help either so I finally had to take break from kpop and kdramas in general. I only started getting back to kpop now.

[@daradee5446]

Same. Just gonna enjoy the art and talent of my fave and peace out@@sashenkadumerve3017

[@elsa7594]

nah cuz frr i now pick and choose my interactions. i'm a carat and i'm lucky cuz its a very chill fandom. I completely stopped interacting with the toxic sides

[@CrimsonDawn-ou4og]

This just reminded me. When Boys Planet was going on, a week before the finale, I spent my every waking moment worrying about Park Hanbin debuting. I spent that whole week doing whatever I could do to get others to vote for him. Nothing else in life mattered. When he didn't debut I cried so hard and my depression spiraled. I recovered but it took me a while to love Zerobaseone because I was hyperfixated on Park Hanbin. I never want to go through that again. In fact I'm super casual with K-Pop after that. Can barely be bothered to watch content, let alone read a Tweet on Twitter (not like I did that before unless prompted lol) Now I imagine this but with people who haven't been able to move on or don't want to move on from this behavior. Sacrificing and obsessing so much over someone who is "unreal" to the point where you feel like you should have the right to control them and then when they do something you don't approve of....

[@sal636]

Wow I honestly feel like that event may have been a blessing in disguise for you. I’m glad to hear your experience of never repeating that level of obsession or investment again afterwards

[@kalkxx]

just wanted to say i was a very big fan of phanbin and was rooting for him to debut as well, i really hope he debuts at some point hes so talented!! but im glad u got better and realized that the thing u were going though was unhealthy🫶🏻

[@jagiyaforsannie]

girl its so me but with wanna one, thats why i dont watch these shows anymore. i cried for nearly like a montg every single day when they disbanded.

[@justastan2814]

Wth the first half is exactly like me, I couldn't do to class the next day bc how hard I cried for hanbin, only problem I continued to stann ZB1 and nothing changed 🥲

[@CrimsonDawn-ou4og]

@@kalkxx Thank you, I'm waiting for his debut too

[@queenofanon9972]

The companies should get just as much blame for encouraging this. All they care about is money, and all these sasaengs care about is their fantasies.

[@kid-ava]

the fact that "dating scandals" are even a thing is so saddening to me. it's disappointing that alot of the time, idols aren't treated like real humans with their own thoughts, opinions, actions and desires and only a "product" for consumption. so bad that they may even internalize that and perpetuate it themself, as long as it keeps the company happy or brings the money in. it's a vicious cycle that honestly MOST rational kpop fans hate exists

[@makesmewannadie647]

No but jungkook solos etc are gonna get even worse cause jk is feeding the delusions so much i mean im glad he is nowadays the most open member in bts but he is doing too much its almost like if a fan asks him on live if he wants to have s*x with her he will say yes lets go like he needs to slow down feeding their delusions or the fans will get even more defensive and think they own him

[@luulahmed318]

It’s mostly the fans who commented though answers he calls the out on his live he getting annoyed have u not seen his last couple of livestream he did before enlisting did u abandoned His dog Bam and Jungkook get mad as he should he put bam in a dog trainer camp becuase of his recent healthy check up and jungkook want the best for his dog who he loves and cares for why are people commenting that , he even called out his haters and he doesn’t not care for thoughts types of people causes like he said he knows his true fans the ones who support him and still support him if he does different concepts and music style becuase artists evolve and grow they don’t stay in who music genre or music style and Imagine for every just like how we grow and mature later in a life’s why can people who they say the support and stand let they’re artist experiment in their passion in music that’s what I don’t get in kpop industry I blame the companies who made this stupid contracts in the first places and give this fake sick imagine for obsessive and Saesang too existed in the fandom of this said so groups let their idols date not don’t call it a scandal and forbidden like WHAT know in 2024 idols are putting their foot down and opening up their own company and labels and going solo and ending their contracts with their companies which they’ve have every right because of the mistreatment they get from their company,

[@ChiticariuLaura]

I always thought that pure, curated image was very sad and unrealistic, idk why it keeps happening, and the no dating rule always grossed me out, like you only live for work and outside of work you have to be this pure persona to please the people at work, it must be exhausting 💀

[@dani-888]

!!!

[@valorie444]

Yeah I couldn’t be an idol

[@sam-nc5ou]

That weverse post is insane wtf 💀

[@Blue-iv5fv]

The problem with fandom culture especially for kpop (been a fan since 2015) is that the more sensible mature fans who actually see the idols as people and not something they own don't have a lot of time to be active on socials. It's (more times than not) the fewer, entitled people with free time who can tweet a hundred time about a small thing that happened or waste time harassing others. And age also plays a little part in that (not that being young means immature or rude) cuz many of the fans join the fandoms at an age where they cannot really understand the consequences of their actions and where they really really care about wanting to be the part of the in group. I really saw this with a couple of "scandals" where a few (with respect to the whole fandom) people made so much fuss about the situation almost drowning the actual opinion of the fandom. The entitlement of these fans singlehandedly ruins the image of kpop fandoms. i like how now (finally) the companies have decided to say things like "it's the idol's private life so we cannot verify or deny" cuz they are people and they should be given the respect and space they deserve.

[@kaelee1209]

i always find it so funny how some "fans" would go crazy over an idol literally living a life. like bro, a 26 year old man hasn't been in a relationship before?... yeah right lol.

[@JK-ml2rc]

I've been a fan of bts since 2017.. And i hate to admit that I also was obsessive at one point. Tho it wasn't this bad and it lasted for like the first 2-3years.. But then I became more chill.. I think that's how it went/goes for most people when they first get into bts here are the phases: Phase 1. The learner (you still are in the process of learning their names and getting to know their music) Phase 2. You start going down the rabbit hole. You follow them on most of social media. Find out about the world of fanfiction if you haven't already. Phase 3. The obsessive /mama bear period . You are absolutely crazy about them and watch their content 24/7. You might also become very defensive of them.. Phase 4. The obsession starts to slowly burn out and you become more chill. Phase 5. The laid back fan. You don't feel the need to watch their content 24/7 and probably don't follow them on every social media platform anymore but still listen to their music. Phase 6. You lost interest in them completely. (this didn't happen to me but I know that it happens to some people)

[@Annette_ily]

Yes with some people. Iam an army since 2017 but still bts is only kpop group i follow. But the phases are opposite for me. Yes I used to be a baby stanner but not obsessed with them. I likes them as my idols,and listen their music, that's it.

[@jxstadri]

I basically had phase 2 with Little Mix for most of my time of stanning them, basically never really had phase 3 but directly went to phase 4 and 5 lol

[@youtuberclips2922]

There is a portion of armies that are insane. They will put down any other group because they aren’t bts. They’ll cancel people for liking different music. They will make bogus statements trying to put their idols in a good light but should just not be out there. One time someone said jungkook deserves the whole solar system, and they’re defo phase 3

[@studiosherlen]

Back when i was an active kpop fan, even trying to memorize every idol's birthday or their favorite color is too much for me, let alone going to an airport to ~welcome~ a band pre-concert. I thought i was not a "true fan". Turns out i was just being a normal, ethical fan 😂

[@avantikaroy5146]

It is the kpop industry's fault as well and the kpop starts who perpetuate this idea of "we only have our *fandom name* in our lives , we don't need gfs/bfs". This is called "fanservice" and is used to lure in fans make them obsessed so they buy their stuff. Then the extreme obsession begins and the same idols face problems. Why does the industry cater to this from they very start? They promote parasocial relationships.

[@Sarah-pl8wt]

I don’t “idolize” these people. I see them as super talented people who I admire, but never idolize. I admit I used too but I can’t because they are humans. they are artists to me, not idols.

[@quirkywoman8969]

yes don't idolize them or treat them like gods and saviors.

[@Annik_Tenacious_Felis]

As a Kpop fan I agree that the fandoms are ridiculous, alot of them dont realize that kpop idols are people , with their own thoughts , feelings and lives . I hate how normalized it is to gatekeep an idol 😒 alot of older fans try to reason with these delusional fans , they should have the right to do what they want without having to worry about their fans going bad shit crazy

[@Nisha_xo]

I bet the idols get very annoyed by the fans that constantly complain about almost anything they do

[@yozoramaria6217]

Annoyed and scared probably. ( I think I would be)

[@thevenuschild]

From a kpop fan: these people need help ASAP

[@Sanatizer_]

Fr someone save them

[@coconut_shark]

Same happened with Enhypen on their Bite Me Choreo. Korean fans would put literal TV screens in front of the company building demanding that the choreo will be changed bc it involved women. The girls and Enhypen absolutely slayed this choreo and I also think that it fits very nicely with the theme of the song. But the fan behaviour is just embarrassing...

[@Harleymotor]

Dude, Seven is literally a song about a guy having sex everyday. Fans get so crazy when it’s just a female acting in a music video, what happens when they realize the singer *gasp* might be singing about himself. Oh no, someone slept with your celeb! Ugh

[@AmiyaD1611]

What annoys me the most is that companies know this and willingly push it even more. I don‘t think Idols are fully aware either all the time but they most definitely engage in this behavior too. As you pointed out it is so absurd that they should be sexy and hot and that shipping culture is a WAY too huge thing , but no they must also be super innocent and appropriate and not have any actual relationships. I am sure it sucks for both sides, I cannot image how Idols must feel knowing they are ‚just a product‘ for so many people and for the companies too. I mean even all the survival programs teach us that Idols are manufactured, it‘s like a machine that spits out beautiful and talented boys and girls that have made it through blood sweat and tears. They are called trainees so they are in training to become an Idol. It‘s a position and archetype we created and we want people to fit into that image. (I‘m not denying peoples hard work btw) But see how it is a ‚trap‘ from the beginning for everyone and the only ones who actually profit are the companies themselves. I am fan of a fee groups too and I enjoy watching their videos and variety shows but damn I‘m glad I never had twitter or tiktok in my life. I engage withe everything fully aware that it‘s all impermanent. I don‘t fret about not getting all the albums, gosh will I rly need them when I‘m a 80 year old granny sitting on the porch? hahaa I don‘t set my alarm to watch the music videos exactly when they come out, I don‘t create any accounts to vote for them on shows, damn I don‘t even have the light sticks. The companies often make you FEEL like you are only a real fan if you do this and this and buy this and this. Hopefully people realize how it‘s all capitalism and profit in the end, they designed it specifically that way so you would have to buy all the 3 versions of the albums and then the ra-packaged versions and ofcourse the special limited edition and the winter collection, and ofcourse you want to get the photo cards of all the members if you are a real stan and then you might even get a live call with them… you see how they just wanna exploit you for money and your time? They want to feed you this much content and constantly keep you engaged so you keep comming back, so you don‘t have time to stan other groups or watch other things or forbid focus on school/work. They WANT you to be a consumer, and you can, just do it in a comfortable way that doesn‘t make you loose yourself and forget about your real life. You are just filling a void, and they know this, they want you to keep feeling the inner void and be delusional because of profits. Keep that in mind.

[@quirkywoman8969]

kpop idols are more like influencers than music artists.

[@AmiyaD1611]

@@quirkywoman8969 a lot of them yes! There are a few ones out there that I would genuinely consider as artists, but most of them are ‚just‘ influencer idols following the ‚success‘ protocol and trying to fit into the cookie cutter image, bc boy gettin canceled in korea is a whole other level

[@quirkywoman8969]

yup they're just trying to do what their manager says and get pimped out like an influencer.@@AmiyaD1611

[@carollmatsumoto2940]

I "love" how people can think of "hollywood being bad for idols" but never think about the cruelty of American paparazzis

[@royal.chelsea]

when jungkook released 'seven' (clean version and explicit version), so many people were hating on him for the explicit version, and it was absolutely insane to me. so many people were mad about him singing the word "fucking" and saying he changed, saying that the song is too vulgar. i was dumbfounded at this, people were so mad about it. i saw so many comment sections and had to explain to people that jungkook is an adult who chose to show a more mature side of himself and that people should respect his choices. EDIT: both the clean version and the explicit version were released for preorder BEFORE the song was released, people being upset about the explicit version doesn't make any sense at all smh.

[@Woopsdiditagain]

I gotta say I was shocked too since I feel like he's the one that leaves the kid-friendly section the most even though he had the cutie vibe for so long, but like, not in an inappropriate way. Like it's not a bad thing? Tbh though, I just mostly think "His pr team knows what they're doing" DJJSJS Like good for him and the fans He's serving

[@royal.chelsea]

@Woopsdiditagain i understand the shock, i was definitely surprised but I actually like the new direction he's taking, as it means he's really trying something new and he even has a new kind of confidence these days. but the way people were reacting, you'd think the lyrics were these extremely inappropriate and offensive words, but it's literally the opposite. being the same age as jungkook made me feel obligated to defend him, cos as young adults we get scrutinised for being mature and it's really unfair.

[@Woopsdiditagain]

@@royal.chelsea If my bias had a 180° turn with how he presents himself, I'd have to get used to it at first too. But I feel like his new direction fits him very well :) It's all a question of mutual respect, the fans don't own the idol and the idol doesn't own the fans. I sort of feel like it was more of a blessing than a curse to him, he broke the typical way an idol is supposed to be and it only made him stronger. I think idols should be allowed to express themselves like that so that people can see them the way they'd like to be seen :D And that includes being seen as adults since- yk- that's what they are lmao

[@mansid46146]

And the disappointment is coming from the fandom who has been sexualizing him for years. There are sexual fan arts, imagines, pov and what not but when he creates something explicit it's a problem

[@royal.chelsea]

@mansid46146 honestly it was so crazy to me, it seems like fans were obsessed with babying him cos he's the youngest member, and didn't like the idea of him growing up, which is super weird cos he was always going to grow up eventually.

[@Blue-OrangeAid]

I’m new to K-pop, and basically the only interacting with the fandoms I am in is meeting fellow adult Stans irl. They have more bffr energy than online spaces, but even then I can acknowledge that meeting any Stan with decorum is a unicorn experience.

[@moondear]

i’m just mad that jennie’s acting debut was the idol because 18+ show or not she deserved a better role, and a better script and a better director that sammy leavingston. she did her best for what she had though and i’m proud though. also as a long time army jungkook completely surprised me and i was reeling for days (but fcuk me he killed it)

[@greenthinggg]

Agreed then again maybe she wanted to break out from the idol image which is why she chose to continue in the show?? Which is also understandable

[@moondear]

@@greenthinggg true, and that would be pretty cool. it's just that this show in particular sucks, from the r fetishes to the bad bdsm to the cult leader being painted as a victim. i think she did well despite that, but there are much better 18+ shows she could have acted in.

[@aishwaryapotdar1348]

I think a lot this is to do with their "boyfriend" marketing. Usually, young impressionable girls fantasize about these idols and honestly, there's a huge reason to it- there's a reason they are not called "artists", they are idols. I've been a huge music lover since I was a kid, but never once have I cared about the personal life of any artist, domestic or international. But, suddenly, with the livestreams, games, and other intimate stuff that these "idols" share or are made to share, I genuinely think that one is gaslighted into being in a parasocial relationship with them. And then, once you have an entire fandom showing this behavior, it's nothing short of a cult. For example- What other musicians talk about and do- -music-related stuff -new songs they're working on -what inspired their older songs -composition projects -any movies they would be singing for -different music styles they would explore -even if they do something 'flirty', it's clear that it's not normal and that it is meant to be flirty/for marketing What idols do- -release music videos -go on shows to dance and promote it (which is fair) -act cute -sharing personal messages and intimate stuff -play random games -flirt on chat/in fan meetings (this is okayyy, but weird) -more acting cute and more of dressing to please -discuss personal life and do cutesy shit, instead of focus on the music My point is that it's no longer about the music. A lot of their content is personal and intimate and is not supposed to be seen by other, it's not meant for us. Recognizing this is so important. It breaks my heart to see girls see hope in this and drawn to this, only to later release that this ain't about music or art, it's all about the companies profiting off of your emotions. It's sad. Another example- Kdramas, they're cute and all. But, I NEVER see the BTS and don't even see the Netflix interviews, I don't care for it. Why isn't this more normal? I mean, for me watching a movie or a drama is an experience that shouldn't be tied to real life. A lot of people watch the trailers, promos, interviews, dramas, post-interviews, reactions, talk-interviews, games, BTS etc. Normally, that could be okay for a fan, but most of these interviews have the actors acting cutesy and shit. I'm probably not able to explain it but there's a difference in an actor saying the amount he/she had to train in a gym for the role vs what his ideal type is? Like bruh, why that question? And no, Kdramas and K-pop is NOT korean culture. You can't be watching some rom-com or some action movie, and be like, ooo, I'm interested in Korean culture, but this is how K-pop is advertised. That's a disservice to the audience and to the actual culture. It's fiction and K-pop is mostly rap, pop, jazz and music, not the entire culture (especially, cause it's not even classical or traditional Korean music). Yes, obsessive fans ruin it for everyone. Yes, it's literally to weird and toxic. Yes, that's a sign of poor real-life relationships. BUT I still would sympathize with the ones that are unconsciously drawn to the para-social element, without even realizing that this is all marketing, and the "idols" and their companies often WANT you to get obsessed. And that to me, is fucking disgusting.

[@dearmary7654]

Totally and absolutely agreed! Modern k-culture is fake, created to obsess silly teenagers, just to make money. Fake idols without personality, fake stream songs, fake virtual problems.

[@ReineGalena]

"building ikea furniture together" OMG you're killing me.😂 Is that what the kids are calling it these days?🤣😂

[@jellyrolly]

i am so glad i never went in that deep with the fandom... i only perchased a few merch (bts cover - vogue magazine, member special edition magazines) and that's it. i was very clear that them showing their fans love was not fake, but it wasn't 100% genuine either. their constant shoutouts of 'i love you (fandom name)' is a marketing strategy.

[@idk-uv9dk]

Frrr, I've commented this somewhere else - the success, support and money the fans rake in is what they like, sure they appreciate their fans but it's hard to love people you don't know

[@captjamestkirk]

The funniest part about the smoking thing with idols is that smoking is so prevalant in Korea lmfao.

[@AlfonsoEspina]

This. I live in Korea and soooooo many people, including young ones, smoke.

[@hypnoteapot]

I was into kpop more than 10 years ago and now my 15 yo niece is a big fan, especially of Stray Kidz. I try to educate her on the manufactured nature of the industry and how it isn't just insanely good looking boys, dances, rainbows and roses so she keeps a level head and her critical thinking while telling her it is okay to appreciate the music. We talked about how the artists are treated by their companies, how many of them sadly passed away at a young age, victims of su*c*de. I think it's important to talk about it as many fans just seem to sweep it all under the rug when tragedies like this happen because they're scared to lose their favorite band (to this day, I can't believe that SHInee is still an active group after what happened to Jonghyun....). I am proud of how my niece did not go completely nuts about kpop despite her young age as she is in its primary target market.

[@gossameryouth]

I think it must be really difficult for idols to keep up their idol status. I don’t know if it’s similar, but jungkook and Jennie reminded me of a lot of Disney kids that came out of the machine and wanted to shake off the PG image. I mean, they’re adults, and both Jennie’s part in the idol and jungkooks new song are pretty tame compared to what we see here in America. I feel sick to my stomach sometimes when I think about what these fandoms do to their own personal idols and idols they send hate to, so it doesn’t exactly surprise me that maybe some of them are drawn to Hollywood and how loosey goosey it is compared to koreas industry. I think it’s so easy to forget that they’re people, not products, and it’s doing a lot of harm.

[@rinihc9637]

That's probably the difference. You are used to seeing these things, these asian fans aren't. If kpop still wasn't exposed to american audience, these fans wouldn't have reacted this way either. Most of them aren't used to this westernized content. The reaction is unnecessary, for sure, but this is what they have been served for so many years and suddenly things are changing for them so probably the acceptance is going to take some time for them. This issue with kpop and the weird fans is probably restricted to korea and the rest of asia and the issue lies on both ends.

[@Thlayli09]

I am in my thirties and was in a lot of fandoms. There were always people who took it too far but as far as I remember these fans weren't really liked and called out. In Kpop it almost seems normal to dehumanize and be over possessive of "your" idol. I just don't get it.

[@campin_sasquatch7740]

Han So Hee is a goddess! She's an amazing actress, and I can't believe that people would be so awful to her 💔 😢

[@kokiiaa]

especially with the jennie situation and her outfits, i just can’t imagine people trying to control what this GROWN WOMAN wears? calling her “vulgar”? these kpop stans not only have issues with parasocial relationships but also with infantilization of their idols.

[@quirkywoman8969]

truth acting like their mother or father you didn't raise them.😞

[@user-bz5mr7kb1i]

Rgt Especially Muslims Kpop Fans. Who tries to Forced their Culture on her😂they're so stupid. Just Becz They are Conservative doesn't mean Every one should be. Especially Arab fans And mostly Indonesian. Indonesian fans Camping under CK and Hating on Jennie 😂

[@yurishige]

Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. If you're an adult doesn't mean you can join prostitution or something else. I don't think it's about her age but her asian culture to behave properly.

[@user-bz5mr7kb1i]

@@yurishigego and learn Prostitution first.

[@andreacole9658]

@@yurishigebro there are a million other celebrities you can look to for culture why should she “behave”.

[@theoriginalbreakage]

as a kpop fan who is also an older adult.. i get it. 90% of the shit people do drives me insane because it is clear they dont REALLY care about these idols like they say they do and definitely don't see them as real human beings with feelings, etc. like the amount of exo-ls that dropped chen after he got married and had kids.. like. you say you love him.. but you DONT want him to be happy and do things that make him happy??? tf is wrong with you. thankfully there are a lot of fans in my main fandom who get so excited when a girl appears in this group's MVs or when they have female back up dancers. one of the members is in a drama right now with some pretty heavy scenes with his female costar and ive seen nothing but support and people freaking out (but not in a HOW DARE HE way just a sort of I WASN'T EXPECTING THIS?). its insanity to think these adult idols have never done anything with whoever theyre attracted to. like be serious? LOL. i used to be a really big fan of a certain group but their toxic fandom literally drove me to stop stanning because it was just a nightmare all the time (plus their music stopped being my vibe). and there's other groups i dont even check out because ive seen how their fandoms behave and dont want to be associated with them. its honestly sad.

[@quirkywoman8969]

yup they act like these adult kpop celebs never dated or smoke or did sexual things.

[@minareddy9895]

I think a lot of kpop idols encourage these parasocial relationships themselves. Like how are you promoting it and then shaming fans for doing the same thing? They cross boundaries themselves and then question why fans are being so invasive. Very hypocritical behavior. Fans definitely need to respect boundaries, but so should idols.

[@purple_bliss]

Exactly, but their money comes from perpetuating those parasocial relationship so they don't care, in most cases they are defended as well, as we can see in this comment section.

[@yourmamatoes]

Right like jungkook lives are getting a little bit to much

[@faraway7733]

Exactly...both are wrong here.. Idols and company do anything to get attention and create big fandom after that blame fans

[@-_--bp6nf]

EXACTLLLYYYY it's so crazy??? some of them are so comfortable flirting with their fans and giving them hope that one day they'll be able to date them or something. It's definitely not all on the fans for getting obsessed because some idols and companies encourage it to the max

[@jadepinnock]

Well it's their job so...

[@AmoebaInk]

American Hollywood is pretty toxic and cigarettes do kill people, but the idea of idolizing actors and singers and thinking they owe you their personal lives is also pretty warped. It's okay to admire someone's talent or even feel an attraction. But important to remember they are people and boundaries apply.

[@taylorm6797]

I love kpop and indulging in idols but I have a sense of reality. The “boycotting” of EXO’s Chen getting married and starting a family is so embarrassing and sad as a kpop fan. I love it when idols say they’re in relationships and I couldn’t care less if Taehyung smokes or not. He’s an adult who makes his own choices. It’s fun to indulge in kpop but there needs to be a line between fiction and reality. The lines between fictional and reality become blurred because an idol’s personality or persona are the marketability. People get sucked and think they understand what a person is thinking and feeling when in reality, we never know what a person is thinking. Let alone a 20 something Korean man who has no idea they exist. I think kpop fan be fun and engage with the idols and content, but people need to realize that they cannot control an adult that makes their own decisions. These people are strangers who don’t know we exist and that’s okay. Some people need to be reminded of it or take a step back and find a healthy balance. Kpop is supposed to be fun and interactive with their media but there’s real life to live outside of it. It’s a hobby not a lifelong obsession.

[@apollosbutterfly]

LMAOOO “i hate han so hee because she hold jungkook hand”

[@firework8140]

I think smoking is bad cause he's a singer. It'll damage his vocal cords. Thats about it

[@JamesStJake]

Jungkook of BTS did two lives during this week-end, one in the middle of the day, and the other in the middle of the night (which is usual for him). The one in the middle of the day was flooded with stupid, entitled, disrespectful comments, while the one during the night was somehow normal. I guess it's a question of demographic more than a question of fandom. The younger the fans, the more entitled and disconnected from reality they are. The reactions to Latto and Han So Hee I saw in my corner of the fandom were 100% positive and supportive.

[@makesmewannadie647]

Its also a him Problem tho. Jk is talented ok but He is feeding into these delusions of the fans with these lives He gets more nakrd every live i feel like He will do something really bad or controversial wothout thinkiing tomorrow or another day and He will regret it

[@apk9_9]

​@@makesmewannadie647thats what i noticed too he should stop flirting with his fans they are already over the top delusional and he's doing more nd more which will cause problem for him in future its like he's feeding on their brains its not healthy for both parties

[@sugacube1846]

⁠@@makesmewannadie647It's literally his body?? If he doesn't want have shirt on he doesn't have to. The way your talking is as delusional as the "entitled" Army's you talking about.

[@sugacube1846]

@@apk9_9Also if you have watched jungkooks recent lives he really doesn't flirt💀 he talks about his day or does mundane tasks while answering questions. He wants to have more of a friendship with army then "flirt" with them.

[@user-wx5xx5ug6x]

​@@sugacube1846 nah it's still weird. You don't have constantly be in bed and/or naked to talk to friends. He's feeding these delusions and I'm scared it's gonna bite him in the back.

[@eyesofwater123]

Some of these celebrities may need to channel their inner Doja Cat and put these psycho fans in their place.

[@MaryDunford]

Right up there with, 'Roses are red. Violets are blue. You don't know me but I know *everything* about you.' Next-level stalker-creepy. 😱

[@berry_cakeisgood]

That’s probably the main reason why I never got into k-pop idol groups or j-pop groups like they advertise these idols to be datable for any fan and idc if these companies are trying to make money off that but that’s just weird af and embarrassing for the people who think they have a chance to be with them 😭

[@sittinayfah]

I've been an ARMY since 2013, literally grew up with bangtan. I can say that they are in their comfortable era now. I just don't understand why there are some "fans" (don't wanna call them ARMY tho) that feels so entitled of the the members? Like, they're grown ass men. They can date, interact and work with female artists. THEY ARE ENTITLED TO THEIR OWN LIFE. We are just a fan. That's it. They love us, but they have their life beyond being a BTS member. I would like to make myself believe that those who do these craziness are kids/teenager fans but no. I've seen some grown ass women who do these. Disgusting. And please stop being cringy in weverse and stop commenting cringy and uncomfortable stuffs on their weverse lives.

[@moonchild07613]

I agree with your comment on every aspect!!! And gosh weverse comments are literally the worst

[@sittinayfah]

@@moonchild07613 cant blame Namjoon if he doesnt feel like doing live these days. I'm glad he's having his time going out with his friends.

[@quirkywoman8969]

didn't he even say their fandom is too crazy now?@@sittinayfah

[@Priyagaming746]

Hey I agree with you as a teenager some army's always blame on young fans and IT hurts me

[@nemomagnum]

I have a tendency to get obsessed with new interests for a while, so when I first got into kpop and started stanning BTS, I spent a lot of time consuming content, learning about stuff and trying to keep up with news. And I mean A LOT. Even in that obsession phase I never wanted to date idols or felt like they owed me anything. Sure, sometimes I don't like the direction an artist or group's music takes, and sometimes I need a second to adjust to a change but... I try to live by the principle that people are allowed to do whatever they want as long as they're not hurting anyone (preferably themselves included but I'm not gonna flip my sh1t if someone smokes or something). If I don't like something, I can either adjust my expectations or move on to something else. I wouldn't want someone trying to control my life, so why would I have any right to do it to someone else?

[@s.webbiana]

This is exactly how I feel. It breaks my heart how entitled people get. I just want the members to peacefully enjoy themselves, like I enjoy watching their content (and then we each live our lives).

[@illjustcallyoumine4924]

That's exactly how I've always felt about this too.

[@CrimsonDawn-ou4og]

Idol behavior really contributes to this whole mess. I really hope some changes come because sasaengs can just get more and more extreme over time. It's good that they not only show that they're idols, but people too.

[@CrimsonDawn-ou4og]

Like seriously, constantly seeing these people at their peak perfection almost constantly is not helping at all. Subconsciously forming inhumane expectations....

[@makesmewannadie647]

Jk for example

[@quirkywoman8969]

and insecurities towards the fans.@@CrimsonDawn-ou4og

[@jazzy4164]

​@@hadiaarif305Same. His last live in bed , I saw some clips and it made me hella uncomfortable . I appreciate RM'S/Jimin's lives a lot more. RM never encouraged this sort of behaviour. Jimin always does his lives from Hybe building and is extremely private about his life. So it's easier to interact with him as a celebrity rather than anything else.

[@jazzy4164]

@@hadiaarif305 OMG SAME. Like I used to enjoy it so much that Jk was being Frank with us , but some of his recent lives are not for me , so I don't watch it anymore.

[@joeisafreakk]

The "dating scandals" and "smoking scandals" in kpop are ridiculous. They are adult men and women... They do way more than holding hands and having a cigarette once. Also the pictures of them smoking weren't taken with consent.

[@ZobiWanKenobi96]

the smoking one is always so funny to me cuz basically every korean guy I've met smokes hahaha. if you go to korea and stand outside a big company, there will be like 50 guys all having a smoke break together hahah

[@moonchild07613]

My biggest fear since years was that Kpop would become mainstream. Fandoms would get more toxic people and crazy people obsessing about idols like crazy. Even though there were crazy fans since a long long time it became way worse. And sick how any girl around a male idol will receive hate right away. Like wth? I am into Kpop since 2016 and so much happened. I mean obviously years passed.

[@fatimahmakgatho8968]

The K-pop industry feeds into this delusion and honestly they are the true winners here Edit: THANK YOU FOR MENTIONING IT

[@priyakumari6073]

"fans hating their idols because they're dating" I got to know about this because of kpop 😂 Kpop fans are the most ridiculous fans ever 😂

[@francoisdaureville323]

Except that those fans specially this days are a minority a very vocal and diabólic minority but still a minority

[@brigc7755]

I dont interact with a lot of KPOP stans because of this , the infantilization is so horrid that when idols get accused of actual CRIMES their fans won't ever believe it 😭😭🤢

[@quirkywoman8969]

yup and idol could do murderous crimes and probably still have ppl call him/her babyboy or babygirl angel😟

[@suan333]

Fans forget they are a concept. Except the few they seen on fan meetings, they don't know you. Fans are an abstract concept. So no, they don't feel comfortable if you sexualize them or believe they own you anything more than their music.

[@lemonEd001]

It also doesn't help that there are idols who treat/refer to their fans as their "girlfriends". Those idols are also responsible for their crazy fans behavior. Like not long ago that guy from BTS Jungkook was making a comment that he didn't had a girlfriend that his girlfriends were his fans, and that was after supposedly being secretly filmed by some crazies inside his house with a woman. Like wtf

[@ORANGE-ib3jd]

yeah i remember that , except it wasn't him . it was some chinese celeb who came forward to reveal it was him

[@Riyaa87]

Yes. He denied and said Armys are my gf. It will definitely backfire him one day. He keeps feeding their delusions

[@ORANGE-ib3jd]

@@Riyaa87 from his pov he's joking around I think he thinks too high of his fans

[@Adrastia]

I'm surprised none of these artists have been seriously hurt yet. All it takes is one fan who gets a little too obsessed.

[@hayleywerth]

Hey there! I lived in Korea for two years and I just want to say that, from my experience, smoking is MUCH more rampant in South Korea than in North America. It’s mostly men who do it, but there are also women who partake. So it’s not that it’s more acceptable to smoke in public in North America - I would say the opposite, in fact - but perhaps that being out of Korea made this group member feel like he didn’t have to be as careful about his image.

[@ssr8555]

Agreed. I have admittedly never been to East Asia nor am I Asian, but from my understanding both smoking and drinking are very socially accepted and common. It’s just that idols are suppose to be perfect, innocent and can do nothing wrong so they’re not allowed to do those things publicly.

[@yjmohua5546]

Jennie and Jungkook are the two idols who broke the typical idol image stereotype. I feel proud of them that they have the guts to do so because not all idols could do so.

[@streetzomb69]

hwasa?

[@SaradaUchiha-jv2jd]

Both are not.... you just know only those 2.

[@pretzel_salt]

I used to be one of the super toxic Kpop stans when I was 13-16. I kinda grew out of it (but not by much) until I fell out of it completely when I turned 19 because of personal stuff. I'm now a 24 year old woman who is now married, and am getting back into Kpop and can recognize that they wipe their ass the same as me and know I will never probably meet them. It really is wild out there. And feels especially predatory that these big companies know that the main fan base is minors and use it for capital gain.

[@fobro9023]

I’ve recently gotten back into kpop but to everyone who formed a parasocial relationship with their idol, my heart goes out to y’all. It’s good to see everyone getting better. I personally had to leave because their constant weight comments brought back my ED 💀

[@justvibing2171]

These parasocial relationships need to stop fr

[@-_--bp6nf]

As a kpop stan trying to push myself away because these parasocial relationships I have are harmful, I want to say that people like this, while they're weird and definitely psychotic, are victims of the way these companies market. They rely on making the fans fall inlove with idols, pushing the idols to do fanservice and flirt and give them the false idea of having a chance with them to keep the money coming. It's so disgusting and hurts everyone involved. Right now I'm having a hard time letting go of txt because they were there when I was going through the hardest times of my life, the thought of not being able to be their friend or never getting to be in their social circle one day makes me sad but it's a reality I have to learn to accept as much as I love them. I don't think these fans should be made fun of because these idols clearly give them something they're lacking in real life, they could be the reason they're holding on and the only thing that brings them happiness, they need help rather than to be ridiculed and made fun of

[@girlista9785]

Parasocial relationship is bad but what makes me sick, is forcing idols to be like teens and be cute and act like kids, how is that not predatory behavior. They make art just enjoy it.

[@quirkywoman8969]

they force em to dress like kids too.

[@jxstadri]

No forreal. I get why so many idols start to dislike their older music mainly because they had to act cute and play all innocent. Jeongyeon said that once, where she was like „I hated doing this so much, I was in my early 20s and didn‘t want to do this“ which completely normal. She wants to express herself how she wants, not how she‘s told to. Again, completely normal. These people just need to realise that these idols are also „free“ human beings, who can do what they want to (Mostly free cause like their agencies will be like no dating, no tattoos or whatever).

[@HitomiLikesK-pop]

As a K-pop Stan This is insane like it’s not like your dating them K-pop idols can do what they want

[@kkuralvrs]

I got into kpop beginning 2023 (maybe late 2022 I can’t remember but doesn’t matter) and i did create a fanacc on twitter (or x whatever u wanna call it) and i was so shocked to see how some kpop fans would talk about their fav groups and stuff…. The main reason why i got into kpop is bc the songs make me happy and always boost my energy etc. I also love to watch their little yt shows and buying the albums but i would never ever get mad when they start dating or whatsoever 😭😭😭 I remember that when a kpop idol started dating someone and i was genuinely happy for them and everyone on twitter got crazy and annoyed 💀 I literally don’t get how people can treat people they don’t even know personally and probably will never know personally like that. Like pls. Theres alot that I learned ab the kpop industry and ab the fandoms etc and both are in some ways very much fucked up. Also the fact that some people on twitter even “canceled” my friend bc she disliked ONE SONG was crazy to me. Like they straight up bullied her and send her death threats etc. Disliking a song is never THAT serious

[@libellle]

Fans not being able to be happy for their idols is the worst. Stay realistic, they're never gonna fall for you