The Last Great Era of Kpop

[@merafromyoutube]

3:03 to 3:25 is sarcasm. Do people really think I believe BTS forgot how to speak Korean? Butter song of the summer.

[@selenaflows]

can people really be /this/ dense 😭

[@DellaVanilla14]

it's very obviously sarcasm and if people are offended or can't register that, they shouldn't be on the internet :/

[@pjmserendipity1452]

why are people so mad at you, people need to calm down

[@dasniesls6991]

when i watched those few seconds, i knew people would go after you. at this point, i don't even know how you still trying to defend yourself. A old and wise woman once said in 2014: "Haters are gonna hate, so you just need to shake it off, baby!" - jokes aside, people will not stop going after you for that, so just know there are people here who really appreciate your work here on youtube

[@bluehourcore]

@@dasniesls6991 did u just call taylor swift old i’m crying

[@glowaswegrowgray]

"Its not the closed bedroom hobby that it used to be" that hit hard

[@hyemster2274]

true

[@xerilaun]

:')

[@21genman]

right

[@mayuhmetal]

me in my closed bedroom listening to itzy 😭

[@miss_jess]

It definitely still is if you're over 25, you're not supposed to still be into kpop if you're 'old'. It's not just your friends and family who think it's weird, but other fans too lol

[@vivipurr]

“it’s like being a sports fan with more glitter” that is the most accurate thing i have ever heard

[@TheMusicBoxMashups]

pinned comment behavior

[@bdzmru8489]

it's kinda funny because the truth is, kpop fans are just like sports fans who also argue about stats, hypotheticals and hard reaches rather than the original topic of either the sport or music lol... always about winning instead of broadening the experience

[@bombituico]

@@bdzmru8489 so true

[@willdhaggard]

No, but seriously: during the pandemic my sports consumption went way down and my kpop and kdrama consumption went way up. And, tbh, the trade-off has been totally worth it.

[@ItsTaniya]

I just told my boyfriend who’s a huge football fan this😭

[@LucyLighthearted]

I feel like Kpop has similar issus that the fashion industry is also facing - everything is coming and going too quickly and until you have a few pieces of a style, that style is already out of season and something new (but usually vintage) is already in. The circle becomes faster and faster, especially fueled by TikTok.

[@justviniana]

Yeah, I think TikTok is also playing a not that small part in how the Kpop Fandom has evolved. Not just the music but also everything around it. TikTok makes everything much shorter and when talking about songs the most important part of a song is the chorus. I know alot of people who say they love a song but have never heard more than the part played on TikTok. So the chorus seems to get much more attention than it got previously. But It's not just the music but much more the dances that got affected by TikTok. With some songs you can see immediately that the choreography was created to try and be a TikTok Trend. But what TikTok mainly did is shorten the attention span of many people and change the feeling for views and likes (this one is also the fault of KZbin for example). Because the videos are so short on TikTok, getting alot of views is alot easier than on KZbin. A group getting 20.000 (20 thousand) views on a mv is called a flop when it's not. It may not be able to compare to bigger groups like BTS or BP but they are the exception not the norm. Everything has to be/go more, higher, bigger, better, etc. One example is DFTF by EXO. Alot of people called it boring but EXO-Ls were just happy they got a Album. Being happy for what you get and not forcing yourself to like something is not easy but it's not as hard as people think. Just go with what you personally are feeling and don't form your opinion through others exclusively.

[@IndianaJonas96]

Yes but this speed of trends could potentially lead to just, anything being trendy depending how its used. The trend will be just be having your own style or innovating, and people wont get as obsessed with following some unspoken fashion rulebook

[@Vanilla_Baker44]

Yeah that's true. Kpop is just shifting gears almost everyday, and so are the groups.

[@aroundyou4eva883]

Yep this also feels like just late stage capitalism

[@neoconservative]

frfr we in that LATE late stage, next step: revolution

[@ry5551]

quarantine was the entire reason i dedicated time getting into k-pop past casual listening. streaming, buying and collecting albums/photocards, abundant fan-made content and youtube content…it was the ultimate distraction and now that i’m getting back into real life, i just can’t keep up. when ppl joke about k-pop stans treating it like a full time job they really aren’t lying.

[@hannahmew9194]

I feel that getting into internet communities of kpop fans has gotten me through quarantine and it’s so weird going back into our lives with new friends that we know have our back yes any community is toxic but it also has its beauty that isn’t talked about as much

[@xerilaun]

@@hannahmew9194 same

[@yasminechoerryscherry3701]

@@hannahmew9194 same, Kpop (and books) were my safe space and escapism during the quarantine, it was just so much but I could watch three NCT funny vids or listen to four songs and I was able to forget everything that happened outside my room

[@mintimin8707]

Yeah. It was a lot easier to stan when I was younger. Now that most of the groups I know are disbanded I can't feel bothered to follow with everyone else anymore.

[@tokkigifs]

when you say this on Stan twt you’ll get railed thinking it’s an excuse for you to not stream their comeback or vote even- most of us are the same age as the 4th gens so we could be going to uni or are graduating and going into the real world like the idols themselves and it’s just sad

[@francescagolden1061]

Something interesting: if you replace the word kpop with literally anything else, you can apply your commentary to all other things we experience. As a society, we’re getting into a period of extremely fast paced micro trends and we all are falling into this dichotomy where we want more things faster but we also wish we had more time to enjoy things. It’s definitely a product of social media and technology, and how quickly we can get what we want (literally by clicking a button). This constant search for the newest, freshest thing isn’t just in kpop. It’s everywhere. But it was interesting to see how you applied it to the industry! It really shows that all aspects of our lives are starting to fall into this pattern. I wonder what’s going to happen in society when it becomes… too much. Time will tell I guess.

[@hannahmew9194]

Definitely everyone has had shows games movies etc they have been obsessed with something I’m trying to work on is enjoying the moment and enjoying the phase. Even though it doesn’t last forever doesn’t mean you won’t get the most out of it. It is hard to change your outlook on life and no one can force you but you should always want to improve as well as always wanting to feel your your emotions and seek comfort

[@majejejenta]

yes this is literally Mark Fisher's capitalist realism all over again

[@lynnel-hassan1611]

100% even time is passing by so quickly and I can’t process the things I go through in my day to day life as I have to move on to the second task of the day. We don’t enjoy the moment anymore we’re just programmed to work Ans that’s it capitalism really is ugly we’re all sheep’s now

[@deprimeplatypus490]

not exactly but

[@deprimeplatypus490]

I mean it's like sayying every fandom is the same, yes there are smillar things but c'mon

[@bellasbeatbox]

I am so glad that Mera exists in the current kpop climate. She vocalizes things that I cannot articulate without accidentally upsetting someone, and what I am not brave enough to say in these kpop spaces. Thank you for that Mera, and I hope you keep taking care of yourself too.

[@aintnobodylikeu]

THISSSSS

[@paulad.r.7914]

exactly

[@momoz1]

YES OMG

[@marioalmeida6809]

exactly omg

[@rainieaidou7782]

excatly

[@scmelony3556]

"Take a break. Fall behind and don't feel the need to catch up" As someone who took a brief break in kpop (although I still actively listened to the music, just not necessarily each new release religiously) this is a great piece of advice. I just think that everyone should know that distancing yourself for a bit is not abandoning your faves. If you typically stream comebacks, you aren't betraying a group by missing a release. Don't burn yourself out. When you take a break, yes things will change but you won't enter back into an unrecognizable fandom. We're bound together by music, dance, and visual awe that I personally don't see changing. Happiness is relative, and if kpop is no longer making you satisfied, you have the power to move on. Focus on yourself, and (not to sound cheesy but) know that it isn't a goodbye, it's a "see you later". And if you don't return, I hope that your time here was memorable.

[@bonk3800]

BIG AGREE and well said!

[@shishi8139]

Great advice, one that I will be trying for the next few months. Especially since award season is around, I can't stand the negativity around all that.

[@sunoobae3921]

@@shishi8139 omg award show season is literal HELL especially on stan twt

[@eusuntmaria4071]

why are you all acting like k-pop is a cult or something like that. there's no need for goodbyes and see you later. treat k-pop like a music genre. imagine someone saying ”i'm taking a break from r&b”. dumb.

[@scmelony3556]

@@eusuntmaria4071 You make a good point. I think it's mainly because kpop as a genre generates a lot of fandom behavior

[@antebunny5683]

"Butter shows that BTS have actually forgotten how to sing in Korean and are taking US citizenry tests as we speak" this was a great joke i can't believe it went over people's heads...well i can, but still

[@ayessarodado3955]

Lol same

[@ishouldbestudying2637]

And the fact that she had to explain that it's sarcasm says a lot about kpop fans

[@idkhbu1845]

army are a bunch of crazy toddlers

[@alinamei8072]

@@idkhbu1845 kind of sad how you generalize such a big and diverse fandom…

[@armymoa7363]

@@idkhbu1845 well im 21,i guess im a toddler thanks

[@bluehour1236]

What's even worse is that people seem to be shitting on 4th gen the most even though they have had the least amount of time to show what they can do. Most groups "best era" in my opinion usually comes waaaayyyyy later then 2- 3 years.

[@21genman]

The problem is the overstimulation or oversaturation of kpop in the 4th generation. I agree though that people should give them a chance since they haven't showed everything they've got. But some people also wouldn't have the patience to keep up with New group reveals and New singles coming out like sushi in a fast conveyor belt.

[@everglowup]

I had this conversation with my sister and she said "Imagine going to Disney Land, EVERY. SINGLE. DAY." A lot of fans, I assume just dived head first into kpop to escape everything that was going on in the world these last couple of years and to be fair for a number of fans, kpop had already been a form of escapism before all of this, so their behavior towards kpop comebacks being too boring, too shallow, too experimental, too basic, too safe etc, didn't surprise me too much. And for a while noone was allowed to go anywhere, it's just you and the internet and half of that time oR even more you are focused on kpop, overstimulation is bound to happen. And not to mention we are at a time when one generation is slowing down and the next is trying to take off. It can be a little daunting for kpop fans who started stanning during the 3rd gen. They are reluctant to let go of the generation that sparked that initial excitement of stanning kpop and having to usher themselves into a new one at a time when they are up to their eyeballs in all things kpop. The transition isn't as smooth and many feel the 4th generation just doesn't have what it takes to keep kpop alive. I just hope people don't freak out too much and think Kpop is losing its spark. I am sure fans of older generations felt the same way and the 3rd gen did just fine.

[@merafromyoutube]

"Disneyland every single day" is the perfect metaphor, and also a complete nightmare. Cotton candy for every meal means cavities and stomach aches. COVID has really butchered this generation switch, because it's hard to feel like a real-and-ready change has happened when you're trapped in one room for over a year. (I'm also not ready to let go of the third gen. I'm still not ready to let go of the second gen, to be honest. May I have more time, sir??) I heard you're taking some time off! I really hope your break is good and restful. I'll miss you until you get back. Please stay healthy. Love and strength to you and your sister.

[@everglowup]

@@merafromyoutube Thanks. I adore you and will be back before you know it...

[@maitreyikulkarni6045]

oh my god i so agree with you !! you put it so perfectly tbh

[@ilovenishimurariki]

spitting facts as always

[@lunazen8661]

Yup as a 2nd gen stan myself, this was definitely a struggle we had to go through as well once the 3rd gen started...Everything felt so different and weird, old groups have disbanded and with the accessibility of social media so much things started to get bigger internationally (while we were happy of the recognition, it made us lowkey uncomfortable too). It's normal and just something you get used to. This also happens with western fans who think that music from the 90s, 2000s is considerably better than that of today. Nostalgia has a big play on it too. Overall Kpop will just be fine and never lose its spark. Transitioning to something new is always weird and the next gen will experience this same momentum again. That's just how it works 🤷‍♀️

[@isabellecowan2559]

You know another point I can’t really describe but want to: I feel like some people actually want Kpop to STOP being mainstream, for it to sink back into just a small thing for them to enjoy, something more intimate. Obviously, this isn’t everyone, but I also feel some people may hope that once the pot boils over as you said, all the “NeW fAkE fAnS” will leave and they’ll have their safe space back to how they really want it. And through that, maybe all the talk about it being the last great era, is actually their hope that by it going “downhill”, they will get their true enjoyment back

[@mememe2314]

Yeah a lot of people want kpop to go back to how it was during 2nd gen-early 3rd gen and honestly that wouldn't be too bad of an idea considering where it is now.

[@andromeda_lw]

I kind of relate, back in the day, seeing someone wearing a kpop themed pin, i was so excited, started chatting & often would become internet friends... I would spend hours talking to this one guy just because we were two people in the whole school who knew kpop and we bonded over it. Liking kpop often felt like being a part of a little secret club for international fans

[@shahanaparveen2413]

@@andromeda_lw but maybe idols don't deserve to be a secret for a fan's fantasy? They deserve recognition too for their hardwork

[@emma5781]

Now that you say it I really see it. Kpop fans have always loved the underdog trope and how Kpop is a nuanced music genre with "intellectuals" who are the only ones that can see how good Kpop is. But now that Kpop is becoming more mainstream and popular, fans think it's losing its originality and every comeback is a disappointment.

[@elizaelise5192]

yeah, I think everyone has that kind of dilemma with their faves when they've been in the fandom since the early days. on the one hand, you want your faves to be recognized and be successful, but at the same time, there's that part of you that hopes they stay as this little escape that only you know about in your entire city

[@isabellecowan2559]

Another thought is that, as Mera said, because more and more people have turned to Kpop for an escape, what they WANT in return has become more and more specific to the person and therefor less and less are people actually satisfied. I also feel like (and this is a MASSIVE leap) people are also less likely to actually give stuff a chance now? Like, one bad rap verse will RUIN a song now, and so people won’t listen to the album That’s just a ramble thought thou

[@aintnobodylikeu]

nah cuz this is evident in sunmis recent release (you cant sit with us). people were shitting on the rap verse even though it wasnt that bad (despite not being THAT good either, admittedly). people want all music releases to transcend heaven and beyond when thats statistically impossible. i have no problem with people thinking a certain song (or EVEN album) is bad, but what grinds my gears is when people outright shit on the artist (and consequently the rest of their discography) after hearing ONE song that they dislike. this goes for a lot of artists btw, not just sunmi. it makes the fan experience less enjoyable because the point of finding communities to begin with is to find people who like the same things you like and share the same joy in the things you find joy in; but recently it feels like its the complete opposite. people actively find other people who hate something and before you know it twitter trends are crying about how a kpop group's music is going to shit. im so sick of it all.

[@totallynoticarus]

I think that kind of depends on the music style too. Because there have definitely been some releases for me recently where there is a part that just completely ruins the song for me because it cuts the flow the song has, just doesn't fit the song or because the lyrics are atrocious, etc. It might also have something to do with the noise music trend where as soon as a part is just slightly annoying to listen to it just gets thrown away.

[@Mhochul]

@@aintnobodylikeu The rap verse was objectively bad but the song was soooo fucking good i was able to overlook it

[@zibbitybibbitybop]

As someone who has always been extremely picky about all music for my entire life, I offer a counterpoint: it's fine to have one subpar rap verse ruin an entire song for you (which frequently happens for me, much to my dismay), so long as you're smart enough to compartmentalize that and not hold it against any other songs by the same artist. Just because I don't like a given artist's latest title track, that doesn't mean their B-sides aren't good, and vice versa. Case in point: I hate how weirdly experimental aespa's latest title track is, but I'll Make You Cry from the same album is great and I've listened to it on loop for weeks now.

[@isabellecowan2559]

@@zibbitybibbitybop That’s completely fair! I have just found that some people (and this is also a personal flaw of mine, so I’m including myself in this) DON’T compartmentalize songs in that way, which can stink because I’ve definitely missed out on great songs because of it

[@randomperson6032]

Praying that some kpop stans don’t come for you for a stupid reason or miscommunication again, loved the video

[@merafromyoutube]

God I hope not.

[@aintnobodylikeu]

@@merafromyoutube if people come for you pls dont delete this. theres literally nothing wrong with this video. i love you and i hope you have a tolerable weekend. x

[@heejinators7342]

Well…

[@Saktoth]

They will. They even go after the artists. This is honestly the real problem in kpop. Its incredibly toxic and reactive.

[@DanasGoneCrazy]

Honestly this mob mentality among the larger Kpop fanbase is a huge part of why a lot of people have grown tired of Kpop lol 😭 it's pretty sad

[@margaux5308]

i feel like i’m a kpop fan who is pretty casual. i don’t really find the vlives interesting and i rarely watch shows w idols except for the showterview. i really like listening to the music though and might buy an album once in a while to which i will listen to on repeat bc i really love it. i dont buy them to put them on a shelf to gather dust. i don’t have many just my favorites. i do like the memes and the members a lot but the music itself is a lot more entertaining to me.

[@PrachiSingh-ml9rp]

Honestly, same.

[@rosalesmickaela]

100% relate

[@thylionheart]

Vlives are only fun if 1) they’re kinda like a little radio show where you just put it on in the background and listen as the person plays song requests, like Chan’s Room or Beomgyu’s Radio Time 2) cooking (SKZ has these really funny and chaotic cooking videos that even my mom enjoyed lol, she kept yelling at them to flip the pancakes before they burned)

[@dgtamer43yt]

Idols used to be really funny on Variety Shows during the 2nd gen era of KPop tbh... almost all of them were good. Sadly, the newer fans are very protective of their oppas to the point where those idols can't really act like themselves.

[@miatownsend6088]

as someone who’s been here since 2016 ive been mostly hurt by toxic fans but not by mediocre music releases. i want to enjoy (or even dislike) things in peace without everything having to be this big statement.

[@ariesfairy4444]

yess i’ve been a kpop stan since 2016 as well and some fans can be scary. i’ve seen ppl get doxxed by a fandom just by simply saying they don’t like that groups music. makes u feel like u can’t even have an opinion if it’s not the general opinion. one of the reasons why i used to avoid BTS is bc ARMYS used to literally scare me😭😭 some ppl really mean it when they say they’re die hard fans. they’ll do anything to defend their favs even if that means bringing harm to someone else

[@wrioculus]

2016 fans unite! i'm in the phase where i just passively listen to everyone's music but only really 'stan' 2 groups. i feel like people are always looking for something great and show-stopping, and i once did too. but over the years i've understood that having my expectations sky high will only harm my listening experience. sometimes, you need just a good average pop song, the ordinary is what makes the extraordinary so special anyways.

[@johnsbananamilkshake]

THIS the reason i'm so tired isn't even the music or content itself but the annoying fans - 2017 fan tho 👀💗

[@zulfarahyasmin4168]

@@ariesfairy4444 I agree. I used to like BTS but eversince they become so popular and their fanbase become so big I started to avoid them because I feel like I can't never share my opinions of BTS without getting attacked and I think the 4th gen groups fanbase literally scare me too 😭. Even if I just say "I don't like your faves music because it's too loud for me", they will come at me like I was giving their faves a hate comment fr. Like what am I supposed to do? Keep listening to your faves music even though I feel a little bit uneasy because it's too loud for me?

[@idk-dq6kr]

same. i got into kpop around 2018-2019 and became a casual listener in 2021 bcs my god actually stanning a group can be so mentally draining im not even kidding. the ppl in the fandom will literally gaslight you i to thinking that you must keep up with everything ur faves do or else you're not a real fan and while back in quarantine i could do that easily, once school started and my social life was partially revived i found it harder and harder to catch up until i eventually just stopped caring abt what those strangers in social media think abt me and begun enjoying kpop for the music. best decision ever tbh.

[@hyunjinsanity]

When I first got into kpop (only about 2 years ago) it felt so... fun. There was so much to take in and so many new moments. BUT with every comeback I get that feeling again as more content from my favourite group appears. Too me, a comeback isn't just the song or album, it includes everything that comes with it. No group is 'going down hill' because of one 'bad' song. As long as the fans eat up the content and the company gets money, the idols will keep going. They won't stop because of one era.

[@matildaottosson3794]

This! I completely agree with your comment. Although I’ve been a kpop stan for multiple years now I still get the same rush when new releases come. I still have this world to escape to, and it annoys me when I see all these people just tearing down a whole groups discography because of one verse in a song. A bad song does not mean that there will be no more good songs.

[@temitambora9219]

Exactly

[@ijm1261]

I agree. I'm very glad I came in at the beginning of 2020 because there were amazing releases last year. Amazing. This year is just different.

[@heykaybeee]

@@ijm1261 I came late 2020

[@moachapter]

Same I joined a few months ago everything seemed fun new and exciting but now I'm frustrated and I'm genuinely shocked that people go to certain extents for their faves

[@isalorentzen2999]

I remember in the beginning of my kpop journey I had this extreme high, where everything felt exciting, fun, and new. Then 1 or 2 years in that kind of changed and the big consumption of kpop wasn’t really fun for me anymore. But I let myself enjoy kpop for what it is, watch what I wanted, and what I found fun, not letting this big pressure of keeping up with everything crush me. That’s where I think a lot of fans go wrong, they feel disappointed that they no longer feel the same excitement and blame it on the industry, instead of realising that it’s just a natural result of kpop not being new to them anymore. Not everything in kpop is going to be your cup of tea, but that’s the fun part, you get to pick and choose and find out what you really enjoy and what you don’t. Even if that means taking a break from it to find it’s beauty again!

[@racheljohnson7177]

Exactly! Kpop didn't lose it's spark, it is rather the individual who is losing interest.

[@isalorentzen2999]

@@racheljohnson7177 yes, good summary😁

[@user-um6ce1ov4g]

This literally happened to me in 2018-2019 - in 2017 I had binged kpop in escapism until my brain naturally reached oversaturation, hah. I took a step back, my relationship with fandom slowly became more chill and it’s been *much* more fun to focus on what I actually like about kpop instead of trying to chase the thrill I used to get as a new fan.

[@jisootrash8820]

this is very well said

[@isalorentzen2999]

@@jisootrash8820 thank you🥰

[@hallewho]

"'The kpop fandom' is really a bucket term for 35 million individuals who have all been made to feel embarrassed in the same way" idk why but that sentence just hits different

[@theabbieexperience]

I got into K-pop during BTS' BST era, I saw so many people leave the fandom over the years and everything being labeled as boring, old and rusty, but i stuck trough it because i liked the music, i saw jennie get called lazy, i saw all of the fandom and shipping wars and turned a blind eye because i didn't want the negativity to ruin my safe place, so to all of those who stood up for what they liked when i couldn't, thank you, your amazing.

[@sabornisaha8962]

BTS peaked in the BST era. And that's a fact. I low-key miss how chill and mature the armys back in the days used to be too.

[@indeedical26]

@@sabornisaha8962 as another fan from 2016, i wouldn't say they peaked at BST era, but our fandom did. People were fangirling and fanboying, but at the same time they didn't care if someone left a troll comment. I honestly love wings, their music has always been great, so would rather say that the fandom peaked in 2016~2018.

[@aquaaria3489]

Same… Got into Kpop in 2017 thanks to BTS and was literally obsessed with BS&T 🥲🥲🥲

[@eternallybluehour1139]

@@aquaaria3489 same! the visuals were everything 😭

[@lianavalona]

WINGS was BTS's last good era

[@nanda_]

[Edit- Disclaimer: long ass essay] I think 3rd gen kpop fans are experiencing what 2nd gen kpop fans have experienced and been mocked for: seeing the industry change and grow, with new groups, sound and trends, and seeing the result of an internationally growing industry lead to more professionalism on the industry's part, but with staler and less risky concepts, visuals and sounds to appeal to a broader audience. Not only that, but they are seeing a new generation of kpop fans coming in and a shift in the fandom's culture (at this point, it has gotten so big I'm not even sure I can say it's one fandom anymore, there are many different world views and attitudes within the fandom), and the conversations, interactions and spaces they used to interact among themselves aren't and won't be the same anymore. The industry isn't that same industry you fell in love with. I knew ever since the kpop 'boom' that eventually this moment would come and the new fans would get it. I used to catch myself thinking "I can't wait till the see what coming." The hard truth I saw at the time was that the spell was broken, and as I became more detached (or should I say less engaged?) I was able to see the industry as it was - an industry that heavily relies on trends, and is and *was always meant to be* for fast consumpsion and subsequent disposal. Idols were and have always been meant to last 7 years. You think "how could they let go of such an estabilished and successful group?", "how could they just stop promoting such a big group and keep them trapped to their contracts to make sure they lose momentum only to debut their competitors/replace them?" (yes, straight up replace sometimes, debuting a newer group with concepts and group composition so close to the former one it becomes impossible to deny they're just debuting the same group all over again). The way your heart pounded with every comeback and with kpop in general is over, because you see everything you used to like dying down to make room for the next generation. The groups, the trends, the sounds, everything! And that death of an era isn't even slightly organic, it's actually very abrupt, like pulling the plug all of a sudden. That death was intentional and has been layed out from the start. The way the industry profits is with the 'boom', not with longevity, and that's why they rely so heavily on trends. The music isn't made to be universally good, that kind that anyone from any generation can listen to and and like it, it's really meant to be the most profitable for that season and if people still like it, it's more likely to be about what that song did to the group/kpop then about the way it sounds. I know most 2nd gen songs I still love would never be successful today, and the industry itself isn't even that old, quite the opposite! The sad part is that the fans will feel it a lot (I only don't say "the hardest" cause I think idols are the ones that take that place). You don't find any of the old kpop you liked in the new one, can't recognize the industry anymore, all the groups you loved are dying and you can't relate to the new fans. That first moment can be incredibly hard, but you'll learn how to deal with it and possibly even learn to open your heart to the new industry and artists. Other than that, all I can say is welcome to the club, friends! We're all old hags complaining about 'kids nowadays' now! I'm here for you if you want, I completely understand the feeling lol

[@dkskiwi]

THIS. 4th gen stans and the younger ones from 3rd gen groups are shaping the industry they're gonna invest their time in for the next years, this is just the way the world works. This 'end of a group' is actually the moment they are set free from all this insane expectations and start doing whatever they want even if it 'flops'. A lot of groups disband but some others, sm groups for example, they keep going with their loyal fan base, even if it's nothing like it was at their peak, and just experiment with their own sounds, even if they are considered basic next to this more popular songs. And let's be honest, everyone outgrows this crazy stan culture thing at some point, we all should there's more to life, and that is totally okay. If you were in it for the music, you'll take that forever with you even if you're not active in the fandom anymore.

[@MJisthepowerhouseofmusic]

i really recommend Do Hanse's album Blaze and the tt Take Over cuz ive literally been here only 2019 and i feel thats when everything started going downhill after wayvs take over the moon. tbh Hanse restored that urge and excitement for his next comeback. he added a song that sounds like a classic 90s rock song that feels like ur having the time of ur life listening to it, and with take over, he introduced something new and truly exciting. the concept reallly matches with the song. and the addition of drag queens really made my jaw drop. and i especially love that it was a digital album. as to not release many versions just for the money but he really put in his artistry into the debut. im also excited to see what onew and minho have in store now.

[@xerilaun]

Well said 👏

[@jamaicancola4711]

This.

[@diamcole]

YES. I relate to this so much.

[@milicavasiljevic2825]

Oversaturation of content seem to be one of the bigger problems, and not just in kpop. As a fan it's always great to see as much as we can of artist that we like, but I feel like getting so much in such a short amount of time can be very tiring, especially for multistans. For example, as someone who likes to learn choreos, it was very apparent that people who make dance tutorials were really overworked because they tried to do as many comebacks as possible, but in the end they had to take breaks and weren't able to manage all of it. Not to mention how much the idols must be overwhelmed as well. Everything is about being faster louder bigger than everyone else just to stand out. Honestly, just being in the community can feel tiring from the amount of content. Of course I like to see artists that I like but it is also important for them to find their own pace so they can comfortably create and enjoy the art together with their fans, and if that means slowing down a little then so be it

[@aintnobodylikeu]

i dont think oversaturation is really the problem but the fact that we're all stuck inside with nothing to do so we /feel/ the ambush of content much more than we used to. blackpink still releases songs sparingly. twice has always had regular comebacks. new artists always debuted every year but since we have nothing to do but scroll and wait on updates on social media, its much more obvious, and as a result amplifying this feeling of oversaturation.

[@primaryforest]

@@aintnobodylikeu I'm not sure it's just about releases though. E.g. Blackpink release like 1 song a year but they are extremely active on social media, high fashion photoshoots, appearing on shows, collaborations, releasing movies and KZbin videos, etc. Kpop now extends beyond the actual promotion of their songs on live stages or appearing on 1-2 variety shows. It's about chasing their latest Instagram, Twitter, Bubble, V Live (and more) updates. This multi platform content creation is part of how Kpop fans are marketed to and under the guise of 'keeping up communication with our fans'. I think that's part of the oversaturation fatigue OP is talking about. I've been following Kpop since 2008 and this has been one of the biggest differences I've found in the fandom. Kpop idols back in the day didn't even have Twitter accounts really.

[@peace_wise2809]

Exactly and 15 groups will be launched from big 4 alone next year. The groups have reduced in longevity and it's concerning. There is too much of everything in kpop that exhausts and tires one's experience.

[@ispeakonlyfacts.3228]

Umm no. Ex Blink here and you definitely do not want 1 year long haituses it's gross. Blinks fandom is nothing but solo stans now who fight over fashion and brand deals. Not even music.

[@milicavasiljevic2825]

@@ispeakonlyfacts.3228 I'm aware of the blackpink situation and it's really sad. 4 of them obviously have a lot of talent and potential an YG doesn't give us much chance to see that. I really hope that ot4 comeback happens soon. What I meant by slowing down is that not every idol/group needs to have 5 comebacks a year, of course it is nice to see them but i believe that for a number of them it can be unrealistic. Some of them can keep up with the fast pace and want to work as much as they can. For others it can be tiring and maybe even unfulfilling to just realese song after song. It is important for artist themselves to find their own pace of making art (if they are involved in that way) as much as it is for fans to decide what amount of content they are comfortable consuming. Twice is probably working a lot right now to make most of the time they have left before their contract expires, while itzy maybe want to start involving themselves more in creating their own songs, choreos, etc. which can mean that they might need more time in developing all of their ideas. To go back to blackpink, i probably wouldn't mind 1 comeback per year if we can then have a comeback where members themselves were working on the songs and maybe everything else as well, because it looks like they can probably do that. Although i do agree that all of the groups/soloists can definitely do at least 1 comeback per year, if we know we are getting actual high quality then i feel it is okay to wait a little (with some other form of content spread out between the comebacks). Just because someone else can realese a lot of content doesn't mean that you need to do it the same way, maybe you can do that and that's good, maybe you can't, that's also good.

[@aishanikomath3836]

how did you perfectly explain every single reason why i can't stand kpop anymore? i've been struggling to verbalize this for months now, but somehow this video just gets it. you're literally amazing.

[@merafromyoutube]

Thank you :D

[@calinda4003]

only six minutes in and you're just saying everything ive been keeping for myself or vaguely talking about on twitter 😭 my god you're truly a gem

[@calinda4003]

on the covid 19 and disbandment thing... i don't think most of us even genuinely think about or realize that idols who aren't that big actually got their main sources of income and domestic fanbase increase taken away from them too (events, festivals and such). and when you put that into consideration and see how many of them are getting regular jobs it can get very disheartening,, fans end up putting so much hope in a comeback or a debut and when it's not exactly what they expected the response can go to extremes (and even when it is... seeing people shit on things you were enjoying can take away from the experience a lot)

[@BBarNavi]

Lemme tell you, in my experience as an old man and a 2gen veteran (SONE, ELF, Blackjack, semi-VIP): You're simply going through the same crap that we went through 7 years ago. All of "your faves" "going stale"? The end of Kpop as we know it? Disbandment fever? All of that, we felt back in 2014. I remember too well how Jessica and Minzy's departure broke my heart, and how Kpop "would never be the same". I remember when GLAM was scuttled before it could truly take off, and half of EXO-M vanishing under mistreatment allegations. Those were the things that made me quit Kpop "for good", and essentially the only thread that tied me to the fandom was Tzuyu. And look how that's been working out.🙄 Dynamite? Butter? Bah. For us, our big moment in the global public was Gangnam Style. That was also a peak that precipitated a fall. Time truly is a circle, isn't it? What we witnessed back then, and what you're witnessing right now, is the tumult of a generational transition. The groups that we got so attached to in the previous generation are wearing thin, many of them branching out into new endeavors, while the new generation is still beginning to establish their positions. Not everyone can be Taeyeon and survive this change. Sometimes they're like CL who clawed her way back up from the abyss. Others just… simply fade into the background. That entails a changeover of fandom, too. Not all of us can be devoted stans forever, and we have to grow up just like our biases do. The new teeny-boppers will fill our shoes to stan over the likes of NCT and SKZ, long after we've stopped clutching our pearls over how there will never be another [insert your favorite past-gen group here]. This is something that the 3gen core fandom just has to deal with, because the industry has established that it works in cycles. And wouldn't you know it, barring a major global disaster or major reform in the industry, 7 years from now you'll hear Midzys and MYs complaining about the exact same things in your video here.

[@midnighteevee4246]

You’ve hit the nail right on the head with this comment.

[@the2minwol]

This is the truth

[@vibewithprince2467]

THIS 100% we’re just going through the cycle one more time, this time with 3rd gen. I wish more people understood this, it’s just how things go, it’s how the industry works. It has happened already, it’s happening again, and it will happen again; you just gotta learn to go with it

[@torigoth7487]

Yes yes yes. I thought the same of this video essay.

[@finery22]

Very true! I'm also a 2nd gen veteran (shinee)

[@elizabethtangora4353]

I’m going to put on my armchair psychologist hat, and say that a lot of people are predicting the end of K-pop because they’ve personally lost interest, but aren’t satisfied with just walking away from something they put so much time and energy into. It reminds me of people who start laying the groundwork for justifying the breakup of a relationship before they’re even planning on breaking up.

[@Blissssssss28]

That's what Im thinking too.

[@chaebinnout]

Sometimes a creator comes along who's able to steal the words out of your head as if they were Mr. Sandman sneaking into your brainspace at night. Mera is one of these creators - she's able to evoke feelings and speak for the fandom in such an eloquent way. Thank you for this video, truly.

[@merafromyoutube]

Thank you so so much. This means the world to me.

[@vvvvvvvvv81]

THIS !! couldn’t agree more

[@shaikmastaniunnisa8836]

This comment is so true. You also took the words out my mouth !

[@lisamujo287]

oh my gosh I love your name, your thumbnails look incredible and your videos are great! You just earned your 87th subscriber 🤗

[@insideofchrissysmind]

I also noticed that more and more K-pop fans has become more critical when it comes to 2021. It seems like bigger, well-known artists are getting the brunt of it the most like BTS, Red Velvet, aespa, BP’s solos, EXO, Itzy, NCT, etc. Either something is “too experimental/noisy” or “too safe.” Many people talk shit about Itzy’s music has downgraded ever since the IT’Z trilogy, but I remember people downplaying Dalla Dalla and Icy when they first came out, now people are saying that was their peak? Give me a break. I feel like fans should just focus on music and groups that they really enjoy while they can. It’s scary to say, but again, we never know what’s gonna happen to our beloved groups. Edit: Okay, last edit, but did anyone else notice the increased praise that 2018 has been getting this year? I mean, it was a good year, but some K-pop fans act as though it was the second coming of Jesus Christ 💀

[@freeway6606]

I think it's because 2018 was our last "normal" year in a sense. Covid came in 2019 and i feel like the mental exhaustion of it has been let out just on so many online platforms. Maybe people are finding it hard to be happier and content because of how tough these few years have been.

[@daylaanle]

I feel like the "disappointment" in kpop rn is on the expectation of fans rather than the artists. I personally think that Alcohol-Free is such a refreshing comeback and it surprised me that a lot of ppl didnt seem to be satisfied and labeled it as "boring"

[@kobiburmeister]

what annoyed me was everybody complained that lalisa was too "noisy" and on the ground was too "safe" when firstv of all, lalisa obviously was attemptin to blend hesps of incredible sounds into one track and it WORKS but somehow people are bein rude abt it just cause it's "messy" when as a whole it's so cohesive, "on the ground" was also a first in k-pop steering to country and edm audiences, something k-pop artist have never really done. the solos were oustanding and brang out such origianalitt and showcased bp members and their group as a whole.

[@pretendtheresaname9213]

2018 music was great, fight me lol Not the k-pop sphere, far from it, 2018 was actually when it started going ballistic with DNA and D4 opening the gates of hell but yeah, the music was great, it was like 2015-16, 2011-12 or 2009, just chef's kiss.

[@moachapter]

@@freeway6606 COVID came in 2020 tho

[@rosemoon9219]

The market oversaturation is so real, it was exciting when you got a comeback after a few months! I remember when skz pumped out their I am albums out in a year and it felt so fast! And I and other kinda miss when kpop was smaller I still really dislike kpop with very western sounds or entirely English songs. It misses what I liked about kpop as a young teen, the excitement of learning about something new and just for you!

[@changminscreamsalot]

Same here, I miss the 2nd gen era, their dubious haircuts and odd outfits (Zico's pineapple hairstyle in Block B's Freeze kek), the choreographies, the Engrish... There was this je-ne-sais-quoi that made KPop a distinct sound (the same way Bollywood pop and J-Pop are pop music with US foundations (since this is where many musical genres such as rock, jazz, hip-hop, pop, etc. come from) but with that something else that makes it unique). I started listening to Korean underground R&B artists and discovered the K Hip Hop scene few years ago, it doesn't feel as saturated

[@mintimin8707]

@@changminscreamsalot man this was the shit. I miss it

[@RequiescatInPace]

lol hate to you break it but all of kpop comes from Western genres (especially pop, trap, hiphop etc.)

[@ladydiamond6611]

This might just be me, but I originally entered Kpop out of interest and pure enjoyment. Then as high school and uni got harder I definitely escaped into it, and I’ve forever been grateful for it. This year has probably been the most I’ve been disappointed with certain comebacks but your points has really made me think about it on a grander perspective much more, so thank you. You know, a part of me wonders even if I had nothing I liked listening to anymore in Kpop I’d be too scared to move on, to give up my safety blanket. Kpop is the thing that truly makes me happy everyday, and if I don’t have Kpop, idk what will make me happy…..

[@midnighteevee4246]

It’s the same for me tbh. Kpop was my escapism in high school and college. Now I keep trying to leave kpop because my favorite group (EXO) is on hiatus and I know I should maybe get a new hobby as I’ve graduated college. But I can’t let go. And it’s not until this video that I realize that kpop has not felt the same for me that it did in high school for a long time. It’s like I’m clinging on to the glory days. But I know it will never come back :/

[@Thesilentvoice...]

To me it seems kpop is less about the music and more about the streams, popularity, fan service, fan wars and idolisation of group members. The music and performances are the best part of it, but all I’ve mentioned before and the racism from fans and k pop artists has pushed me away from it slowly. Also nothing innovative has happened this year from what I’ve seen. I’m not much into it anymore but I do casually listen to some songs like I do any other music. But I’m not a full on fan. The eras are changing for sure, it’s more about gaining fans and becoming international now than just Korea or Japan.

[@olgag9901]

I once replied to someone on Twitter (yes, my mistake, I know) and said I wish people talked about the actual music more than they talk about numbers (views, ranks etc. stuff I don't care about). it was NOT received well.

[@aintnobodylikeu]

@@olgag9901 im sorry that happened -- but im personally in the middle on that, i feel like its okay to value achievements and music equally. recognition is what gives artists a chance to keep making more art and try new things. money is still an important factor in the equation. however, it starts to become a problem when its ALL the fans care about. its okay to care about both the artists music and achievements. caring about JUST the music might mean the artist wont earn enough to make more music; caring about JUST numbers will stress you out when the numbers dont move fast enough. theyre not mutually exclusive

[@olgag9901]

@@aintnobodylikeu that's the issue, I feel views, ranks etc. is talked about waaaaay more than the music itself. a song was released yesterday by an idol I like and all the posts I've seen so far is what number it's trending etc. I can understand achievements and recognition and all, but when it becomes the main focus, I find it really sad (and pretty toxic to be honest).

[@mq6845]

Because it's for the economy.

[@nagitolololol]

Same honestly.. the only artist I can really listen to now is IU

[@skr3ex]

Am I the only one who feels somewhat traumatized by the pandemic? Like in a way I can’t escape it, even mentally. I think at this point, the second year of the pandemic, everyone is just so mentally exhausted. I feel like kpop 2020 was pure escapism. The retro trend and grande and fantastical concepts all reflect that. Everyone was acting like “everything will be better next year” and we all had some hope and the escapism almost felt possible? Now in the second year of the pandemic, I feel a different tone in the music. It’s all about relatability, mental health, being sad and/or stressed by the pandemic. And as a kpop stan and human being living through this pandemic, I’m tired of being reminded of it. But also every comeback that tries to achieve the same escapism just feels wrong and tone deaf. I feel like no matter the message of the song, I’m going to feel disappointed and less connected with it. I think this unhappy and disappointed feeling we all have with 2021 kpop is completely because of the pandemic.

[@DanasGoneCrazy]

I don't think this is completely due to the pandemic, but it's definitely a factor. And no, you're not the only one. I've definitely been left scarred by this pandemic.

[@edvaedan9161]

It’s certainly an understandable feeling. I don’t think I would have become a fan of kpop music if not for the pandemic and other events from 2020. I needed something new and beautiful to distract me from the ugly and found it here. Maybe focus on the happy kind of songs for now. There are several videos about songs to boost your happiness. Lately songs have been darker (Halloween and all) but there have been a lot of upbeat songs sprinkled throughout the year. Hang in there, we will get through this together.

[@ispeakonlyfacts.3228]

It's the pandemic. Yall shouldn't have let them run shit like this things will never change now

[@orangeworm]

that's valid. the pandemic IS traumatic.

[@Taylorc0de]

you managed to say what i feel nowadays

[@ackrylik]

I deeply feel what you mean when you're talking about how no comeback is ever good enough anymore. I love discovering new things, which is why I watch/listen to most of the kpop comebacks I can find throughout the year. I pride myself in being a lot more open to new groups than I first was when I joined the fandom a bit more than 2 years ago. However, I just feel like I can't fully enjoy my excitement for new comebacks anymore, as there is always so many people ready to explain to me why my new favourite song of the moment sucks, why my most beloved groups will not last and why still enjoying kpop like i do is naive as soon as i open social medias. I think it is mostly my fault for taking things too personally and I really believe constructive criticism is very important but at the same time I can't help but miss periods of time when the majority of the fandom enjoyed a song, a concept or a group together. It really hurts to see so many people talk about something so dear to me like it's dying and will never be the same anymore. Twitter used to be my safe place to come and talk about it with online friends, but nowadays i really feel overwhelmed by all the negativity every time i open the app :( Great video anyway, thank you so much for your work

[@ackrylik]

@yuuna That's completely alright don't worry, I understand that everyone's tastes are different. It's not your fault if you don't like something :)

[@shishi8139]

This is exactly how I feel. So much negative discourse, I have to actively avoid a lot of fandom spaces. I see people with detailed explanations on why they hate a song, and I just wonder how do these people have so much energy to expand on negativity. People who will call you all sorts of names just because you like a song they hate. So much of art and music is personal and subjective, but so many people online make it seem like it's a life or death situation.

[@totallynoticarus]

I felt like that about Twitter too and honestly my solution was just to slowly reduce my time on the app and then delete the app. Of course, constructive criticism can be important but I do think you need to ask yourself whether it's important to YOU and your enjoyment of the music. It sounds to me like you just want to listen to the song and vibe with it instead of reading other people's essays about it, which is fair enough I'm like that too. At the end of the day, other people's opinions should not define whether you enjoy a song or not but they can definitely influence you and add negativity to a comeback. As soon as I realised that other people's opinions were ruining my fun I honestly just steered clear of them and I've enjoyed music a lot more since.

[@jeongyeonsupremacy1274]

I completly understand you. I didn't opened any of social media apps on my hone for months because of that, only youtube. And i don't read comments anymore i just check first one and thats it. Unless there is something i want to talk about in the video like this one.

[@ackrylik]

@@dogstarrules7433 Personally I don't think groups made "better" music before, I just think some have changed their style which isn't an inherently bad thing. I've actually loved a lot of comebacks this year, and seen groups debut with really interesting concepts, so I'm not really worried about that side of kpop Your opinion is completely valid tho :)

[@olivee385]

When things become trendy, they die off. The only people we can blame are the fandoms and companies. The fans for over hyping, over watching, and over buying making it a competition instead of just enjoying the content. The companies because they fell for the trends instead of continuing to being unique and dragging the groups into international hands.

[@mickey-sr1wy]

Fans buy music to support their artist. Simply enjoying an artists music doesn't give the artist anything to live off of. They need motivation and a way to sustain themselves

[@IdolPursuitsTrilogy]

It's often said that history repeats itself, and I think what you're describing is an example of this. Pop music runs in cycles. Each new cycle starts with a period of growth, followed by several decades of dominance, and concludes with a period of decline. While no form disappears completely after fading, they never again capture as much of the public conscious as they once did. We can trace this phenomenon over the last 130 years. First there was vaudeville, which was replaced by jazz, followed by rock and roll, and then hip hop. Each successor's growth period overlapped with the decline period of its predecessor, and each form was unquestionably dominant for roughly 30 years. It's also interesting to note that each form changed drastically over the course of its run. Jazz of the 1920s sounds very different from jazz of the 1960s. The same can be said of 1950s rock versus that of the 1990s, and 1980s hip hop versus today. These transitions happen gradually, almost imperceptibly, unless you are looking at the big picture. I firmly believe that we are in the midst of a new transition, this time from hip-hop to K-Pop. Yes, I said it. We are witnessing the emergence of the next great form that will dominate pop music for the next several decades. K-Pop fans are now experiencing the same emotions that early rock fans and early hip hop fans, etcetera felt once upon a time. Once their favorite niche form of music became appreciated and adopted by the world at large, it started mutating into something they no longer completely recognized. That naturally causes discomfort. The thing to remember is that change is inevitable. Nothing any of us can do will stop it. We can, however, appreciate what is happening if we maintain a broad perspective. K-Pop today is on the cusp of leaving its youthful era, and entering a period where it will gradually displace hip-hop as the dominant form of pop music. It will inevitably change in the process. K-Pop of the 2010's will sound very different from K-Pop of the 2040s. It might not even be called K-Pop by then, as the world adopts more of its characteristics and fuses them with their own. This is not a time to lament what has been lost, but rather to anticipate what will come. Some of it will be awful, true, but much of it will be awe inspiring. It will be an amazing journey. We longtime K-Pop fans collectively helped usher in this new era. Be proud of that. Its bigger than any of us, though, and at some point, we all have to recognize that the baby bird must leave its nest someday.

[@akihito9197]

Underrated comment u got here, this could've been that pinned comment on this thread.

[@kenunot6106]

Holy fuck man you just opened my eyes to the big picture woah

[@mokke5190]

👏

[@bdh711]

K-pop and hip hop are not on the same level… Hip Hip is more popular and is actually a genre differentiated by music. Kpop is just multiple genres but sung Korean…

[@kenunot6106]

@@bdh711 The thing with kpop Is that It Is a formula, besides the music the appeal Is on the way artists present themselves, hell even the albums have a different construction and concept and I wouldn't be surprised if the kpop training and marqueting method becomes popular in the west soon

[@bonbubble]

“The last great era of bts” IVE BEEN HEARING THIS SINCE FAKE LOVE,,,and now those who were complaining about their recent cbs have the nerves to say fake love was their best era. LIKE CHOOSE A BOX TO FIT IN OMG but mera how can u always articulate ur words to perfection 😭

[@bonbubble]

@Nakiya Miller Yep, they complained about dna as well :/ that’s where it started tbh but it wasn’t as overwhelming as fake love. Boy with luv was truly where they solidified themselves in pop culture so I wasn’t surprised to see those comments unfortunately. As for ON I’m not too sure because I had and still do have undyingly love for that song so I might be blinded by my own bias towards it lolll. But again they probably complained about it like always. I just feel like whenever a new title track from bts comes to the centre we will see individual’s regard it as a flop or the end of bts. Many just can’t accept that artists change musically over time which I understand but it can almost become very petty when certain fans act as if the artist or bts has become alienated.

[@saanchisinha7073]

people were really complaining about their 3 English songs when their artists had made more English song than them,where was this energy when BE came? people complained about BTS not having English songs and now when they have it they still are complaining , Specially the kpop stans

[@shahanaparveen2413]

@@saanchisinha7073 exactly?? Why do kpop fans FORGET about BE?? As if it dose not exist at all and it isn't in full korean

[@saanchisinha7073]

@@shahanaparveen2413 and it was one of the BEST probably the most best album in terms of lyrics and creativity of 2020

[@dencielee7904]

Idk why people base a group’s great era with just their title tracks…I mean when DNA and Fake love was released, people are disliking the whole era when their bsides hit hard plus the concepts are completely different from one another

[@soomi]

I joined kpop in gen 2 where it was a casual hidden bedroom hobby, but these days it is hard to enjoy kpop with so many gatekeeping, policing and being extremely sensitive about a lot of things. I feel kpop de-evolved to a point where it's harder to discuss kpop music neutrally without someone being offended or fighting you over things. I am trying my best to ignore it, but since the pandemic there's too many 'escapism' waves of people, who make kpop about mental health. I hope this can stop, so this can be a true escapism again like it used to be.

[@bellaaa9957]

I'm not a kpop fan, but casually still enjoy kpop songs but i have this one friend who is a kpop fan and she said kpop is no fun anymore, we could make memes of idols back then just for fun and not offending anyone but now? even making memes can offend some people. ig that says something about nowadays kpop fans ┐(´ー｀)┌

[@MJisthepowerhouseofmusic]

exactly. thats the reason i gatekeep groups who never gained a lot of attention and why i want to listen to all the groups i can

[@pjmserendipity1452]

I’m just rambling but anyway It’s almost if when it got popular in late 2019/early 2020, everyone seems like they want too much out of idols music wise. Some want more of a concept, others want less or to even change it. Some want groups to go back to their old songs, some want new songs. Others want kpop to go global, others want it to still be a small community. Ever since then opinions have been way more divided and it feels very different. In a time in 2018/2019 when almost all songs released were named ‘soty’ it seems like now only 6/8 songs are good out of the hundreds released. It seems like expectations are way too high and I’m not sure why.

[@laeminiscence]

Exactly. Kpop is getting oversaturated recently to a point it becomes suffocating at times.. I feel like since the mass globalization of this genre during the last 2 years you just get the result of its content (from music to performances and even social media posts) being a weird attempt to satisfy everything the public wants, and not only by the kpop fandom in general. In my opinion, this is when you realize music is slowly changing and you start to think it's losing the authenthicity it used to have. (the nostalgic feeling of "this genre isn't as good as it used to be in the older days" is perfectly normal especially to someone who keeps up with a certain piece of art/media for a long time tho)

[@pjmserendipity1452]

@@laeminiscence EXACTLY! took the words right out of my mouth

[@joannar2079]

yeah this is my issue with some of the critiques i see people make. its fucking tiring and i avoid all opinion channels about kpop these days except meras, and some reactors who are actually qualified to give opinions. most peoples expectations are bullshit, contradictory, or just dumb. whatever, its music, if i like it then i like it. i do not care about what people say about the quality anymore

[@pjmserendipity1452]

@@joannar2079 right! I think stepping away from that helped me appreciate kpop more without the negativity. I felt like I needed to dislike a song just because others said it was bad when that wasn’t the case, and the channels who would just hate on everything annoyed me. I listen to the music for myself and only myself, nobody else. Now I just vibe to practically most songs bc idc

[@namjoonlover2571]

kpop fans are becoming too picky,greedy and ungrateful for the hard work so many artists have been putting in their artistry especially rookies it’s like it’s never enough which is so sad because the releases this year have been really good people just don’t know how to appreciate music or Kpop anymore don’t get me started on stan twitter the literal reason for kpop’s downfall.

[@hannahmew9194]

I will use the weekly situation where they have had for comebacks in the span of a little bit more than a year and one of the members is already taking a hiatus but they get rewarded in the industry by getting a bunch of rookie awards and almost no one caring about overworking. Obviously I don’t know the behind the scenes but it’s honestly sad to see how easily we strip idols of their humanity. We cancel them over the littlest things, we always demand for music even though we know how awful the comeback process is on idols mental and physical help. Hopefully the attitude of the fans and companies will slowly change. All we can do is try to work on our own attitudes

[@21genman]

@@hannahmew9194 it's supply and demand. New opportunities. New artists popping up. New competitions. Kpop is a whole business world. Kpop idols are basically the entertainment companies' products so whatever direction the company wants to do with them, that's what is going to happen whether it be comebacks every month (sarcasm) or disbandment if they don't profit off of a group as much.

[@plasmakitten4261]

@@21genman Comeback every month is sarcasm? *nervous day6 noises*

[@hwaprint6787]

@@hannahmew9194 one of the members from weeekly are taking a hiatus because of ANXIETY. that is just a huge red flag towards their company, i really hope they be more cautious and let them have rest

[@hannahmew9194]

@@hwaprint6787 I hope so too at least in my opinion their last album had a lot lower quality in bsides

[@mariagomes-sv1oj]

Than there's Dreamcatcher, that had a huge growth during the entire in pandemic, reaching results that surprised even the entire fanbase.......and they've actually managed to top each of their comebacks..... From "Scream" to "BEcause" the growth/development/quality is astonishing......

[@hanvsno]

It's interesting how so many people have already seemed to have missed the point of the video, which is very unfortunate because you make some excellent points. While there were songs to come out of 2021 that I didn't like, going so far as to say that "this is the last great comeback for x group" is too far. Most groups that released a song this year that I didn't like came back a few months later with a song I loved. People saying that x group has lost their touch, or that y group has peaked must not have been here for very long, because people have said that about BTS for years and it's never been true. One iffy comeback is not the end of the world for most relevant groups, and I don't know why kpop fans treat it as such.

[@rae3781]

Yeah, exactly. There have been comebacks that I haven't been too crazy about but they were in no way the end of a group's good eras.

[@Everglow247]

Yes! And also to add (just my observations) I feel like fans today can be a little contradictory. Like for example: when Queendom was released many said it was boring. While yes everyone can have opinions, it's the fact that they said it was boring because it wasn't the typical unique style of RV. *But at the same time* when RV DO come out with something unique like with Zimzalabim, people STILL didn't like it. So it become a point where it's like what do you want? And also I feel like no one can just appreciate a good regular pop song. Every song is labeled generic but this is Korean POP music. Not everything has to be this huge cultural reset with a huge drop and a dance break.

[@bananablxe3027]

this !!!! I was kinda neutral about dream's cb with Hot Sauce (really like it now) but Hello Future is an another story, BEST CB OF THE YEAR FOR ME with Loser=lover and Odd Eye ♡

[@hanvsno]

@@bananablxe3027 No cause same, I didn't like Hot Sauce but Hello Future is one of my favorite Dream title tracks. No matter which group it is, if you don't like one comeback from them, it doesn't mean that their music is doomed forever. Sometimes you just gotta give it a few months and they'll come back with something incredible.

[@hanvsno]

@@Everglow247 You're so right. People hated Black Swan and ON when they were first released because they "didn't feel like title tracks" and were "too different", but now sing their praises when comparing them to Permission to Dance which they think is too basic. Fans are never satisfied, no matter what style, genre, or concept a group tries. That's not to say there aren't legitimate critiques out there, but most of it comes off as complaining, like "Well they didn't do exactly what I wanted so it's bad." So many kpop fans hate pop music, and get surprised when a kpop group makes a pop song lmao. Like we get it, you want exclusively dark and existential songs, you're so quirky. Sometimes you need to have fun, do a cute little dance, and be happy. There's a time and place for both types of music, and I think it's really vital for groups to have both types of songs under their belt.

[@kaylarodrigues7892]

The thought of izone's last concert in an empty hall is just heartbreaking to me

[@Fahmi-jb1di]

I don't know why but the last part just made me cry. The past two years have been hell to a lot of us and maybe that's why stans are so unhappy with everything. But I hope things change next year.

[@Neha-ue3uk]

the human disease will end

[@tuxbullet2792]

the industry is heavily oversaturated rn, at least in the last two years. companies churning out too many groups at the same time that all look the same, sound the same etc. maybe they're trying to capitalize off kpop's recent explosion and hoping one of these groups becomes the "next bts" or something, but it's overwhelming and i'm not as interested in getting into new music as i was in 2018/2019

[@Mari-bc8zm]

Can I just say that your skill with words is immaculate? I don't think I've ever heard such a well-spoken rant before.

[@sparkmesh]

I felt things went a bit sterile when K-pop lost its live audiences. And now western artists are back touring and K-pop still has to wait a few more months. It's a confusing, weird transitional time now. In the meantime, K-pop numbers are still going up... a lot. But the massive pandemic boost is coming to an end and we won't experience that again. I also feel "off" most western releases atm. Drake, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay... not really hitting right. Adele's lead single is still huge, but also a big step down. Hype around Silk Sonic has kinda dissipated with the album dropping this week. And that's it, that's your big fall 2021 lineup. Think Kendrick is coming 2022. Kanye did better than JIK at least. Most of these are decade+ veteran artists though, maybe we're about to open space for more rookies to step forward. The new K-pop group churn... same as it always was btw. It's been 75-100 new groups a year for a decade now. Maybe a little more several years ago. And roughly 3-4 girl groups and 5-6 boy groups will actually survive past a couple years. I think international fans are learning to ignore most of them the way the Korean public does.

[@CleverUsername69420]

Western music this year has been kinda boring for literally everyone who isn’t Taylor Swift. Thank every possible deity for her 🙏🏻

[@I_Have_The_Most_Japanese_Music]

I'm really excited about Magdalena Bay.

[@aduraedosa]

@@CleverUsername69420 oh pls if you only listen to boring English pop music just say that

[@LB-fv6ry]

Actually kpop is not going to survive is this side of the world, groups in general have it harder here (there is always like 4-5 western groups) but with kpop you see more than 15 and its not something for this market is use to.

[@sparkmesh]

@@LB-fv6ry Hmm I'd say in the '10s we had 3 big western groups (1D, 5H, LM) and now with LM rumored to be going on hiatus soon we'll be down to zero. I can see kpop peaking here with 3rd gen, but I think it'll stick around for at least several more years. At this point about a dozen groups, including some rookies, already have big enough fanbases to tour large theaters or arenas here. And while westerners have a rep for being less loyal fanbase-wise, they were pretty loyal for the '10s groups.

[@aintnobodylikeu]

no cuz THIS. youre absolutely right. this is exactly why ive actively avoided stan twitter or the stan community lately because everyone has been so negative. criticism is always unavoidable but it seems like its the only thing people have nowadays. if someone disliked something i wish they wouldnt shit on others for liking that same thing. im so sick of having to explain why i like or dislike something. i just like it or i dont. it doesnt have to be technical. i just do. thank you so much for this video, it validated so many of what ive been feeling about kpop lately... edit: this is getting some likes and im getting nervous about it, so i just wanna make it clear that if you disagree then your opinion is valid and GOOD FOR YOU. dont be mean. we're all just ranting here. this is a rant video, and im also ranting in the comments. its really not that deep.

[@Takran]

Don't worry about it, you're absolutely right. Everyone is allowed to like what they want, or dislike what they want. I think what people need to keep in mind is that the world sucks bad enough right now, and it's better to not inject even more negativity into it. Basically - to speak to the audience at large for a moment - if you like something, go ahead and say so, add that positivity to the world. If you don't like something, consider just moving on. Don't feel a need to tell everyone about your negative thoughts towards a particular piece of art, *even if* you think it's being constructive. Instead, go find a piece that you love, and tell people about that.

[@aintnobodylikeu]

@@Takran ABSOLUTELY this. this is how ive always lived my life, even before the pandemic. i only ever say negative shit when something deserves to be called out, like injustice or crimes. otherwise, whats the point?? youre not saying anything of value so its pointless. thanks for being kind btw. ive been so scared to say anything abt how ive been feeling and im glad to find likeminded folk like you in the comments section of this video.

[@vunessuh]

Agreed! I never used stan Twitter in my life for anything and I plan to keep it that way

[@Rerizz]

You're so right. After leaving Stan Twitter I felt so much better and honestly I really don't give a shit

[@christiedruman]

As someone who’s felt nothing but embarrassed for liking kpop for years now, this channel has been nothing but amazing in making me feel validated and okay for liking what I like. I hope anyone who’s made to feel bad for this knows that the people who say that have probably eaten prunes before, and what’s really more embarrassing? In all seriousness, Mera deserves an award for being the backbone of all Kpop commentary and saving the KZbin sphere, I genuinely don’t know how someone can be so smart

[@ahnhyungseobhaveyoulearnth8286]

same. my family and friends had mocked me for half of my life just because i listened to kpop. younger me woulda loved hearing this for sure.

[@edvaedan9161]

I was so lucky to stumble on to Mera’s channel almost from the beginning of my kpop fandom. Talk about a masters course from day 1. There is no question her analytical and artistic evaluations convinced me that the genre could be taken seriously before I even had a chance to dig in for myself.

[@nvck7306]

K-pop was that beautiful imaginary land that you ran to to escape reality. But now that imaginary world is everywhere now and it's technically become a reality.

[@kaesthetical]

I couldn't have said it better myself. It's hard to determine K-pop getting more global recognition is for the better or for the worse. On one hand, talented groups are getting the appreciation they deserve, and smaller groups have a chance at getting a bigger audience. But on the other hand, K-pop is no longer the happy little imagination land it used to be. The number of fans is increasing rapidly, along with the pressure to be updated on everything. Scandals are erupting left and right, and with so many fans, each situation blows up more than it needs to be. Oh, and don't even get me started on the more and more toxic fans that are joining the fandoms. In the end, I guess we just need to accept that K-pop is just a side enjoyment, not a job.

[@WasN3v3rY0urs]

I got into kpop in 2023 January. Despite my little time here I all ready feel burned out. It’s a fast place fandom which is bound to have everything listed in this video happen. Thank you for making this, even if it was a year ago it is still relevant in 2023.

[@cooper712]

Fans are also always so desperately clawing for new music from their faves, it seems like the turn around time is growing shorter and shorter. I know blackpink gets a lot of shit for only have 1 comeback a year, but honestly I wish groups did that more often. Same sort of thing for Red Velvet, people acted like Red Velvet was dead and gone when they didn’t have an OT5 comeback in 2020, because Wendy was literally severely injured, despite them releasing multiple solo debuts that came out in 2020 and early 2021. I get there’s been major anxiety about expiring contracts and sudden disbandments, but people seriously need to calm down.

[@honeybeeami2654]

I couldn’t have a better way to spend my 15 minute break at work

[@iamradhikasharma]

It's funny how people were begging bts to make a song in English ever since they set their foot in the international market, now they are doing exactly that but still all i hear is complaints about their work. People conveniently say bts has not made korean music in 2 years when mots 7 was released in feb 2020 and BE was released in November 2020...both korean albums, and bts had 2 proper comeback songs this year.. Literally these people need to stop with the complaints, or atleast come up with new ones... I am tired of hearing the same ones on repeat

[@bonbubble]

FR FR!! They released two lengthy albums filled with korean songs but three English singles make people upset? Some fans really need to stop being demanding. You’re their fans not their managers, know your place please.

[@divita5717]

also so much solo work from basically all the members that was completely written by them. so many christmas songs, so many korean unreleased songs, literally d-2 was released last year these fans are blind.

[@bonbubble]

@@divita5717 EXACTLY EXACTLY

[@iamradhikasharma]

@@bonbubble exactly, these people are nobody to tell bts what to do, and bts is not bound to hear their nonsense. I'm glad bts does what they want and are happy!

[@iamradhikasharma]

@@divita5717 exactly.... I didn't even count all that, if I did it would've taken me a whole month to write down the comment.

[@riri9087]

I missed the days when Kpop used to be so ORGANIC , we just chillin' and Enjoy our faves released songs without streaming and counting YT views 24/7 🥲

[@02anmolhanns3]

It has been 4 years since i have been into KPOP and as i remember it was a fresh and enchanting path of Bright Visuals, comforting lyrics and making a new family who supported me through all the dark and tough days . It was magic! The excitement of a new comeback, the fandom's unity and dedication, hell even crying and laughing together. It was a safe place. I didn't stan many groups but i did listen to all the Music that was put out and each one of them made me feel something - every song and every artist. But it's been changed a lot and the fandom fatigue is real, now it's as if nothing makes you perk up in ur chair when you hear about a new comeback and every song is unauthentic and boring and recycled and trash and it hurts as someone who cared a lot about KPOP , i just hope this massive explosion of opinions and ideologies about hpw much of a disappointment a new song is ... dosent force you into drifting away from it. Take a break and freshen up ... and come back when you feel like it. Thank you so mera for voicing this! 💜

[@aloowalia2849]

When I looked at your pfp I started tearing up BTS will forever have an irrplacable place in my heart but I agree with what you are saying completely I got into kpop in 2018 and BTS were literally an escape for me

[@kaushikidhupar2954]

No but I noticed it especially for itzy and twice because they had a change in sound like really everyone has such obsession with concept that a group can't try to do a new sound,explore a new genre or take a new direction. Btw I hope in 2022 we can hope that more rock music or indie rock sound is explored. I kinda want to hear something like back to black from Amy Winehouse in kpop or even something like zombie from cranberries

[@naledimosikara7861]

The itzy hate train is so heart breaking for me cause I'm a MIDZY... the hate didn't just happen to twice and itzy, it happened to so many groups to the point where it was Soooo overwhelming

[@aintnootherfan]

Generalizations are necessary for this sort of conversation. Hope that everyone is going to understand this, as well as your good intentions As always, loved the video!

[@mq6845]

OMG YOU'RE WATCHING THIS KIND OF STUFF HAHAHHAA love your vids btw.

[@aintnootherfan]

@@mq6845 I adore this channel!!! It's such an inspiration for me and I always enjoy my time here It's cool that some of my viewers are here as well:)

[@dandelions-t6o]

I lowkey start tearing up when somebody tells me "I'm proud of you" because whenever i do something i feel like its not enough to make someone proud. Also i really hate how instead of being seen as "fans of a diffrent type of music, a musical part that others have barely dug up info about, they like music that talks about the struggles this generation goes through or how to cope with mental illnesses" we're all seen as derranged teenage girls with a boy obsession. I understand if you don't click with kpop the way others do but please know "This music made people feel like they were understood, somebody knew what they were going through and helped even tho they didn't ask for help" and don't shit on us cause we just like what we like

[@erythrodysesthesia]

interludemin i'm proud of you for sharing your feelings and owning what makes you happy without shame. from an uncle fan with the heart of a deranged teenage girl with a boy obsession.

[@dandelions-t6o]

@@erythrodysesthesia thank you mister, that's really nice of you

[@chickwit2575]

You're right, 5:02 ... Everytime BTS take a new route and experiment with their music, older fans would bemoan the passing of their favorite old era or say that was "the real or better BTS" This happened after HYYH, Wings, LY and MOTS. I actually like that because it means BTS keep evolving and growing and that reflects in their music because their music is so personal to them.

[@thrynx]

Sadly, Kpop is more of a competition now than a recreation. Kpop stans are so obsessed with charts and sales and forgot to enjoy just the music itself. They easily called a song a "flop" when it doesn't do well on charts, when charts nowadays don't dictate whether a song is good or bad, it's just more of a fandom effort (streaming culture) unless a song goes viral out of nowhere. The sadder thing is, the companies release too many contents to satisfy the needs of the fans which may result in degrade of quality (companies know fans eat anything their faves put out anyway, no matter if it's high quality or not) and most are shifting and copying formulas of which songs/concept did great in attempt to appeal to the public/non-fans/western market, which tends to sound and look too generic in the long run. The hype in Kpop during 3rd gen have it's pros and cons. Lowkey missing 2nd gen era.

[@anarkyah4440]

there are many things but i think we forget we are 2yrs into a GLOBAL pandemic 💀 of course not everything will feel the same as “normal”. these rookie groups have been barely able to perform to a live audience more than a few times.

[@ppora_um]

"For those of you who are still here after all that's happened the last two years: know that I'm extremely proud of you. You've worked hard, even if no one can see it" I realised how much I've gone through the last two years when I started crying after you said that.

[@EverythingxYourexNot]

You're doing excellent, sweetie. Well done, you!

[@404HOPE]

you've done absolutely amazing and you should be extremely proud of yourself

[@bonbubble]

I’m proud of ya!

[@3arv9yaani]

"If k-pop was your escapism then now it obviously feels like... The amusement park has been open too long, the rollercoaster is now causing nausea and the bright lights have become headaches"

[@tangerineville]

The oversaturated market and fandom burnout are a really awful mix for us. Yes, everything feels repetitive and disappointing because we’ve all overloaded ourselves during the past 2 years to get some form of escapism. But things also feel repetitive and disappointing, because they are. It’s not just a matter of us overdoing it in consumption. It’s also the industry overdoing it. There’s so many groups debuting constantly, so many songs coming out all the time, in what is undeniably a sort of ‘content factory line’ that everything just feels less and less special, personal and sentimental as time goes on. And those things are what people need in order to connect to and enjoy things. If you can’t connect to it, whether that be though just enjoying how it sounds or how it makes you feel, then what’s the point? I’m not saying everything needs a deep message. What I’m saying is that, people lose interest when there’s nothing unique or special. And in k-pop, there’s very few groups, albums or songs that are unique or special at the moment. And that is the industry’s fault. In pursuit of capitalising on this sort of ‘wave’ k-pop is having rn, they’re just going full speed ahead, pumping groups out, pumping songs out. But in doing that, it’s getting careless, its having the exact opposite effect that they’re so desperately trying to chase. It’s losing everything that drew people in, in the first place. There’s practically nothing some group hasn’t done already, so they’re just pouncing on whatever seems to be trending or selling in that moment. And I really do mean ‘moment’ because as was said in the video, trends are coming and going so quickly that by the time a song is released, people are already complaining within a week that they’ve heard it before and it’s boring. Also, regarding the over saturation issue, we have to address the elephant in the room. I hate to impose stereotypes or societal norms, but in the west there’s never more than 2-4 pop groups that have immense fame or popularity at one time. And as we all know, in SK, ‘idol music’ isn’t exactly the first music choice of the general public. I’m not saying things can’t or shouldn’t change. I’m not saying lots of groups can’t or shouldn’t be big and famous at the same time. And I’m not invalidating the k-pop fandom by acting like their support isn’t legit. But we have to look at the facts, which are that right now, there is NOT a market on the large scale of music consumption that accommodates the amount of groups that the K-pop industry is trying to push… When we put everything together, loss of originality due to over saturation, fans feeling disappointed due to that loss of originality, and the fact that the market just does not cater to the sheer amount of groups the industry is trying to push… idk, it just feels like this whole thing is venturing down a dangerous and potentially detrimental path rn.

[@Violetviolet9793]

Omg I’m so happy someone said this. Everyone in this kpop circle is so used to the amount of groups and the content etc that almost no one realises or talks about the fact that the reason groups aren’t breaking into the mainstream market in the west is because there isn’t and never was a market for more than a couple of pop groups being super big at any one time. Like you said, that’s not saying other groups SHOULDN’T be be able to gain success or that they don’t deserve it, it’s just an observation based on the reality of the market. It’s actually really really silly business decisions these companies are making when you think about it. Almost all of the larger companies are literally clawing desperately to promote and get groups big in the western market atp, but they’re not actually THINKING about the fact that there really is just no market for them. People don’t care. As annoying and shitty as it is, people here in the west are not interested in having more than one or two big groups. Rn these companies are basically just taking their money and burning it by creating so many groups. It really is stupid on every level.

[@oyeludeaminatyetunde2068]

You said it all

[@StanChunghaOrGoHome]

I read everything and honestly could not agree more

[@kendall.111.]

I became an Army during the BWL era, and i feel like Bts kind of held my hand as I walked through this new territory of music. I’m a bit older now and i’m not as interested in the groups I used to be, but I think everyone misses that first look into the community and the kpop world. It seemed happier and everything was being seen through rose-tinted glasses. Most fans have taken those glasses off and see the industry for what it is. The jig is up, and the true colors shine through. That child-like wonder faded and now we don’t know what to do but look at what’s in front of us with disdain. Lovely video once again💕

[@yasminbootham4728]

personally for me, i feel like i grew out of it. im 22 now and Kpop has been something that ive enjoyed since i was around 12-13 ish, and i just simply feel like i grew out of the fandom part of kpop. I constantly feel myself getting annoyed by kpop fans due too being childish or taking things too far, but i probably was the exact same 10 years ago! Though i also feel like a lot of the newer releases sound similar and indistinguishable, i also still listen and enjoy songs here and there. and kpop will always be the childhood love that i will cherish deeply

[@songofthekoi2146]

I'm 20 and i also feel like the way I interact with kpop has changed over the years. And I think I'm never letting go of it 100%? Beacuse I still spend a lot of time on kpop, listening to the music, talking about it with kpop friends... But I don't feel like I have to consume every bit of content, not even for my favourite group SHINee. I think that adpating this view before the influx of fans ca. 2018-2019 and then during the pandemic, helped me not to feel as bothered by the annoying fans because I'm simply not in the spaces where I have to interact with them haha.

[@aloowalia2849]

@@songofthekoi2146 yeah same with me I will listen to kpop forever but from a distance Once BTS is over I will probably stop being obsessed with it

[@twiceswift_]

18 now and started listening around the same age as you. And honestly i admit that i was immature back then, but it amazes me how a certain fandom gatekeeps their faves' hair color, fashion, hair cut, and now even name lmao. Theyre kinda freaky and scary

[@_minimim]

great video! the ending actually made me feel kinda connected to all the other kpop stans out there..... would be cool if we were actually all friends but that's too good to be true. i also feel like every year i hear the same ''this is the worst year for kpop'' kind of complaints.. or maybe i feel that way because i've heard it so many times this year, idk

[@_minimim]

we sure do love to complain loll

[@okklanae]

This video made me feel sm better omg😭 okok so to all my fellow stans whether we stan the same group, don't stan a certain group, don't like another group etc.... I still wish y'all nothing but the best and also whether you've been here for years or just discovered the genre I want to say I'm proud of you and no matter what happens on your kpop journey that your awesome and here's a virtual hug ❤

[@bluehourcore]

this is so fucking wholesome :(

[@MagicalWaterLight]

I love how people are labelling groups with extreme success as "flops" or saying their career is over after this release when there's an ocean of nugu groups that ACTUALLY have to worry about every new release. As a nugu stan I'm mostly so happy when they can continue to make music & it would never cross my mind to say they're "done" or their best era is "over"...

[@Ryuoinsomnia]

Because they mainly dont care about nugu groups, they only notice the trends based on successful or big groups from big 3 as a whole.

[@nicenightmare2644]

this video really touched me. during the pandemic I left 2 fandoms that I were in since my 2nd year of high school (so I joined them like 5/6 years ago). BTS and NCT were a great source of joy for me for so long and I didn't expect to lose interest now. but the new comebacks felt all the same and the fandoms started to make me feel just annoyed. now I'm still in 2 other fandoms but I do feel less excited about their comebacks. like I will wait for them and I'll be so excited and then they happen and I'm just like "yeah it was good" and that's it. it's pretty exhausting to feel this way and I haven't figured out my solution yet. I think the fact that pandemic took away the opportunity to see some of my favorite groups live doesn't help. but yeah. anyway, great video. take care everyone! ❤️

[@qsxsqsxs]

I really liked the analogy about the Steven Universe fanbase! It makes a lot of sense!

[@raq619]

I feel that this is in part a consequence of the k-pop industry and fandom's exponentially rapid pace and ever increasing, uncapped expectations. If a group or idol isn't at the very tippy top of the totem pole, they're a flop. If a group or idol who *was* at the tippy top is knocked down just a few notches, then they're now a flop. If you don't get a win with your debut or first comeback, then you're doomed for failure. If the song you just put out isn't both your best song to date and better than any of your peers', then you'll never make good music again. If your next comeback isn't significantly different from the last then your boring and stale, but if it's *too* different from the last, then you've obviously lost yourself forever. There is no valid form of success outside of absolute, unquestionable perfection. It's a completely unsustainable, unrealistic mindset that sets fans, companies, and artists up for nothing but constant floundering and disappointment. Particularly as an orbit with Loona as my ult, the constant cries of "I miss Loona's old sound : (" without any coherent description of what Loona's "sound" actually was that doesn't either ignore half of their predebut discography or misattribute the writing of several of their pre # songs to MonoTree has gotten very, very tiring. All of the crying over PTT being the final girl crush nail in Loona's coffin is especially ironic now, seeing as they immediately followed up with a song like Hula Hoop. People who refuse to let go of what once brought them joy, but are all too happy to yell at nauseum how unhappy this thing now makes them, is something I see in k-pop a whole lot nowadays. And yeah, as an SU fan who was unfortunately present for the whole "SU Critical" phase of tumblr, I can definently see the paralells.

[@ssar5396]

this year has been rough on all of us , so the last thing we should be doing is allowing others to shame us , or take away from us what makes us happy , be secure in your self and what u love , you truly deserve it .

[@mafervela603]

"Take a break. Fall behind and don't feel the need to catch up" staning a group where there's always new content whether it is concept photos for a new comeback or just an ig story that phrase really touches my heart... i sleep afraid of loosing new content, I wake up and the first thing I do is go on social media to catch up, and it's sometimes tiring; there are times when I feel useless for not streaming my idol's m/v or feel guilty for being tired after a long day of school, so this is actually a great advice. Thank you so much

[@robin_silas]

Also don't let anyone pressure you to stream or raise the number of a group. Of course we want to see your favorite groups succed but you shouldn't lose your mental health cause of it. Kpop is a hobby not a job.

[@shreekim942]

When I first became a kpop stan back in 2017 everything was so fun, their moments, reality shows, dance practices, music, mv made me excited but these days kpop is so different that it feels bizarre to me even though I’ve been a stan for long enough I don’t feel the attachment anymore

[@aloowalia2849]

I still love bts

[@bighearts4330]

thats a personal problem

[@frozie4615]

Taking some time away from the thing you love helps. It allows you to explore new things, find other shows, music, books, get a fresh start with the knowledge of how to not repeat the same negative experience as before. I ended up leaving the fandom for my favourite anime 3 years back, deleted my entire twitter to start fresh because the fandom was at its biggest but also its most toxic. But now they announced a new season and I'm super excited. I don't talk to anyone who watches the anime irl or online, but I'm content just fangirling by myself, reading fanfics, and waiting for new content. I left kpop a few years back because I felt that I needed to "grow up" and listening to kpop wasn't a "grown up" thing an 18 year old should do, but came back to it recently. I don't listen to the same groups but found new groups that I like as an adult now, and have a soft spot for the groups and music I used to listen to. Leaving something you love doesn't always mean you stop loving it entirely. You can fall right back into the same anime/group/book you used to love, or find something similar to it after your love for the previous thing has faded.

[@merafromyoutube]

There’s that saying about absence and fondness, you’re very right.

[@xerilaun]

I feel the same. Idk how to describe it exactly, but I feel like I dont have the same obsession with it but I do have the same love for kpop still

[@RyubearSaysGao]

I feel like kpop was at the perfect middle ground, when Red Velvet released Peekaboo. I remember that era by their song, because I have been a huge fan for years. I have never been a stan, but check up on K-pop quite a bit. Music, moreso than the fandoms. Anyway, during that era, kpop began spreading its wings internationally. Every kpop fan was more or less, cheering for BTS/other groups that achieved billboard entries. They were excited, about how their beloved music was shown to the 'mainstream world'. What happened to that positivity?

[@crstph]

ehh, there was also a lotttt of negativity surrounding bts at that time, but im glad u were in spaces where u didnt see it. when exo was still rly active exols were EVERYWHERE in army’s spaces diminishing bts’s accomplishments and just spreading toxicity. thats not to say that we weren’t MORE united as a whole then compared to now, but i dont think its always been as rosy as nostalgia-lens makes us think-online fandom experience is just largely specific and shaped heavily by who u happen to follow

[@Rerizz]

@@crstph kind of a based statement since armys were obnoxiously screaming about achievements to prove their favs were superior and even the whole btspop thing, armys wanted bts to be their own genre. But I guess, you only saw one side

[@yooseul__]

@@Rerizz omg the way some armys still to do that 😭 like yes i get it bts achieved so much but they arent better then anyone else

[@bhpbp]

@@yooseul__ tell them 😭

[@Rerizz]

@@yooseul__ ☠️

[@leo-rt2kt]

Mera thank you so much for all these wonderful videos! Your opinions are always so brilliant and the way you deliver everything in such a respectful and insightful way, I am so happy to be one of your subscribers!!

[@merafromyoutube]

Thank you so much!!

[@winddragonlundholm1792]

Ur right, i am exhausted, nauseous and have a headache from the amusment park. Blackpink my darn ults are having a comeback soon and i feel 0 exitment, i know i should be excited though, so i'm literally faking it until i make it. But i can just take a break and comeback when i am genuenly exciteted again.

[@duolino5211]

oh my god I felt this. i’ve been feeling disconnected from kpop for a few months now, and you finally put it into words. i’ve been here since 2019 right before things went more south in the world than usual, and I felt so happy then. I felt so connected to my group, then it has just been burning out since mid-late 2020. I feel more validated knowing that someone else has seen the pattern i’ve noticed, thank you.

[@briannawyman]

i stopped reading the song of achilles for this. that's how you know your content is good 😌✋

[@lenseofleni]

Have fun crying 😭😭😭

[@chaebinnout]

this is true dedication, and also TASTE

[@madhumita4377]

Please don't remind me of that book.....

[@linneastrom9272]

should i read it?

[@blue-xt3wi]

enjoy!!

[@giantmountainsierra2004]

This is so so true! Also kinda similar topic, I feel like Stans don't want to acknowledge these because of how euphoric they want to keep the whole "kpop experience." COVID took a toll on all of us including the kpop industry. I mean just look at all the scandals in the past two years alone compared to past years, people who hated drama were literally waiting for dispatch to release the next big scandal and news. Achievements records aren't enough anymore, fandoms need to continuously beat the next one and get higher and higher. You can't support multiple artists because you're unloyal to the fandoms and artists for being a "fake insert any fandom name." Music isn't enough, concepts aren't "unique" enough anymore, and everything is so predictable to the point Stans fight about hair colors being the same. It's no longer a hobby for some, it's their full time enjoyment, entertainment. And when that starts to get old and predictable and no longer has the "spark" it'll all come crumbling down within these subfandoms. And these are only a small part of problems within this diverse fandom. I truly hope all these issues can be improved upon at least a small amount in time. I love kpop and I've met very kind people through it. Let's all have fun while keeping these in mind to help improve the fandoms as a whole.

[@chrislee3601]

As someone who JUST got into the wider kpop scene a few months ago, and have since filled myself in on most notable groups discographies, I think this perspective is so interesting cause I thought alot of these 2021 tts were great! ( not mafia tho) love the channel, found it through the awesome dreamcatcher doco u made

[@dunkie5863]

it's newer fans coming in, who don't necessarily understand how kpop fandom has worked before, and creating a big ruckus. you only really ever hear about the bad things, people complaining.

[@ghostedowo2192]

That is true but please don’t blame all new fans or put all of the blame on them there are many other reasons as well although I agree new fans do seem to want to fight or complain about everything a lot

[@hannahmew9194]

Definitely it has become a more “exclusive group” where u have to listen to this song or do this to be a true fan. I am guilty of not thinking people are true kpop fans when they like only a couple groups. We really forget this is a music genre

[@amp-le4699]

This was very well written As someone who just got into kpop this year, you definitely hit the head on the nail with the whole "escapism" speech lol

[@Mahtalliel]

Honestly, I can relate.. I've been following kpop releases since 2016 but now everything seems to be very repetitive. The only fresh sound and concept is by TXT. I feel engaged and excited about their music. They will be the last and only kpop grp I follow, I'm tired by the overwhelming noise of 4th gen (and not only that).

[@Pindamonhangabapamonhas]

And it is SO HARD to do something NEW all those groups are trying so hard to do something NEW but it is so hard when kpop is already 30 years old

[@slehbencheikh2950]

I mean it makes sense, too much kpop kills kpop. u can’t go out , u can’t work , u can’t go to school. So u spend ur whole time in ur room doing nothing and u find things to do. U spend so much time doing them that u don’t wanna do them anymore. I have to be honest , I have been an active fan of kpop for one year and it’s been such fun discovering new music especially with so many comebacks , I had all the content I needed. But for over a month now , I have stopped keeping up with comebacks because it started being too much, I have been enjoying the songs in my playlist , I feel like kpop needs to slow down , to take a break, the comebacks need to be slower , the albums need to be cooked longer. People always complained about Blackpink comebacks always being late but my god was that album the most mouthwatering juiciest off the flavor meal I ever ate( only my opinion tho ). So I feel like everyone should just slow down for a bit.

[@roseseatencandles8570]

The album is just MUAHHH cheff kisses

[@shamidkpzd]

Like compared to western artists Blackpink’s releases aren’t that infrequent. These groups honestly be overworked with 3-4 comebacks a year plus whatever other activities they have going on. I wouldn’t mind groups having more time in between albums to really develop a well thought out, concept driven, cohesive album. I think consuming music like fast food has made for fast food albums over the years. I’d like them to cook a bit longer too.

[@rahanpankajmohan6527]

Fr tho the way the album was built up from the promotions to the suspence made it feel more authentic and thought after album.

[@arohachanuwu9504]

THIS. LITERALLY. thank you

[@stacie1595]

You make a really good point about the fandom fatigue. I've been a kpop fan for 10 years now. I've liked many groups over that time but I spent the largest portion as an ARMY. It really has been such a weird 2 to 3 years and covid in combination with kpop going semi-mainstream has changed a lot within the industry! I'm a believer in the notion that "things are always changing." Change can be scary but par for the course in life and art! The industry is trying to adjust to the reality that, yes, kpop is semi-mainstream now and people from all over the world are paying more attention. Every company has handled this shift differently and not all of them are doing a very good job at it. despite that, the actual music and groups themselves are still just doing what kpop has always done, made fun music, connected to fans, and provided a space for people to escape the drudgery of the real world. When I feel myself being too hypercritical or negative, I try to step back and engage in the simple pleasures of the genre.

[@loonathiccicecreamscoops8947]

imo i feel like kpop stans are just trying to feel again the thrill/hype kpop made me them feel before the pandemic or in the early months of the pandemic

[@bluehourcore]

i’m not even on any online spaces in regards to kpop ( other than yt), you and bookish theories are the only non official kpop related channels i’m subscribed to. yet i found myself agreeing with your video. especially as someone who pretty much exclusively stans 4th gen groups, i agree with this all the way through. thank you for putting out this video, it’s a conversation i didn’t realise needed to happen ( not in such concrete terms, anyways), but i’m glad you’ve taken the plunge and vented it out to the internet. i sincerely hope you don’t get attacked for this( stans can be extremely dumb smtimes)

[@enthusiast8017]

Thank goodness I’m not the only one who felt like this. I feel like since the last couple years flew, it felt like groups released MUSIC continuously but with what feels like one song per month this year, it feels tasteless. Not just musically but even the activities certain groups do felt off for their style. With K-pop now being a global hit, everyone is trying hard to stay in the front and make a hit. I can’t even tell if the groups are playing it safe or too adventurous. I honestly feel the same with just pop itself, like there was this golden age of music in that genre and it’s slowing declining and ideas has ran out or smt

[@keepyourlowiqbrainawayfrom5217]

With everything becoming mainstream and easily available, things are losing their value. For example, I remember when I used to watch shows on TV, waiting for that one episode was exciting but now I can sit and watch the whole season in one go. I believe this kpop phenomenon represents our society on a larger scale, everything is fast paced, easily available and that is why people's desire is short term as next thing is already waiting. The peak is reached fast.

[@aperson9467]

sometimes i feel like people just like to complain about kpop and its musical structure/concept/etc. because the fandom has some strange mob mentality… that may be a broad assumption, but damn, i like to complain too sometimes, i cannot lie. i see a lot of heat for a song when it releases, and then a few weeks later it ends up dying down a lot, and people start to love the song. people want more or the most out of kpop, and when they don’t see it at first i glance guess it becomes dissatisfactory and people begin to complain about a group’s or a soloist’s staleness and they stick with this belief for an eternity. hope the fans don’t come after you and take time to properly understand your point.

[@heejinators7342]

This is true! I feel like in general, especially in international audiences and on places like twitter it’s really easy to just hate on new comebacks (not giving actual criticism) simply for interactions or just because it’s a trend. As an orbit, literally every loona comeback since Hi High has been dragged by the fan base, and I really feel that the nostalgia and retroactive viewing of those songs from 2-3 years ago is why now orbits treasure songs like Hi High and Butterfly.

[@raffiantosca8687]

I left kpop in 2021 because I got bored of the comebacks, I come back now and find out that Loona, Momoland and Gfriend have all disbanded and most of my favorite groups are getting a lot of hate, this is the reason why I hate 4th gen fans

[@inthewh4le]

Oh my god this is what I’ve felt for a while about the kpop fandom but never knew how to word it. Like with the whole retro trend, I never understood why people were so fast to switch up on it. One day it was amazing, and then the next it was overdone and annoying, even though i still think it’s amazing and one of my favourite kpop trends I’ve seen in a while

[@midnighteevee4246]

Retro trend used to be one of my favorite trends. Shinee married to the music, Triple H. 365 Fresh, Wonder girls I feel you, etc. are some of my all time favorite kpop releases. But I probably only liked it so much because it was so rarely done so the sound felt fresh and new. Last year, when the retro sound became trending, it felt like everyone and their mother was doing a retro release, so it no longer felt novel. Not only kpop, but also western pop was doing it, so it became apparent that everyone was following a trend instead of doing something new, like previous retro releases. That’s why I got annoyed with it quickly.

[@federt5411]

i love your arguments and how u illustrate your thoughts💕

[@azirynn]

i got into kpop in late 2018-early 2019. And i remember everything being so fun and interesting. The songs used to be so good at the time and i remember always watching interviews, covers, album unboxings, fanfics ( not the ship ones but the kpop idols in a highschool types ) and going on kpop amino, and staying up to watch kpop mvs drop/music show awards. i was always up to stanning new groups, and everything was just great. However, i cant say i feel the same way and now i just feel bored by the releases and can't be bothered to "stan" most of the groups I had before. I only keep up with 1-2 haha. I feel like something is missing and kpop has lost their spark or whatever when it comes to the songs of course, and not to mention i feel like everything is going downhill. Like so many idols are getting exposed for bullying, racism, etc and its becoming overwhelming and being exhausting as a poc. I guess you can say i grew out of kpop as im now shifting to hyperpop and edm music :/

[@racheljohnson7177]

I totally relate to this and actually I became a fan around the same time as you. I think I'm experiencing burnout or maybe I'm just growing out of this industry that I was so invested in. I still like some things that come out of kpop but I'm not the crazed fangirl I was back in 2018

[@lilya226]

I just tested positive for Covid and now have to quarantine for awhile. I spent today packing up my house at college and driving home. My roommates didn't even say goodbye to me. As I was thinking about my future of doing nothing, I thought I would probably end up turning to old BTS or Twice videos. It kind of sucked so I listened to my Kpop playlist on my drive. But now that I've returned home, and had time to think, my perspective's changed. It's a beautiful fall day and I'm sitting outside while my mom gets the house ready for me. I saw this video was recommended. It was a beautiful reminder that there's a lot of other things I can do as I battle being sick, like reaching out to old friends or reading a book. I just wanted to say thanks for making my day a little better and I hope everyone stays healthy. See ya'll on the other side!

[@colouroftherain3241]

I’m actually REALLY glad you talked about this. I’ve felt so disconnected to Kpop as a genre and the Kpop fandom this year. Now I’m aware that twitter isnt the healthiest platform to be on but especially since this year people in the fandom were so easily pissed and made drama out of nothing. Additionally I didn’t really like a lot of releases. Even my favourite groups really disappointed me this year. So I got really frustrated and around summer I turned my back on kpop and used other interests as a way to escape reality. Which, looking back, is actually really sad since I always felt really at home in the kpop fandom. Now that I watched your video some things really make a lot of sense and I’m glad I’m not alone with this feeling.

[@egomins]

I feel like many people in these comments are missing the point of the video lol