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My K-POP SCRAPBOOK
팬이 직접 읽고 쓰는 K-POP
2025.02.24

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EDITOR’S NOTE
CREDITS
© 2025 Weverse Company Inc. or its affiliates
(Weverse Japan & Weverse America Inc.) all rights reserved.
Here’s the
articles you liked.
K-POP
ME
WORLD

Why K-pop, and why now? That’s the question posed back in July 2023 that spurred the article you’re seeing today. K-pop might not be for absolutely everyone, but as individuals here and there who love the genre have slowly come together, K-pop has undeniably become more and more visible. To understand why, we sought out those of you who love, listen to, and immerse themselves in K-pop.

Starting in November of that year, we reached out to 42 fans and K-pop dancers to interview them about K-pop. Most of what’s featured in this article came from those interviews. Interviewees living outside Korea provided written answers, while we interviewed others either in person or over video.

Each and every one of them had something important to say, and we wanted to be sure to convey that properly. To that end, other than organizing their responses by topic, we present this article without editorial intervention. After all, K-pop is best seen through the eyes of those who create and experience it, rather than through someone else’s interpretation. We hope this approach gives our readers a proper sense of these individuals’ stories.

Every effort was made to ensure the responses in this article reflect a variety of diverse viewpoints. Although we strove to achieve regional diversity when choosing who to reach out to for interviews, communication and other issues prevented us from fully realizing this goal. When reaching out to groups, we asked that they consider representation and diversity when selecting individuals from within their circle to participate in the interviews.

The outline and organization of this article was an editorial decision made entirely by the magazine. All interviewees were informed in advance about how their statements would be used and their consent received.

Weverse Magazine

Editor: Kim Rieun
Article: Kim Rieun
Creative Director: Kim Minkyoung
Project Management: Bae Hyeyeon,
Park Soomin

Double D

Creative Director: Huh Minjae
Design: Moon Eunyoo, Jeon Seongjae,
Chung Haeun

Web Publishing: Cho Yeonjeong,
Yeon Yejin, Choi Jooyoung
3D Art: BYEONKI

Some of the graphics used in this project were created using generative AI.

Contents
First Encounter
Expansion
Appeal
My first K-pop was "Gangnam Style"
Henrique
My first contact with K-pop was certainly with the success of “Gangam Style,” but I started to feel a closeness to the genre when my two friends who already listened to this type of music introduced me to BTS and BLACKPINK. Since then, the aesthetics, the great MVs, the songs, and the choreographies all stuck in my mind, arousing a curiosity to seek out new songs. Then I discovered TOMORROW X TOGETHER, and that’s when I stopped being a simple casual K-pop listener and became a fan.
Henrique(Bahia, Brazil, 22 years old, he/him)

A person who likes chart analysis and achievements, and enjoys making posters for these milestones. I’ve stanned TXT since their debut, so it’s really exciting to do this for them. It makes me feel really proud.

TXT Chart Data

A consistent and reliable platform dedicated to providing real-time updates on TXT’s achievements since their debut. Our diverse team includes chart analysts, designers, and content creators who work together to deliver accurate data on charts, sales, awards, and voting updates. In addition to chart tracking, we also share news about TXT and actively promote the group. Our website offers a comprehensive database with verified sources, including key Korean chart platforms, ensuring fans have access to credible and detailed information.

I first heard Wonder Girls’ “Nobody”
Christine Jean S.
I first came across K-pop back when Wonder Girls released their song “Nobody” in 2008 when I was nine. It was a popular song in the Philippines, and was continuously played on a Filipino variety show my parents used to watch in the UK. I then came across 2NE1’s debut song “Fire,” which was another hit in the Philippines due to the love and support of Filipinos for Sandara Park, as she had been an actress and singer in the Philippines before making her debut in South Korea. She was one of the people that I loved watching when I lived in the Philippines. 2011 was when I fully got into the genre of K-pop, after a family vacation in the Philippines. A K-drama ad caught my attention, and that’s when it all started for me. I listened to various boy groups, like SS501, SHINee, SUPER JUNIOR, 2PM, INFINITE, Beast (now known as Highlight), NU’EST, B.A.P, BIGBANG, BTS, SEVENTEEN, and many others. Each of these artists that I continue to listen to within the genre have different colors, qualities, and artistry that I really admire, and that is why I continue to listen to a lot of Korean music.
Christine Jean S.(Cheshire, United Kingdom, she/her)

I am an individual who enjoys listening to a lot of music genres, most especially K-pop. I’m also a person who loves to sing, travel and take photos of my scenery. BTS and ARMY have become a 2nd family that I love being involved with. I help out with admin and events for the page when I am available.

UKBTSARMATION

UKBTSARMATION (also known as UKBTSARMY) is a UK-based fan organisation dedicated to building a strong, supportive community for BTS fans across the United Kingdom. Our mission is to keep UK ARMYs informed and engaged with all the latest news, updates, and events related to BTS, through our active presence on social media platforms. Our team is composed of passionate UK ARMYs who contribute their skills across various areas such as social media management, graphic design, video editing, and event organisation. Together, we strive to create meaningful experiences for BTS fans to create friendships ,spread love and support for the group throughout the UK.

We first stanned groups like 2NE1, EXO
Joe
The first memory I have of getting into K-pop was way back in 2008-9. My sister and I have this CD at home which has tons of second-gen K-pop hits on it. K-pop groups like 2NE1, EXO, and Girls' Generation are a few of the first groups that we stanned. My sister and I are dancer-choreographers who also do K-pop dance covers. And since K-pop is well-known for amazing choreography, we were naturally exposed to more K-pop groups as the years passed by.
Joe(he/him)
FEARNOT Philippines

The members of the FEARNOT Philippines first came together when a group of friends wanted to celebrate the most anticipated 1st debut anniversary of LE SSERAFIM. Everyone believed that LE SSERAFIM is such a well loved group and talented group and they deserved to have a fanbase here in the Philippines. Hence, we started FEARNOT Philippines and looked for more Filipino FEARNOTs who share the same passion and love towards LE SSERAFIM that can help us run the fanbase and our events.

It was a fast journey to K-pop stan
Fabrício
My attention to K-pop started to grow when I watched BTS’s “MIC Drop” (feat. Steve Aoki) remix in December 2018, because I was in love with an ARMY HAHAHAH. I listened to Love Yourself: Answer, and it became my most listened album in 2019. After BTS, I started to listen to other groups and soloists, and then I was suddenly on K-pop stan Twitter (now X) looking at Korean charts and all that. It was a fast journey, and TXT debuted a month after I started to search more about BTS. In 2019, my favorite groups were TOMORROW X TOGETHER, BTS, TWICE, BLACKPINK, and NCT 127. Currently, besides TXT, I’ve been following the work of NewJeans and LE SSERAFIM. To be honest, I like every type of girl group and boy group, I have very eclectic music taste.
Fabrício(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 22 years old, he/him)

I’m a designer and art director in the brazilian music industry and chart enthusiast. TXT stan since their debut in 2019, in the same time i was discovering more of K-pop music. In TXTChartData, i’m in charge of the visual identity for the profile each comeback and some posters eventually.

TXT Chart Data

A consistent and reliable platform dedicated to providing real-time updates on TXT’s achievements since their debut. Our diverse team includes chart analysts, designers, and content creators who work together to deliver accurate data on charts, sales, awards, and voting updates. In addition to chart tracking, we also share news about TXT and actively promote the group. Our website offers a comprehensive database with verified sources, including key Korean chart platforms, ensuring fans have access to credible and detailed information.

J-pop came up and it recommended K-pop
Cash
I was a big anime and manga reader in high school, and when J-pop came up the natural recommended songs were always K-pop. Then it was Red Velvet’s “Ice Cream Cake” that tipped it over the edge for me.
Cash

A person who finds joy in dance and K-POP.

SEOULA

SEOULA (pronounced Sol-lah, 쏠라): the combination of Seoul (서울) and LA (Los Angeles), two cities that represent our community. We are a creative dance team of students with a special passion for dance and Korean-American pop culture. By connecting with global and diverse audiences through creative outlets like YouTube, we hope to bring together both Korean and American culture through K-pop and open style dance.

“AS IF IT'S YOUR LAST" led me to K-pop
Jenny
Before getting into K-pop myself, I had prior knowledge of what it was back in college (2015), because my friends would show me SEVENTEEN and BTS music videos and they would ask me what my take was on their concepts. They would also point out who their biases and wreckers were with lots of enthusiasm. I never judged my friends for spazzing over idols, because I knew that K-pop made them happy during difficult times. I only had respect and happiness for them. And then in 2018, I got into K-pop, because of BLACKPINK’s “AS IF IT'S YOUR LAST". It was so weird, because I'm the type of person that just listens to Western indie alternative music, so getting into K-pop was off-brand for me. I didn't want to share with my friends or even post online that I had gotten into K-pop, because it was looked down upon or even seen as taboo in the Philippines (in my perspective). Only a select number of friends knew that I listened to K-pop. But eventually, as a designer/illustrator, my interests would start to be reflected in my art. And music is a big part of my interests. So my art started to become K-pop-centric. I also began to explore different K-pop music from the likes of MAMAMOO, IU, SUNMI, aespa, ITZY, etc. This was also when I began to understand the nature of the K-pop industry. Its music felt like a fresh new perspective to my ears.
Jenny(she/her)
FEARNOT Philippines

The members of the FEARNOT Philippines first came together when a group of friends wanted to celebrate the most anticipated 1st debut anniversary of LE SSERAFIM. Everyone believed that LE SSERAFIM is such a well loved group and talented group and they deserved to have a fanbase here in the Philippines. Hence, we started FEARNOT Philippines and looked for more Filipino FEARNOTs who share the same passion and love towards LE SSERAFIM that can help us run the fanbase and our events.

K-pop is an outlet—fun and adventure
Dani
I first got into K-pop way back in 2013 when a friend of mine introduced it to me. I was still in grade school (elementary) during that time, so I had little knowledge of what was going on, but I knew that the music was so good! I didn’t know that the term “K-pop” referred to a whole genre or that it consisted of multiple groups. I initially thought it was just one big group until someone corrected me! Since then, K-pop has been an outlet for me to be myself. It has always been a source of fun and adventure for me, and I’ve continued to seek out its different layers and the music that numerous groups have made through the years. The first groups I stanned were mostly girl groups, such as Girls’ Generation, Red Velvet, and Weki Meki.
Dani(she/her)
FEARNOT Philippines

The members of the FEARNOT Philippines first came together when a group of friends wanted to celebrate the most anticipated 1st debut anniversary of LE SSERAFIM. Everyone believed that LE SSERAFIM is such a well loved group and talented group and they deserved to have a fanbase here in the Philippines. Hence, we started FEARNOT Philippines and looked for more Filipino FEARNOTs who share the same passion and love towards LE SSERAFIM that can help us run the fanbase and our events.

Once I started K-pop, I couldn’t stop
Mehr Sethi
I started dancing when I was about eight years old, mostly doing jazz. After taking a long break through college, I started learning K-pop choreographies by myself during lockdown. I joined the K-pop dance cover team in 2021 at the start of their ninth “season” (i.e., their fifth year running). I have always enjoyed the performative aspect of K-pop and have been fascinated by tracking the trends across K-pop generations. The very first choreography I learnt was ITZY's “WANNABE,” which was released about a week before my city enforced a lockdown. Being able to immerse myself in learning the piece was a much-needed bit of escapism, and it allowed me to find pieces of joy during an otherwise very bleak time. Of course, once I started down that slippery slope, it became hard to stop. Especially as I got more involved in the K-pop dance community, I only found more and more reasons to keep dancing. Even now, though, if I'm going through a particularly difficult time, I often find myself turning to the bright colors, cheery beats, and fun choreos of classic K-pop songs.
Mehr Sethi(Warsaw, Poland, she/her)

A fan of K-pop music fascinated with the spread and shift of K-pop culture over the years. I used to dance with Eclipse K-pop.

ECLIPSE

A dance team from Northern California formed in August 2016 focused on creating YouTube video covers to express their love of dance. Comprised of both students and professionals of varying ages and backgrounds, this diverse group bonded over their shared passion and love of K-Pop.

I’m in love with filming dance covers
Myles
I started getting interested in K-pop in 2019 after one of my friends that I danced with kept talking about it. At first I really only watched BTS, but then I got really into other groups as well like TWICE, and from there I wanted to learn the choreographies that went along with their songs. Then I joined my first cover team in 2021 and have been in love with the process of filming covers ever since.
Myles

A person who finds joy in dance and K-POP.

SEOULA

SEOULA (pronounced Sol-lah, 쏠라): the combination of Seoul (서울) and LA (Los Angeles), two cities that represent our community. We are a creative dance team of students with a special passion for dance and Korean-American pop culture. By connecting with global and diverse audiences through creative outlets like YouTube, we hope to bring together both Korean and American culture through K-pop and open style dance.

K-pop dancing immersed me in the music
Alan Huang
The first K-pop song that got me really into K-pop was KARD's “Don't Recall.” I think in general, though, my interest in K-pop dancing stems from the fact that a dance usually accompanies many of the songs in the genre. Something about visualizing the dance in my head while listening to the music really increased my immersion in the music, so I generally started preferring it over the other types of music I listened to. KARD brought me into K-pop, so they're definitely one of the more influential groups for me. I love the couple choreo or more interactive choreo between members, and KARD's unique structure of two guys, two girls really makes the choreo great for me (as well as their own charisma, of course). ATEEZ as well, since they're one of the more performance-focused K-pop groups out there right now and my favorite guy group, especially since I enjoy doing K-pop dance covers—their choreo stands out a lot in that regard.
Alan Huang(Santa Clara, CA, USA, he/him)

I enjoy gaming and dancing. I’m a data engineer.

ECLIPSE

A dance team from Northern California formed in August 2016 focused on creating YouTube video covers to express their love of dance. Comprised of both students and professionals of varying ages and backgrounds, this diverse group bonded over their shared passion and love of K-Pop.

I went down the K-pop rabbit hole
Diveesh Singh
I personally had some experience with dance growing up, but only knew about K-pop through word of mouth. My friend was one of the co-founders of the K-pop dance cover team, and she asked if I wanted to be a background dancer for the cover of BTS’s “Fire” that they did back in 2016, and I was like “Oh yeah, sure, that sounds cool! I've definitely heard of K-pop before.” After doing the cover, I fell in love and never looked back. I went down the K-pop rabbit hole over the next few months (BLACKPINK was debuting around the time, so I started with them, but quickly expanded my repertoire), started doing more covers with the team, started learning Korean, and even started posting Korean rap covers on my IG. After that, I knew this relationship with K-pop and K-culture was not just going to be temporary. More than seven years later, the team has grown so much, but I'm still just as excited to dance and further explore my love for K-pop.
Diveesh Singh

Software engineer by profession, Korean culture enthusiast by choice. Currently living in Korea to further broaden my cultural horizons.

ECLIPSE

A dance team from Northern California formed in August 2016 focused on creating YouTube video covers to express their love of dance. Comprised of both students and professionals of varying ages and backgrounds, this diverse group bonded over their shared passion and love of K-Pop.

I started K-pop dance for class events
Ellen Choi
I spent my childhood in South Korea until middle school when I moved to the United States. During my early years in South Korea, I was exposed to K-pop, dance performances, and Korean pop culture. My love for dancing began at a young age when I would jump around in pink tutus for ballet classes. In first and second grade, I started learning K-pop choreographies with friends for fun and school events. After moving to the States, I continued to train in different styles of dance, including jazz and hip-hop, in a studio setting. However, I still maintained my interest in K-pop, and after performing to TWICE's “TT” with friends at church, I became even more passionate about K-pop performances. This eventually led to me starting a K-pop dance team in high school, and growing my expertise and skills in K-pop choreography and performance.
Ellen Choi(Sunnyvale, CA, USA, she/her)

A dancer who fell in love with K-pop enough to start her own dance team in high school. Now a college senior, seeking a career in entertainment management.

ECLIPSE

A dance team from Northern California formed in August 2016 focused on creating YouTube video covers to express their love of dance. Comprised of both students and professionals of varying ages and backgrounds, this diverse group bonded over their shared passion and love of K-Pop.

Groups started to hold shows in Chile
Yazmin
I got into K-pop a very long time ago. I was a J-pop fan, and while downloading content about it around 2005 I discovered Tohoshinki (DBSK/TVXQ!). Then I discovered that they weren’t Japanese but South Korean singers, and I’ve been a K-pop fan ever since. Since I was already into J-Pop and I liked singers that could sing and also dance, I got very interested in K-pop. And since K-pop content is easier to access than J-pop content, I’ve been following different groups through the years. Also, starting in 2012, K-pop groups started to hold concerts here in Chile, so then the dream of seeing your favorite group live in your home country started to become a reality.
Yazmin(Chile, she/her)

An anthropologist who has been encouraged at different times in her life thanks to BTS.

BTS Chile

News and translations since pre-debut for Chilean and spanish-speaking ARMYs, with a small group of 5 admins that have worked hard to connect fans and artist (now in hiatus).

I became hooked on EXO and BTS
Miguel Francisco
While a lot of people become interested in dance after first being interested in K-pop, I did the reverse and became interested in K-pop through first being interested in dance. During my senior year of college, I was a member of Common Origins, a non-audition dance team at Stanford University. Several of my teammates encouraged me to also join them on XTRM (pronounced like “extreme”), Stanford's non-audition K-pop dance cover team, which is where I eventually met the founding members of ECLIPSE. I hardly knew anything about K-pop at the time, but I was quickly introduced to several different artists, songs, and choreographies, and I became hooked on EXO and BTS in particular. “CALL ME BABY” by EXO and “Dope” by BTS cemented a love in me for K-pop and K-pop dance that continues to this day. EXO's sound has always pushed barriers sonically, and that intrigues me as a fellow musician. For BTS in particular, their whole discography, not just their title tracks, speaks to me on a human level. Lyricism in pop music can often be overlooked or dismissed as shallow, but BTS introduced me to music that I could emotionally connect with beyond just the sound. Over time, I also became interested in Red Velvet and LOONA. Red Velvet has tracks that really intrigue me sonically, since they push boundaries similar to EXO, but with more of an R&B influence. As the videographer for ECLIPSE, seeing LOONA's ambitious debut project since day one was inspiring to me, due to the sheer quality of the music videos they were releasing. Honorable mention also goes to “Back” by INFINITE. What also interested me was that many choreographers that I was familiar with from the open style dance community also choreographed for K-pop artists, notably Keone Madrid and Vinh Nguyen.
Miguel Francisco(San Jose, CA, USA, he/him)

I'm a videographer, and filming videos for Eclipse K-pop is how I got started. I also create K-pop mashups on YouTube under the username Miggy Smallz

ECLIPSE

A dance team from Northern California formed in August 2016 focused on creating YouTube video covers to express their love of dance. Comprised of both students and professionals of varying ages and backgrounds, this diverse group bonded over their shared passion and love of K-Pop.

My friends listened, I grew interested
Fernanda SC
I got into K-pop when I was 15 years old. Some of my friends used to listen to it at the time, and I became interested in the genre. The first group I ever listened to was SHINee, and I still hold them very close to my heart. Nowadays I still listen to BTS and K-pop, but I cannot be active in fandoms because I don’t have enough time for it.
Fernanda SC(Chile, she/her)

An educator actively working against gender-based violence who grew up with BTS.

BTS Chile

News and translations since pre-debut for Chilean and spanish-speaking ARMYs, with a small group of 5 admins that have worked hard to connect fans and artist (now in hiatus).

The dancing caught my attention
Carolina ZL
I first got into K-pop back in 2011. I was in high school and some friends introduced me to some music videos. At first I wasn’t too into the music, but what caught my attention was the dancing, since I’ve always liked things like learning a choreography and then presenting it on stage. I got into SHINee first, because I was determined to learn one of their choreographies. For a while I just did that on my own or with my high school friends, but then in 2012 I joined a dance cover group, allowing me to learn several choreos and then perform them for events, record videos, etc.
Carolina ZL(Chile)

A project manager that is nostalgic of the simpler times of being a BTS fan.

BTS Chile

News and translations since pre-debut for Chilean and spanish-speaking ARMYs, with a small group of 5 admins that have worked hard to connect fans and artist (now in hiatus).

I found K-pop groups through my friend
Fernanda GS
I had a friend in high school who was really into K-pop back in 2012, and that was when I found out about groups like JYJ, Girls' Generation, miss A, SHINee, and more. I was a casual listener for many years, jumping from one song to another and just enjoying myself.
Fernanda GS(Santiago, Chile)

A now journalist that fell in love with BTS when she was just a high schooler.

BTS Chile

News and translations since pre-debut for Chilean and spanish-speaking ARMYs, with a small group of 5 admins that have worked hard to connect fans and artist (now in hiatus).

I was just so bewitched by IU's voice
Thy
K-pop was introduced to me in 2009 when “Nobody” by Wonder Girls became a global hit, though it was in the year 2010 that I dived deep into the K-pop world when I fell in love with the IU song “Nagging” (feat. Seulong) from the show We Got Married. I'm not really sure how it happened exactly, but I just found myself so bewitched by IU's voice that I instantly became a fan of hers from then on.
Thy(she/her)

Graduating medical student who finds solace and inspiration through music, specifically SEVENTEEN's. WWC Main Admin.

Worldwide Carats

International fanbase of K-Pop Powerhouse and Self-Producing group SEVENTEEN. The fanbase consists of Carats from different parts of the world who share a deep love and support for the group.

My daughter was dancing to "I Need U"
Christine B.
I got into K-pop in early 2016, when I walked in my house and my 15-year-old daughter was performing the body roll part of the choreo to a song named “I NEED U”, though of course I didn’t know the name of it then. As a responsible mom, I asked her the name of the group and if they had any other songs. She told me the song was “I NEED U” by BTS. I said, “Who?” and she said, “Bangtan Sonyeondan.” I asked her again what the name was, and she then told me to go on YouTube and type in “BTS” and look for the song “Dope.” “Ohh, okay,” I replied. I asked her why would I listen to a song by a group whose name I couldn’t pronounce that sang about dope... She said, “Mom, not that dope. It’s ‘dope’ as in ‘good.’” I said, “Oh, okay.” She then said, “I think you will like it, as you like hip-hop.” I listened to it and was blown away. It is very rare to see groups who perform choreographed dances/routines. I love hip-hop, R&B, and soul music from the ’60 s up to the 2000s. I continued to listen to BTS, and then my daughter told me about other K-pop groups.
Christine B.(Manchester, United Kingdom, she/her)

I love BTS and all of their different personalities knitted together molded as 1. I enjoy being ARMY. I love reading my bible and other historical books. I facilitate a bi-weekly social group for older women and am a bid writer to help groups attain funding."I love BTS and all of their different personalities knitted together molded as 1. I enjoy being ARMY. I love reading my bible and other historical books. I facilitate a bi-weekly social group for older women and am a bid writer to help groups attain funding."I love BTS and all of their different personalities knitted together molded as 1. I enjoy being ARMY. I love reading my bible and other historical books. I facilitate a bi-weekly social group for older women and am a bid writer to help groups attain funding.I love BTS and all of their different personalities knitted together molded as 1. I enjoy being ARMY. I love reading my bible and other historical books. I facilitate a bi-weekly social group for older women and am a bid writer to help groups attain funding.

UKBTSARMATION

UKBTSARMATION (also known as UKBTSARMY) is a UK-based fan organisation dedicated to building a strong, supportive community for BTS fans across the United Kingdom. Our mission is to keep UK ARMYs informed and engaged with all the latest news, updates, and events related to BTS, through our active presence on social media platforms. Our team is composed of passionate UK ARMYs who contribute their skills across various areas such as social media management, graphic design, video editing, and event organisation. Together, we strive to create meaningful experiences for BTS fans to create friendships ,spread love and support for the group throughout the UK.

What caught my ear was their voices
Eram S.
In early 2018, purely by chance, I clicked on a playlist, and the first video happened to be the “MIC Drop” MV. It might have been a YouTube recommendation; I’m still not sure. It took me less than two minutes to fall in love with BTS. I can’t quite explain the feelings I had back then... What caught my attention right away was the music—the members’ voices. It felt like the perfect music at the perfect time. I’ve always been picky about the music I listen to, and that habit sticks with me even now. But with BTS, it literally took me less than two minutes to decide, “Yes, this is the music I want to listen to for the rest of my life.”
Eram S.(Coventry, United Kingdom, she/her)

A scientist who loves art, music, painting, drawing and languages. Becoming a BTS ARMY is one of the best things that ever happened to me, and I find endless joy in their music and personalities as individuals and a group, as well as the creativity of the ARMYs. I’m also passionate about sports, ice skating, a beginner influencer, and a social media admin, sharing my journey as an Army and passions with the world.

UKBTSARMATION

UKBTSARMATION (also known as UKBTSARMY) is a UK-based fan organisation dedicated to building a strong, supportive community for BTS fans across the United Kingdom. Our mission is to keep UK ARMYs informed and engaged with all the latest news, updates, and events related to BTS, through our active presence on social media platforms. Our team is composed of passionate UK ARMYs who contribute their skills across various areas such as social media management, graphic design, video editing, and event organisation. Together, we strive to create meaningful experiences for BTS fans to create friendships ,spread love and support for the group throughout the UK.

The first song I heard was 2NE1’s Fire
Clara
For me it all started in 2009. Yes, I was a fan already that early. I can’t remember how old I was at the time but I’m sure it was summer, going into fifth grade. The first ever K-pop song I heard was 2NE1’s “Fire,” and the first groups that I stanned were 2NE1 and BIGBANG. I would sit at my computer, saving photos of them, watching their MVs and shows about them. (Ah, good old times! Hahaha!) They absolutely have a special place in my heart and are the reason I’m still here, loving and listening to K-pop even after more than a decade. As time has passed by, I’ve also stanned new groups along the way. Then eventually, I started learning choreographies of their songs, too.
Clara(she/her)
FEARNOT Philippines

The members of the FEARNOT Philippines first came together when a group of friends wanted to celebrate the most anticipated 1st debut anniversary of LE SSERAFIM. Everyone believed that LE SSERAFIM is such a well loved group and talented group and they deserved to have a fanbase here in the Philippines. Hence, we started FEARNOT Philippines and looked for more Filipino FEARNOTs who share the same passion and love towards LE SSERAFIM that can help us run the fanbase and our events.

Going down a theory rabbit hole is fun
Christine Jean S.
Albums and songs that have storylines are another reason why I stayed with the K-pop genre for a while. When BTS dropped the Wings album, ARMY would go down the rabbit hole of looking at theories, and that was fun. Songs that have meaning and personal experience also draw me in, making me think, “Ah, I guess I’m not alone in all of these troubles and hardships.”
Christine Jean S.(Cheshire, United Kingdom, she/her)

I am an individual who enjoys listening to a lot of music genres, most especially K-pop. I’m also a person who loves to sing, travel and take photos of my scenery. BTS and ARMY have become a 2nd family that I love being involved with. I help out with admin and events for the page when I am available.

UKBTSARMATION

UKBTSARMATION (also known as UKBTSARMY) is a UK-based fan organisation dedicated to building a strong, supportive community for BTS fans across the United Kingdom. Our mission is to keep UK ARMYs informed and engaged with all the latest news, updates, and events related to BTS, through our active presence on social media platforms. Our team is composed of passionate UK ARMYs who contribute their skills across various areas such as social media management, graphic design, video editing, and event organisation. Together, we strive to create meaningful experiences for BTS fans to create friendships ,spread love and support for the group throughout the UK.

Through K-pop we can embrace our flaws
Tree
The issues that TOMORROW X TOGETHER tackle in their music are also issues that I’ve experienced and overcome. Adding the fantasy settings and elements to their music and content made it more interesting for me. There’s always clues in their music videos and in their other content, too. It’s fun to look for clues or hints or make up theories based on what is shown on their content. For example, The Star Seekers shows SOOBIN or Soule as an elf, and YEONJUN or Eugene as a wendigo. The fantasy settings also helped me learn about different literature and mythologies. The Star Seekers is wonderfully thought out, and I really love the concept of the boy with horns, as well as the odd-eyed cat and the different magical skills that the boys possess in their universe. The in-depth exploration through the storyline makes me understand a deeper meaning of how we can embrace our own flaws and turn them into something better, as well as the trust between friends.
Tree

Someone who loves exploring the stories, details, and themes that TXT's music has to offer.

TXT Voting Crew

A group of MOAs from around the globe who have come together to support TOMORROW X TOGETHER on music shows and year end music award shows through voting.

The smallest detail has meaning
Henrique
Certainly, for me, what makes K-POP and TOMORROW X TOGETHER more attractive is the way the concepts are so well thought out, down to the smallest detail. Each thing has a meaning and one “because.” Everything in a set makes sense when looking at the big picture. In addition to the great productions together with the concepts, all this becomes something magical and charming to the point of keeping myself entertained and wanting to know more and more.
Henrique(Bahia, Brazil, 22 years old, he/him)

A person who likes chart analysis and achievements, and enjoys making posters for these milestones. I’ve stanned TXT since their debut, so it’s really exciting to do this for them. It makes me feel really proud.

TXT Chart Data

A consistent and reliable platform dedicated to providing real-time updates on TXT’s achievements since their debut. Our diverse team includes chart analysts, designers, and content creators who work together to deliver accurate data on charts, sales, awards, and voting updates. In addition to chart tracking, we also share news about TXT and actively promote the group. Our website offers a comprehensive database with verified sources, including key Korean chart platforms, ensuring fans have access to credible and detailed information.

A K-comeback is shockingly different
Marcela
In 2021, TOMORROW X TOGETHER released a few albums. The first one was Still Dreaming, their Japanese comeback, and I was shocked to see how different a Japanese comeback is from a Korean one. Then there was The Chaos Chapter: FREEZE. Also, something new for me was that there was a lot of content released before the release of the album, including a concept trailer, concept photos, and teasers, and everything was new for me so it was very exciting. And as time has passed by I continue to be amazed by how each new comeback is new but maintains the essence of K-pop and their storyline as The Star Seekers.
Marcela

A person who enjoys listening to music and creating joyful connections within the K-pop community.

TXT Voting Crew

A group of MOAs from around the globe who have come together to support TOMORROW X TOGETHER on music shows and year end music award shows through voting.

LE SSERAFIM's message:Icing on the cake
Dani
The groundbreaking statements in most of LE SSERAFIM's songs are like the icing on the cake for me. Besides serving us visuals, talent, and stage presence, they also try to deliver empowering messages to the public through any means possible. That's what makes them unique in their game.
Dani(she/her)
FEARNOT Philippines

The members of the FEARNOT Philippines first came together when a group of friends wanted to celebrate the most anticipated 1st debut anniversary of LE SSERAFIM. Everyone believed that LE SSERAFIM is such a well loved group and talented group and they deserved to have a fanbase here in the Philippines. Hence, we started FEARNOT Philippines and looked for more Filipino FEARNOTs who share the same passion and love towards LE SSERAFIM that can help us run the fanbase and our events.

LE SSERAFIM's strength caught my eye.
Jenny
I think LE SSERAFIM started out very strong when they debuted, and that immediately caught my attention. What drew me even further towards becoming a FEARNOT was how they always stay true to their motto, as if they embody it. And their three albums (FEARLESS, ANTIFRAGILE, and UNFORGIVEN) are prime examples of this.
Jenny(she/her)
FEARNOT Philippines

The members of the FEARNOT Philippines first came together when a group of friends wanted to celebrate the most anticipated 1st debut anniversary of LE SSERAFIM. Everyone believed that LE SSERAFIM is such a well loved group and talented group and they deserved to have a fanbase here in the Philippines. Hence, we started FEARNOT Philippines and looked for more Filipino FEARNOTs who share the same passion and love towards LE SSERAFIM that can help us run the fanbase and our events.

K-pop’s as much visual appeal as audio
Mehr Sethi
The performance aspect has always been really interesting to me. K-pop is just as much about visual appeal as it is about audio appeal. Everything from costumes, to blocking, to choreography, to videography, etc. add to the story being told. I often find myself rewatching my favorite music videos and performances, since I'm able to analyze them through a new lens each time.
Mehr Sethi(Warsaw, Poland, she/her)

A fan of K-pop music fascinated with the spread and shift of K-pop culture over the years. I used to dance with Eclipse K-pop.

ECLIPSE

A dance team from Northern California formed in August 2016 focused on creating YouTube video covers to express their love of dance. Comprised of both students and professionals of varying ages and backgrounds, this diverse group bonded over their shared passion and love of K-Pop.

I love all the work in the production
Soobin
I love how much work goes into the production of K-pop—from the set design, to the styling, to the choreography, I love how flashy and even over the top it can be, because it allows creatives who work in their respective fields behind the scenes, from makeup artists to choreographers, to experiment with new concepts and ideas. It’s just super fun!
Soobin

A person who finds joy in dance and K-POP.

SEOULA

SEOULA (pronounced Sol-lah, 쏠라): the combination of Seoul (서울) and LA (Los Angeles), two cities that represent our community. We are a creative dance team of students with a special passion for dance and Korean-American pop culture. By connecting with global and diverse audiences through creative outlets like YouTube, we hope to bring together both Korean and American culture through K-pop and open style dance.

The choreo’s always perfect for songs
Lauren
My favorite part of K-pop is the choreo. It’s great how the choreo always fits perfectly with the song, and I like being able to sometimes challenge myself with difficult choreos. I also like the extravagance of K-pop, from the music videos to the outfits. We don’t see much of this in Western media, so it’s great to be able to find inspiration from them.
Lauren

A person who finds joy in dance and K-POP.

SEOULA

SEOULA (pronounced Sol-lah, 쏠라): the combination of Seoul (서울) and LA (Los Angeles), two cities that represent our community. We are a creative dance team of students with a special passion for dance and Korean-American pop culture. By connecting with global and diverse audiences through creative outlets like YouTube, we hope to bring together both Korean and American culture through K-pop and open style dance.

I love choreographed dance moves
Christine B.
I love choreographed dance moves in K-POP. I grew up watching big bands and large groups of musicians perform their smoothly choreographed performances, but it’s rare to see groups perform dance moves anymore. K-pop/BTS gives me what I enjoy most about K-pop.
Christine B.(Manchester, United Kingdom, she/her)

I love BTS and all of their different personalities knitted together molded as 1. I enjoy being ARMY. I love reading my bible and other historical books. I facilitate a bi-weekly social group for older women and am a bid writer to help groups attain funding.

UKBTSARMATION

UKBTSARMATION (also known as UKBTSARMY) is a UK-based fan organisation dedicated to building a strong, supportive community for BTS fans across the United Kingdom. Our mission is to keep UK ARMYs informed and engaged with all the latest news, updates, and events related to BTS, through our active presence on social media platforms. Our team is composed of passionate UK ARMYs who contribute their skills across various areas such as social media management, graphic design, video editing, and event organisation. Together, we strive to create meaningful experiences for BTS fans to create friendships ,spread love and support for the group throughout the UK.

There’s viral dances almost monthly
Oce
I think what sets K-pop and specifically SEVENTEEN apart from other genres is that the genre is almost synonymous with dance pop. Consumers not only have music from K-pop but fans can also tune in to watch dance performances for the songs they make. We see a viral dance from K-pop almost every month. Even arguably the most popular song of 2012, “Gangnam Style,” went viral because of its choreo.
Oce(Philippines, he/him)

A fan who finds joy in music and numbers. I update charts and data about SEVENTEEN. WWC Charts Admin.

Worldwide Carats

International fanbase of K-Pop Powerhouse and Self-Producing group SEVENTEEN. The fanbase consists of Carats from different parts of the world who share a deep love and support for the group.

You get to know them as people
Diveesh Singh
Besides the catchy music and fire outfits, the allure of K-pop is multidimensional. There's a whole culture of K-pop artists going on variety shows, which adds a much more personal element to the whole thing; you don't just see them perform, you get to know them as people, which makes that connection feel so much deeper. And then finally, all of that culminates in getting to see them live in concert, and feeling the energy of the crowd!
Diveesh Singh

Software engineer by profession, Korean culture enthusiast by choice. Currently living in Korea to further broaden my cultural horizons.

ECLIPSE

A dance team from Northern California formed in August 2016 focused on creating YouTube video covers to express their love of dance. Comprised of both students and professionals of varying ages and backgrounds, this diverse group bonded over their shared passion and love of K-Pop.

I can see that they are like us
Henrique
The impact of this type of content goes beyond just entertaining fans. It brings the artist closer to the public in various situations. With this kind of material I can see their personality, and identify with what they say, or even if I do not identify with every detail, I see our differences as something also good. Often, idols are seen as “unreachable” people, but this kind of interaction makes me feel a greater connection and see that they are like us. Sometimes on a bad day, a simple video of them in a variety program can bring me a smile and make me feel better.
Henrique(Bahia, Brazil, 22 years old, he/him)

A person who likes chart analysis and achievements, and enjoys making posters for these milestones. I’ve stanned TXT since their debut, so it’s really exciting to do this for them. It makes me feel really proud.

TXT Chart Data

A consistent and reliable platform dedicated to providing real-time updates on TXT’s achievements since their debut. Our diverse team includes chart analysts, designers, and content creators who work together to deliver accurate data on charts, sales, awards, and voting updates. In addition to chart tracking, we also share news about TXT and actively promote the group. Our website offers a comprehensive database with verified sources, including key Korean chart platforms, ensuring fans have access to credible and detailed information.

In K-pop, there’s a strong bond
Eram S.
The strategies used in K-pop content are truly smart, creating a strong bond between artists and fans. It highlights the idea that it’s not just about singing and dancing; there’s a broader, more enjoyable aspect beyond the songs. One of my favorite BTS content pieces, and the second thing that made me fall in love with BTS, was the RUN BTS show. Even now, I often go back to watch it from the beginning, as it’s not only fun but also provides a realistic glimpse into their personalities and behavior in various situations.
Eram S.(Coventry, United Kingdom, she/her)

A scientist who loves art, music, painting, drawing and languages. Becoming a BTS ARMY is one of the best things that ever happened to me, and I find endless joy in their music and personalities as individuals and a group, as well as the creativity of the ARMYs. I’m also passionate about sports, ice skating, a beginner influencer, and a social media admin, sharing my journey as an Army and passions with the world.

UKBTSARMATION

UKBTSARMATION (also known as UKBTSARMY) is a UK-based fan organisation dedicated to building a strong, supportive community for BTS fans across the United Kingdom. Our mission is to keep UK ARMYs informed and engaged with all the latest news, updates, and events related to BTS, through our active presence on social media platforms. Our team is composed of passionate UK ARMYs who contribute their skills across various areas such as social media management, graphic design, video editing, and event organisation. Together, we strive to create meaningful experiences for BTS fans to create friendships ,spread love and support for the group throughout the UK.

Content shows artists’ sincerity, love
Javiera RV
I think K-pop helps fans see the sincerity and love artists have for what they’re doing. Being able to see behind-the-scenes content helps humanize the artist and makes you connect more with the music. American pop stars, for example, tend to feel very far away; they disappear for months (even years), and then put out an album, do some promotions, and go back to the studio, with no connection. With the content K-pop gives fans, you can understand more of the artist, which makes you want them to succeed more, since you see them working hard for it. They feel more like a friend than a celebrity.
Javiera RV(Chile, she/her)

A school librarian that enjoys art and has a brighter life thanks to BTS.

BTS Chile

News and translations since pre-debut for Chilean and spanish-speaking ARMYs, with a small group of 5 admins that have worked hard to connect fans and artist (now in hiatus).

Knowing we support real people is key
Fabrício
When I get content like TO DO, weekly performances during comeback season, and the big variety of award shows, I feel like I am closer to my idols. I’ve been a fan of more reserved artists before, and I can clearly notice the difference when I get the big variety of content that TOMORROW X TOGETHER puts out. I can get to know them more. I can develop a greater affection that goes beyond their music and their work. I can meet the people behind the idols. It's something that I feel is very necessary in the music industry, to know that we are supporting real people, to know who is behind the art we are consuming.
Fabrício(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 22 years old, he/him)

I’m a designer and art director in the brazilian music industry and chart enthusiast. TXT stan since their debut in 2019, in the same time i was discovering more of K-pop music. In TXTChartData, i’m in charge of the visual identity for the profile each comeback and some posters eventually.

TXT Chart Data

A consistent and reliable platform dedicated to providing real-time updates on TXT’s achievements since their debut. Our diverse team includes chart analysts, designers, and content creators who work together to deliver accurate data on charts, sales, awards, and voting updates. In addition to chart tracking, we also share news about TXT and actively promote the group. Our website offers a comprehensive database with verified sources, including key Korean chart platforms, ensuring fans have access to credible and detailed information.

Fans form “relationships” with artists
Fernanda GS
The work they do to keep fans entertained, informed, and feeling like we know the artists is one of K-pop's strengths when compared to artists from other parts of the world. A lot of times when singers get famous, they start to care less and less about how this type of content can be used as marketing, and also include their fans in their lives. That's why K-pop fans can form such “relationships” with their artists.
Fernanda GS(Santiago, Chile)

A now journalist that fell in love with BTS when she was just a high schooler.

BTS Chile

News and translations since pre-debut for Chilean and spanish-speaking ARMYs, with a small group of 5 admins that have worked hard to connect fans and artist (now in hiatus).

K-pop helps me understand artists more
Dani
I agree that such content is K-pop's biggest strength, because compared to the content released by artists from the West, most K-pop content gives the audience a never-before-seen side of the artists. I think that’s the reason it stands out to me more—it’s less about drama and more about showing the realities of the artist’s work schedule, training, relationships with family, and building up a strong foundation with their bandmates. Such a variety of content allows me to understand the artist more deeply and gives me insights about their struggles on their journey in the industry. It impacts me in a way that makes me feel like I am somehow bonding with them. Media like that gives me a more in-depth view into an artist's life and the behind-the-scenes efforts they put forth during album production, strategic planning, concerts, and event planning. Though many of these media releases overwhelm me with how long they often are, I also find them amusing and comforting to watch during my free time.
Dani(she/her)
FEARNOT Philippines

The members of the FEARNOT Philippines first came together when a group of friends wanted to celebrate the most anticipated 1st debut anniversary of LE SSERAFIM. Everyone believed that LE SSERAFIM is such a well loved group and talented group and they deserved to have a fanbase here in the Philippines. Hence, we started FEARNOT Philippines and looked for more Filipino FEARNOTs who share the same passion and love towards LE SSERAFIM that can help us run the fanbase and our events.

The words give the songs more meaning
Cha
All the content that comes with K-pop influenced me to become a FEARNOT, because it shows how the people I idolize are not afraid to take challenges and truly speak about their experiences, and not just through their other content, but through their music as well. It gives more meaning to the songs that they release, because they are not just empty words but something that encapsulates their passion, thoughts, and experiences.
Cha(she/her)
FEARNOT Philippines

The members of the FEARNOT Philippines first came together when a group of friends wanted to celebrate the most anticipated 1st debut anniversary of LE SSERAFIM. Everyone believed that LE SSERAFIM is such a well loved group and talented group and they deserved to have a fanbase here in the Philippines. Hence, we started FEARNOT Philippines and looked for more Filipino FEARNOTs who share the same passion and love towards LE SSERAFIM that can help us run the fanbase and our events.

BTS are very human
Yazmin
As for BTS, what I personally like about them is how their music has messages that resonate with you no matter what your age is, and also that they are very human, in the sense that they have never tried to appear like they are perfect beings that make no mistakes or that they don’t have struggles. Also, I like their friendship. They seem to get along very well, and it shows in the content they share with us, even when they are performing, so BTS has always seemed fun to me.
Yazmin(Chile, she/her)

An anthropologist who has been encouraged at different times in her life thanks to BTS.

BTS Chile

News and translations since pre-debut for Chilean and spanish-speaking ARMYs, with a small group of 5 admins that have worked hard to connect fans and artist (now in hiatus).

Artists and fans can be so close
Minji
I liked things that fall outside of K-pop before, but it was always a letdown because there was never much of a fan culture and not much to do outside of checking out the thing itself. I think what makes K-pop so special is how close the relationship between artists and their fandoms is able to be. Artists do LIVEs to interact with their fans all the time, offer all sorts of content like original videos, and do a lot of other things we can be a part of. The whole time I’ve been supporting TOMORROW X TOGETHER as a fan, I’ve never felt like my love was a one-way street. I think that’s a big part of what keeps fans engaged and supporting them.
Minji(Seoul, South Korea)

A young Korean who loves culture and art.

K-pop takes things to the next level
Miguel Francisco
On average, I find K-pop more exciting and innovative to listen to than its western pop counterparts. While sometimes it can be too exciting in its effort to push the sonic boundaries of what can be considered pop music, I always appreciate the effort to take things to the next level and challenge the listening tolerances of the audience (notable tracks that encompass this feeling are “Side Effects” by Stray Kids and “Next Level” by aespa, to name a couple). K-pop appeals to my soul as a producer/videographer.
Miguel Francisco(San Jose, CA, USA, he/him)

I'm a videographer, and filming videos for Eclipse K-pop is how I got started. I also create K-pop mashups on YouTube under the username Miggy Smallz

ECLIPSE

A dance team from Northern California formed in August 2016 focused on creating YouTube video covers to express their love of dance. Comprised of both students and professionals of varying ages and backgrounds, this diverse group bonded over their shared passion and love of K-Pop.

K-pop explores all different genres
Enny B.
I find K-pop appealing because it's something different from what I usually listen to. I think another thing for me is that as someone who is already interested in the music industry, I think it's important to explore all different types of genres. However, I am also a person who is mostly keen on how the music sounds first before diving into the lyrics and meanings behind the songs. There are also distinct sounds and instruments that are used that I find very appealing musically. I think K-pop is evidence that music is a universal language, and that we don’t always need to understand the lyrics but can just enjoy the melodies and sounds. Just enjoy the music!
Enny B.(London, United Kingdom, she/her)

A singer-songwriter who finds joy in writing music and loves listening to music while also supporting BTS. I help to manage and support the team in all areas of the fanbase .

UKBTSARMATION

UKBTSARMATION (also known as UKBTSARMY) is a UK-based fan organisation dedicated to building a strong, supportive community for BTS fans across the United Kingdom. Our mission is to keep UK ARMYs informed and engaged with all the latest news, updates, and events related to BTS, through our active presence on social media platforms. Our team is composed of passionate UK ARMYs who contribute their skills across various areas such as social media management, graphic design, video editing, and event organisation. Together, we strive to create meaningful experiences for BTS fans to create friendships ,spread love and support for the group throughout the UK.

Music’s a language everyone can enjoy
Thy
As someone who grew up consuming Western music, due to it being the mainstream form of music around me, I'm just in awe at how it's gradually getting more and more diverse now. I have always loved trying out new music and genres, and K-pop is so diverse that I am confident that people will love it if they just give it a try without any prejudice. K-pop's popularity at present is also beautiful proof that music is a universal language that everyone can enjoy. You do not have to speak a certain language for music to speak to you. Music is meant to be felt. It is meant to bring people together, not caring for any boundaries. I hope, as time passes, that mainstream media can continue to diversify, and even more talented artists can come to be known.
Thy(she/her)

Graduating medical student who finds solace and inspiration through music, specifically SEVENTEEN's. WWC Main Admin.

Worldwide Carats

International fanbase of K-Pop Powerhouse and Self-Producing group SEVENTEEN. The fanbase consists of Carats from different parts of the world who share a deep love and support for the group.

K-pop has music for everyone
Sofia V.
I believe that the most important thing that K-pop has is diversity. When someone asks what kind of music K-pop is, I find it difficult to define it, because there are so many different K-pop artists who make music in so many different genres. K-pop has music for everyone, from people who like more happy songs, to those who like ballads, to rap lovers and noise music lovers. There’s something for everyone.
Sofia V.(London, United Kingdom, she/her)

I am a graduate in event management with an interest in K-pop music. I have organised multiple K-pop events mainly BTS related. I am passionate about creating and delivering memorable experiences for people. In my free time I enjoy dancing, exploring other music genres, and traveling.

UKBTSARMATION

UKBTSARMATION (also known as UKBTSARMY) is a UK-based fan organisation dedicated to building a strong, supportive community for BTS fans across the United Kingdom. Our mission is to keep UK ARMYs informed and engaged with all the latest news, updates, and events related to BTS, through our active presence on social media platforms. Our team is composed of passionate UK ARMYs who contribute their skills across various areas such as social media management, graphic design, video editing, and event organisation. Together, we strive to create meaningful experiences for BTS fans to create friendships ,spread love and support for the group throughout the UK.

Idols must be able to do so much!
Lia
There are so many things that idols must be able to do, it’s crazy! It’s admirable that they’re such good entertainers. Sometimes people argue that some idols are not good singers or that they don’t take part in the production process, and I always reply saying that they’re not singers, they’re idols. An idol is not just a singer or a dancer. The amount of content they produce is crazy. As LE SSERAFIM always says, for them, “Life is content,” and that’s the big difference between them and other types of artists.
Lia(Rome, Italia)

I studied western history in college and I'm now working as an employee in Rome.

Content makes being a fan so enjoyable
Enny B.
I believe K-pop content is definitely its biggest strength. More than anything, content drops, whether they be concept photos or a new documentary, really create room for lots of engagement, a formula that the West is definitely missing. I think content has made the process of being a BTS fan much more enjoyable, because I constantly have something to look forward to and consume, whether it be Run BTS, their Weverse LIVEs, BANGTAN BOMBS, or the individual members’ solo content.
Enny B.(London, United Kingdom, she/her)

A singer-songwriter who finds joy in writing music and loves listening to music while also supporting BTS. I help to manage and support the team in all areas of the fanbase .

UKBTSARMATION

UKBTSARMATION (also known as UKBTSARMY) is a UK-based fan organisation dedicated to building a strong, supportive community for BTS fans across the United Kingdom. Our mission is to keep UK ARMYs informed and engaged with all the latest news, updates, and events related to BTS, through our active presence on social media platforms. Our team is composed of passionate UK ARMYs who contribute their skills across various areas such as social media management, graphic design, video editing, and event organisation. Together, we strive to create meaningful experiences for BTS fans to create friendships ,spread love and support for the group throughout the UK.

There’s always content for you there
Carolina ZL
Be it music, videos, or interviews, there’s always content for you out there. At any given time, I could be listening to one of their albums, watching their music videos, live performances, variety programs appearances, behind-the-scenes videos, random vlogs, an interview, a series they put out every week, the stream of a concert, etc. There’s really so much out there for people to enjoy that it’s something that can accompany you everywhere, from music to visual content. And part of the fun comes from sharing that content with other fan friends. For me at least, most of the time the most fun comes watching things with friends, either together in person or separately but at the same time online, and sharing our feelings, our views, talking about the performance, what the BTS members talked about in a video, the “theories” from the music videos, etc. Interacting with others about all the content is and always has been the most entertaining part for me.
Carolina ZL(Chile)

A project manager that is nostalgic of the simpler times of being a BTS fan.

BTS Chile

News and translations since pre-debut for Chilean and spanish-speaking ARMYs, with a small group of 5 admins that have worked hard to connect fans and artist (now in hiatus).

Diverse content is K-pop's strength
Daeun
I personally think K-pop artists could rely solely on having such a massive amount of content. Fan activities continue during non-promo periods. When TOMORROW X TOGETHER goes on tour overseas, for instance, they’re gone for a really long time, so sometimes it can feel like they’re actually not in Korea as much as you’d think. I can’t realistically go and see every one of their concerts when they’re abroad like that, so what I can do, as a Korean fan, is watch all that content. Conventional wisdom says, “out of sight, out of mind” (laughs) but watching all their stuff lets me fan out continuously.
Daeun(Seoul, South Korea)

A fan who’s cultivating a fuller life through travel, sports, culture, and art.

Diverse content can keep interest up
Cha
As we all know, the number of K-pop groups has been increasing every year. As more groups emerge, the competition to gain or retain the attention of fans is getting more intense, and this diverse content can help maintain public interest in the group even more than their music. I do think this is one of K-pop’s core strengths compared to other genres of music. These content releases let the viewers know more about the process of the making of the songs and music videos, and even get to know the personality, characteristics, and relationships of the members. Personally, I’ve found that the diverse media that LE SSERAFIM has been providing has kept me wanting to know more about the group and look forward to their releases more. It has made me adore the group even more, and thus has made me want to support them in all the ways that I can.
Cha(she/her)
FEARNOT Philippines

The members of the FEARNOT Philippines first came together when a group of friends wanted to celebrate the most anticipated 1st debut anniversary of LE SSERAFIM. Everyone believed that LE SSERAFIM is such a well loved group and talented group and they deserved to have a fanbase here in the Philippines. Hence, we started FEARNOT Philippines and looked for more Filipino FEARNOTs who share the same passion and love towards LE SSERAFIM that can help us run the fanbase and our events.

Diverse content lets fans know idols
Joe
Diverse content, such as reality shows, vlogs, and behind-the-scenes footage, enables fans to get to know their idols on a more personal level. They keep fans “hooked” and involved beyond just the music. This content also enables international fans to have an avenue to engage with their favorite group, even if they can't attend live events. Subtitles further extend the reach to non-Korean-speaking audiences. That is also what I love about LE SSERAFIM and the variety of content that they have to offer—from LENIVERSE and DAY-OFF to FIM-LOGs, EPISODEs, and their documentaries. These shows make the current fans adore the group even more, as they give the idols a chance to showcase not only their musical talents but also their personalities, skills, and versatility.
Joe(he/him)
FEARNOT Philippines

The members of the FEARNOT Philippines first came together when a group of friends wanted to celebrate the most anticipated 1st debut anniversary of LE SSERAFIM. Everyone believed that LE SSERAFIM is such a well loved group and talented group and they deserved to have a fanbase here in the Philippines. Hence, we started FEARNOT Philippines and looked for more Filipino FEARNOTs who share the same passion and love towards LE SSERAFIM that can help us run the fanbase and our events.

It's not JUST the music
Diveesh Singh
Everyone individually has their own relationship with the multiple facets of K-pop, and I think this appreciation is what has made everyone come together. For example, in one ear I'll hear some folks talking about wanting to learn Bada Lee's choreo for “Smoke”(Prod. Dynamicduo, Padi), and then in the other I'll hear folks talking about how cute the members of SEVENTEEN were on a variety show last week. Sometimes I'll see people trying to practice their Korean, and sometimes I'll see people trying to recreate some of the unique games the idols play on variety shows. It's not JUST the music—it's the fact that there's a whole culture around it that has so many different aspects that everyone can find something that they appreciate about it.
Diveesh Singh

Software engineer by profession, Korean culture enthusiast by choice. Currently living in Korea to further broaden my cultural horizons.

ECLIPSE

A dance team from Northern California formed in August 2016 focused on creating YouTube video covers to express their love of dance. Comprised of both students and professionals of varying ages and backgrounds, this diverse group bonded over their shared passion and love of K-Pop.

It’s the all-encompassing nature of it
Ellen Choi
I think it’s definitely the all-encompassing (song, choreography, performance, stage construction, video, and digital content creation) nature of K-pop as a genre beyond just music. I love watching these talented artists who are so good at not one but multiple things at a time as performers, as well as all the elements of their productions that come together through the hard work of so many people involved to make the final product that we consume possible.
Ellen Choi(Sunnyvale, CA, USA, she/her)

A dancer who fell in love with K-pop enough to start her own dance team in high school. Now a college senior, seeking a career in entertainment management.

ECLIPSE

A dance team from Northern California formed in August 2016 focused on creating YouTube video covers to express their love of dance. Comprised of both students and professionals of varying ages and backgrounds, this diverse group bonded over their shared passion and love of K-Pop.

All the production involved is art
Christine Jean S.
For me it has to be all the production involved in making an album, down to how the music videos are shot and how they perform on stage, all that for me is artistry. Nowadays we can see how artists like BTS and SEVENTEEN make their music, through their YouTube channels and documentaries, from the process of writing lyrics, to recording and filming. I really love seeing them being involved with writing and producing. I also love seeing the set when it comes to filming music videos, as some sets are built so beautifully, so I really salute everyone that is involved in these kinds of productions. It’s a lot of process to go through just to drop amazing albums. As someone who would like to venture off into a new career and has been interested in working in the industry, it gives me ideas and inspiration.
Christine Jean S.(Cheshire, United Kingdom, she/her)

I am an individual who enjoys listening to a lot of music genres, most especially K-pop. I’m also a person who loves to sing, travel and take photos of my scenery. BTS and ARMY have become a 2nd family that I love being involved with. I help out with admin and events for the page when I am available.

UKBTSARMATION

UKBTSARMATION (also known as UKBTSARMY) is a UK-based fan organisation dedicated to building a strong, supportive community for BTS fans across the United Kingdom. Our mission is to keep UK ARMYs informed and engaged with all the latest news, updates, and events related to BTS, through our active presence on social media platforms. Our team is composed of passionate UK ARMYs who contribute their skills across various areas such as social media management, graphic design, video editing, and event organisation. Together, we strive to create meaningful experiences for BTS fans to create friendships ,spread love and support for the group throughout the UK.

K-pop places importance on the group
Seohyeon Han
What I love most about K-pop is the importance they place on the group itself. It’s not about taking on challenges alone but relying on each other to make something better. I always used to think the entertainment business revolved around the idea of competition, but I felt LE SSERAFIM showed how to respect each other like sisters. Even with the age gap between her and HONG EUNCHAE, she treats her like a real sister—it’s heartwarming.
Seohyeon Han(Suwon, South Korea)

A FEARNOT fangirl who’s not afraid of anything as long as she has LE SSERAFIM with her.

Seeing their close bond warms my heart
Minji
For me, as a fan of TOMORROW X TOGETHER, what really stands out is their one-of-a-kind teamwork and how they’re like family. Seeing their close bond and ability to count on each other for support warms my heart. Some of them get so filled with emotion during concerts that they start crying, for example. When one of them burst into tears like that, the rest of them all went over and hugged each other and made them feel better like it was second nature. It was really touching to watch. Moments like that make the whole experience more meaningful for a fan like me.
Minji(Seoul, South Korea)

A young Korean who loves culture and art.

All high schools had K-pop dance teams
Ellen Choi
I felt such a big change, especially spending my middle and high school years (2014-2021) in the States, particularly in California, during the time that K-pop expanded its influence in America. I remember at the beginning of my middle school years, most of my classmates didn’t know what K-pop was; in the end of my middle school and beginning of my high school years, they still made fun of K-pop and people who enjoyed the genre, as an outside culture; by the end my high school years, however, enjoying the genre had been normalized, with a whole sector of the student population understanding and consuming K-pop media. I also noticed throughout my school years that there were more and more K-pop-related events organized and held around the Bay Area (concerts, fan events, album sales, etc.). During my high school years, almost all high schools in the area had a K-pop dance team formed and developed with substantial interest from the student body.
Ellen Choi(Sunnyvale, CA, USA, she/her)

A dancer who fell in love with K-pop enough to start her own dance team in high school. Now a college senior, seeking a career in entertainment management.

ECLIPSE

A dance team from Northern California formed in August 2016 focused on creating YouTube video covers to express their love of dance. Comprised of both students and professionals of varying ages and backgrounds, this diverse group bonded over their shared passion and love of K-Pop.

Now cover teams have many non-Koreans
Ellie
It is definitely more common for LA K-pop cover teams to film public covers nowadays, and I think this is related to how much more open the public here has gotten towards the K-pop genre. Many K-pop artists have also paved the way by breaking into the American music industry and promoting more of their music here. As a K-pop cover team, we are given more opportunities to perform at different events because of the widespread phenomenon of K-pop, which comes with more people putting on K-pop related events. As a Korean, I also often talk with my mother about how far K-pop has come. Back in my mother’s day, barely anybody knew about Korean culture, let alone K-pop. Now you see so many non-Korean people joining or putting together K-pop cover teams.
Ellie

A person who finds joy in dance and K-POP.

SEOULA

SEOULA (pronounced Sol-lah, 쏠라): the combination of Seoul (서울) and LA (Los Angeles), two cities that represent our community. We are a creative dance team of students with a special passion for dance and Korean-American pop culture. By connecting with global and diverse audiences through creative outlets like YouTube, we hope to bring together both Korean and American culture through K-pop and open style dance.

People have become more open to K-pop
Myles
I think generally people have become more open to K-pop, and people’s willingness and acceptance has improved to the point where we’ll often have folks come up to us and ask where they can find our channel and where they can watch our videos.
Myles

A person who finds joy in dance and K-POP.

SEOULA

SEOULA (pronounced Sol-lah, 쏠라): the combination of Seoul (서울) and LA (Los Angeles), two cities that represent our community. We are a creative dance team of students with a special passion for dance and Korean-American pop culture. By connecting with global and diverse audiences through creative outlets like YouTube, we hope to bring together both Korean and American culture through K-pop and open style dance. SEOULA (pronounced Sol-lah, 쏠라): the combination of Seoul (서울) and LA (Los Angeles), two cities that represent our community. We are a creative dance team of students with a special passion for dance and Korean-American pop culture. By connecting with global and diverse audiences through creative outlets like YouTube, we hope to bring together both Korean and American culture through K-pop and open style dance.

Complete strangers say we dance well
Cash
I’ve been doing dance covers in public for eight years now, and back when I started it was so embarrassing, since NO ONE would know what you were dancing. Now we dance NCT and NewJeans and there are complete strangers saying we dance well and that they love the artists we are covering.
Cash

A person who finds joy in dance and K-POP.

SEOULA

SEOULA (pronounced Sol-lah, 쏠라): the combination of Seoul (서울) and LA (Los Angeles), two cities that represent our community. We are a creative dance team of students with a special passion for dance and Korean-American pop culture. By connecting with global and diverse audiences through creative outlets like YouTube, we hope to bring together both Korean and American culture through K-pop and open style dance.

K-pop becomes more and more mainstream
Mehr Sethi
K-pop has definitely become more and more mainstream as time goes on. When the K-pop dance cover team ECLIPSE started, there were hardly any other dance cover teams in the Bay Area. However, now we'll often run into other people filming solo or team covers in the city. Even the public around us when we are filming will often know the team or recognize the song we're dancing to. As more and more K-pop artists hold concerts around the area, we also get more opportunities to film covers surrounded by fans who love the artists we’re covering. Overall, it has been great to see the community grow and support each other!
Mehr Sethi(Warsaw, Poland, she/her)

A fan of K-pop music fascinated with the spread and shift of K-pop culture over the years. I used to dance with Eclipse K-pop.

ECLIPSE

A dance team from Northern California formed in August 2016 focused on creating YouTube video covers to express their love of dance. Comprised of both students and professionals of varying ages and backgrounds, this diverse group bonded over their shared passion and love of K-Pop.

K-pop groups are on US late night now
Diveesh Singh
I think seven to eight years ago if you asked someone if they knew what K-pop was, at best you would hear “Oh, like Gangnam Style?” Since then, I feel like so much has changed. Malls and boba shops have K-pop music playing, stores have started selling K-pop albums, and Korean skincare has become mainstream! While walking around in NYC recently, I saw a huge billboard with BLACKPINK's Rosé on it, and it's not uncommon to see K-pop groups on American late night shows (Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, etc.) now.
Diveesh Singh

Software engineer by profession, Korean culture enthusiast by choice. Currently living in Korea to further broaden my cultural horizons.

ECLIPSE

A dance team from Northern California formed in August 2016 focused on creating YouTube video covers to express their love of dance. Comprised of both students and professionals of varying ages and backgrounds, this diverse group bonded over their shared passion and love of K-Pop.

SUPER JUNIOR has many fans in Mexico
Marcela
K-pop has become popular in Mexico in recent years, but even before the spike in popularity, some K-pop groups already had found a lot of supporters here. For example, SUPER JUNIOR has many fans here that have supported their journey through the years. Generally, K-pop is well accepted, but it's difficult for the general public to find the songs being played, and it remains sort of a niche genre.
Marcela

A person who enjoys listening to music and creating joyful connections within the K-pop community.

TXT Voting Crew

A group of MOAs from around the globe who have come together to support TOMORROW X TOGETHER on music shows and year end music award shows through voting.

People have been warming up to K-POP
Christine Jean S.
As a fan of K-pop for a long time now, I’ve seen the changes in the scene. BTS has pushed many barriers that had been unbreakable for quite some time, and has influenced a lot more K-POP artists to break down walls internationally, especially now. Korean culture is becoming more well known in the West, not just the music but also the dramas, skincare, and fashion.
I think people in the West have been opening up and warming up to K-POP in the past couple of years a lot more than previously. Just the other day, I was working with someone who is two years younger than me, and I opened up about liking K-pop, and the reaction they gave me was very nice. They got excited and asked if I knew who BTS or BLACKPINK were. I answered that I knew both and had been a fan of BTS for a long time. They said that they liked “Butter” and started playing the song for me. It was quite a wholesome experience, actually.
Christine Jean S.(Cheshire, United Kingdom, she/her)

I am an individual who enjoys listening to a lot of music genres, most especially K-pop. I’m also a person who loves to sing, travel and take photos of my scenery. BTS and ARMY have become a 2nd family that I love being involved with. I help out with admin and events for the page when I am available.

UKBTSARMATION

UKBTSARMATION (also known as UKBTSARMY) is a UK-based fan organisation dedicated to building a strong, supportive community for BTS fans across the United Kingdom. Our mission is to keep UK ARMYs informed and engaged with all the latest news, updates, and events related to BTS, through our active presence on social media platforms. Our team is composed of passionate UK ARMYs who contribute their skills across various areas such as social media management, graphic design, video editing, and event organisation. Together, we strive to create meaningful experiences for BTS fans to create friendships ,spread love and support for the group throughout the UK.

Now BTS's influence is seen everywhere
Eram S.
In 2017-18, K-pop wasn’t widely known, and people were curious about BTS and the genre. However, after BTS sold out Wembley Stadium and performed “Boy with Luv”(Feat. Halsey) on Britain’s Got Talent in 2019, they brought considerable attention to K-pop. This trend persisted, especially following the start of the pandemic and the release of “Dynamite” and “Butter.” Now, their influence is noticeable everywhere, even in my local supermarket.
Eram S.(Coventry, United Kingdom, she/her)

A scientist who loves art, music, painting, drawing and languages. Becoming a BTS ARMY is one of the best things that ever happened to me, and I find endless joy in their music and personalities as individuals and a group, as well as the creativity of the ARMYs. I’m also passionate about sports, ice skating, a beginner influencer, and a social media admin, sharing my journey as an Army and passions with the world.

UKBTSARMATION

UKBTSARMATION (also known as UKBTSARMY) is a UK-based fan organisation dedicated to building a strong, supportive community for BTS fans across the United Kingdom. Our mission is to keep UK ARMYs informed and engaged with all the latest news, updates, and events related to BTS, through our active presence on social media platforms. Our team is composed of passionate UK ARMYs who contribute their skills across various areas such as social media management, graphic design, video editing, and event organisation. Together, we strive to create meaningful experiences for BTS fans to create friendships ,spread love and support for the group throughout the UK.

K-POP is being played more on UK radio
Enny B.
K-pop in the UK has grown massively since I first became an ARMY, and people are definitely becoming more open-minded. There are still some instances where people ask if I understand what they are saying, but I think people have been more open to listening to the music’s sound rather than letting language be a barrier. I would definitely say it's being played more now on UK radio stations! Especially on BBC Radio 1 (a popular UK radio station). And in local UK stores I have definitely heard BTS songs being played many times, along with other K-pop artists.
Enny B.(London, United Kingdom, she/her)

A singer-songwriter who finds joy in writing music and loves listening to music while also supporting BTS. I help to manage and support the team in all areas of the fanbase .

UKBTSARMATION

UKBTSARMATION (also known as UKBTSARMY) is a UK-based fan organisation dedicated to building a strong, supportive community for BTS fans across the United Kingdom. Our mission is to keep UK ARMYs informed and engaged with all the latest news, updates, and events related to BTS, through our active presence on social media platforms. Our team is composed of passionate UK ARMYs who contribute their skills across various areas such as social media management, graphic design, video editing, and event organisation. Together, we strive to create meaningful experiences for BTS fans to create friendships ,spread love and support for the group throughout the UK.

K-pop grew tons in the UK in 10 years
Christine B.
Over the past five to ten years, K-pop has grown so much in the UK. Everyone was listening to Psy’s song “Gangnam Style,” and didn’t mind that they were not singing in English. I feel the K-pop genre has been growing more widely in the UK for a while now, and though not everyone will enjoy the K-pop sound, it is being played in clubs and restaurants and played on the Mall playlist.
Christine B.(Manchester, United Kingdom, she/her)

I love BTS and all of their different personalities knitted together molded as 1. I enjoy being ARMY. I love reading my bible and other historical books. I facilitate a bi-weekly social group for older women and am a bid writer to help groups attain funding.

UKBTSARMATION

UKBTSARMATION (also known as UKBTSARMY) is a UK-based fan organisation dedicated to building a strong, supportive community for BTS fans across the United Kingdom. Our mission is to keep UK ARMYs informed and engaged with all the latest news, updates, and events related to BTS, through our active presence on social media platforms. Our team is composed of passionate UK ARMYs who contribute their skills across various areas such as social media management, graphic design, video editing, and event organisation. Together, we strive to create meaningful experiences for BTS fans to create friendships ,spread love and support for the group throughout the UK.

More people in the UK approach K-POP
Sofia V.
I feel that lately, thanks to the spike in popularity of K-pop worldwide, more people in the UK are becoming aware of the genre and approaching it. In London especially, a very multicultural city, people are more inclined to discover this genre and overcome the language barrier, because there are less stereotypes and people are more open-minded.
Sofia V.(London, United Kingdom, she/her)

I am a graduate in event management with an interest in K-pop music. I have organised multiple K-pop events mainly BTS related. I am passionate about creating and delivering memorable experiences for people. In my free time I enjoy dancing, exploring other music genres, and traveling.

UKBTSARMATION

UKBTSARMATION (also known as UKBTSARMY) is a UK-based fan organisation dedicated to building a strong, supportive community for BTS fans across the United Kingdom. Our mission is to keep UK ARMYs informed and engaged with all the latest news, updates, and events related to BTS, through our active presence on social media platforms. Our team is composed of passionate UK ARMYs who contribute their skills across various areas such as social media management, graphic design, video editing, and event organisation. Together, we strive to create meaningful experiences for BTS fans to create friendships ,spread love and support for the group throughout the UK.

K-pop’s slowly becoming known in Spain
Thy
K-pop is slowly but surely becoming known in Spain. It may not be as well-known as in other countries, but I am positive that with more push, K-pop can be accepted by everyone. Music is a universal language that everyone speaks, and I genuinely believe that there's a K-pop song that every person in this world could vibe to (cues SEVENTEEN's “DON QUIXOTE”). K-pop's popularity at present is also beautiful proof that music is a universal language that everyone can enjoy. You do not have to speak any particular language for music to speak to you. Music is meant to be felt. It is meant to bring people together, not caring for any boundaries. I hope as time passes, mainstream media can continue to become more diverse, and more talented artists can become well-known.
Thy(she/her)

Graduating medical student who finds solace and inspiration through music, specifically SEVENTEEN's. WWC Main Admin.

Worldwide Carats

International fanbase of K-Pop Powerhouse and Self-Producing group SEVENTEEN. The fanbase consists of Carats from different parts of the world who share a deep love and support for the group.

A lot of people now know about K-pop
Lia
I think that a lot of people now at least know what you’re talking about when you say K-pop, even if they don’t listen to it. It’s gotten much more popular among younger people (especially high school girls) since COVID, and it doesn’t seem like the interest will stop growing. A lot of artists come to Milan for concerts, and some people will travel around Europe to see their favorite group. In Italy, trends usually arrive later than in other parts of Europe, so it’s no surprise that the same thing is happening with K-pop. Sometimes K-pop is even mentioned on the news.
Lia(Rome, Italia)

I studied western history in college and I'm now working as an employee in Rome.

Filipinos are more open to K-pop
Yumi
I would say that there are more “high-key” K-pop fans here in my country compared to before. Many Filipinos are actively supporting K-pop, casually listening to K-pop, and accepting that more people are really into K-pop. Filipinos are more open to explore the K-pop genre and show their respect to everyone who is enjoying it.
Yumi(Manila, Philippines, she/her)

A person who is passionate in performing arts and project management. I find healing and enjoyment in Seventeen's Contents. WWC SNS Admin.

Worldwide Carats

International fanbase of K-Pop Powerhouse and Self-Producing group SEVENTEEN. The fanbase consists of Carats from different parts of the world who share a deep love and support for the group.

You’re not ashamed listening to K-pop
Jenny
There's always that divide between people who listen to K-pop and people who don't. But as years pass, I think the population of people who are into K-pop has grown in number. It doesn't seem like you'd feel ashamed for listening to K-pop in public. You wouldn't hear your friends mocking you and saying, “All you listen to is K-pop, do you even understand what they're saying?!” I think the general public has eased into K-pop music, because Philippine media puts it out there just as much as they put out Western music on several platforms.
Jenny(she/her)
FEARNOT Philippines

The members of the FEARNOT Philippines first came together when a group of friends wanted to celebrate the most anticipated 1st debut anniversary of LE SSERAFIM. Everyone believed that LE SSERAFIM is such a well loved group and talented group and they deserved to have a fanbase here in the Philippines. Hence, we started FEARNOT Philippines and looked for more Filipino FEARNOTs who share the same passion and love towards LE SSERAFIM that can help us run the fanbase and our events.

Now even non-fans know some groups
Clara
Hmm, I think K-pop fans in the Philippines have totally skyrocketed recently, compared to before. I remember in school there were like two or three of us who knew K-pop groups, but now even non-fans know some K-pop groups (the well-known ones). I remember being teased by some people around me who said things like “Do you even understand that?” or “All of them (the members) look the same, how do you even distinguish who is who?” But now, I see the same people posting on social media that they are listening to a K-pop group and even attending their concerts (on a positive note, hahaha!). Also, I know K-pop music is very welcome nowadays because you can hear it playing in public places, and sometimes you even see people recording dance covers of K-pop songs!
Clara(she/her)
FEARNOT Philippines

The members of the FEARNOT Philippines first came together when a group of friends wanted to celebrate the most anticipated 1st debut anniversary of LE SSERAFIM. Everyone believed that LE SSERAFIM is such a well loved group and talented group and they deserved to have a fanbase here in the Philippines. Hence, we started FEARNOT Philippines and looked for more Filipino FEARNOTs who share the same passion and love towards LE SSERAFIM that can help us run the fanbase and our events.

Listening to K-pop has been normalized
Joe
There are things that you can’t quite explain, but you understand what they feel like, and hence can create a connection with them, and listening to K-pop music is one of those things. It is undeniable that Filipinos are really into Hallyu or Korean culture, especially K-pop & K-dramas. While not everyone may be a fan, the influence of K-pop on Filipino culture remains notable and continues to be a popular phenomenon in the country, especially in recent years. This is evident with how listening to K-pop has slowly become normalized in local settings—K-pop songs are now being played in malls, on local radio, and even on TV. After all, language should never be considered a barrier to music (especially with regards to K-pop), as music is already a universal language transcending all boundaries.
Joe(he/him)
FEARNOT Philippines

The members of the FEARNOT Philippines first came together when a group of friends wanted to celebrate the most anticipated 1st debut anniversary of LE SSERAFIM. Everyone believed that LE SSERAFIM is such a well loved group and talented group and they deserved to have a fanbase here in the Philippines. Hence, we started FEARNOT Philippines and looked for more Filipino FEARNOTs who share the same passion and love towards LE SSERAFIM that can help us run the fanbase and our events.

India’s young K-pop fanbase has grown
Meha
In India, K-pop has gained a substantial fanbase, especially among the younger generation. It’s nice to see Indians opening their horizons to different genres of music and becoming a thriving community of K-pop fans.
Meha(India, she/her)

I am a researcher at a non-profit, aiming to create real impact. My world is brighter thanks to SEVENTEEN. WWC Editor.

Worldwide Carats

International fanbase of K-Pop Powerhouse and Self-Producing group SEVENTEEN. The fanbase consists of Carats from different parts of the world who share a deep love and support for the group.

More Cupsleeve events are being held
Ash
Where I'm from, it depends on the age groups, and it’s usually young teens around age 12 up to adults around age 30 or so that are most attracted to K-pop, especially in the cities. With the culture on the rise, I’ve noticed that more and more Cupsleeve events are being held and songs being played at cafes, and a variety of Korean foods that have been introduced by K-pop artists on shows are also being sold locally.
Ash(she/her)

A person who sees the endless possibilities in music and K-pop media, seeking inspiring meanings and emotions within songs

TXT Voting Crew

A group of MOAs from around the globe who have come together to support TOMORROW X TOGETHER on music shows and year end music award shows through voting.

Now you can find fans of every age!
Fernanda GS
Chile simply loves their K-pop. It's one of the countries where K-pop has been since almost the start, incredibly enough, considering how far away we are from Korea. We’re always showing our support in various ways, from going to concerts, to official and fan-organized activities, to the online presence K-pop has in Chilean social media. Young Chilean people have felt so seen by the aesthetics, the culture, the music, and the dances, and they love to show it in public so much that now you can find fans of every age!
Fernanda GS(Santiago, Chile)

A now journalist that fell in love with BTS when she was just a high schooler.

BTS Chile

News and translations since pre-debut for Chilean and spanish-speaking ARMYs, with a small group of 5 admins that have worked hard to connect fans and artist (now in hiatus).

Now folks at least know what K-pop is
Yazmin
I would say it’s still a niche genre, but now people at least know what K-pop is and that it is from South Korea and not from some other Asian country. Back when I first got to know about K-pop (2005), people who liked it were grouped together with people who liked things from Japan (anime or J-pop). At that time, people who liked those things were often bullied or seen as weird people, although, fortunately, that wasn’t my experience. Over the years, K-pop became more and more popular and more “seen,” as K-pop fans used public spaces to practice choreographies and things like that. I think around 2010 the general public had an idea about what K-pop was, because it had become popular here, and then even TV channels started to pick up on it. In 2012, the first K-pop concert was held here, and ever since then soloists and groups have kept coming, so I would say it was a popular genre here, but still not massive. However, during the pandemic I think it exploded. A lot of people got into K-pop or other Korean content, and now K-pop concerts here get sold out in minutes, and there are more and more Korean stores and restaurants and they are always at full capacity. So that’s why I would say that now it is more accepted and known and not looked down upon, but still not at the level of a “general public” thing.
Yazmin(Chile, she/her)

An anthropologist who has been encouraged at different times in her life thanks to BTS.

BTS Chile

News and translations since pre-debut for Chilean and spanish-speaking ARMYs, with a small group of 5 admins that have worked hard to connect fans and artist (now in hiatus).

People have grown more understanding
Carolina ZL
I feel like people have grown more understanding about it and know a bit more about it than before. When I started liking K-pop in 2011, in school for example there were just a couple other people who knew what it was or listened to it, and of course older generations in general didn’t know about it or would think it was weird to listen to it if it was in Korean. But now with how popular it has become worldwide, even if people don’t listen to it, they know what it is, and sometimes even know a couple of groups. It’s something visible, so people aren’t surprised if you tell them that you listen to K-pop. You can even hear K-pop playing in stores or restaurants sometimes. Here in Chile this means not only that K-pop is more widely known, but also Korean restaurants and food stores have become popular and people are more open to them.
Carolina ZL(Chile)

A project manager that is nostalgic of the simpler times of being a BTS fan.

BTS Chile

News and translations since pre-debut for Chilean and spanish-speaking ARMYs, with a small group of 5 admins that have worked hard to connect fans and artist (now in hiatus).

K-POP is becoming somewhat mainstream
Fernanda SC
When I first started to listen to K-POP, it was a niche interest. Only my friends and some people I’d met online knew about K-pop. Nowadays I could even call it somewhat mainstream. I’ve met people older than me who became K-pop fans very recently, and younger people also know about it. Sometimes there is even news about K-pop groups on national TV channels, which is still quite shocking to me.
Fernanda SC(Chile, she/her)

An educator actively working against gender-based violence who grew up with BTS.

BTS Chile

News and translations since pre-debut for Chilean and spanish-speaking ARMYs, with a small group of 5 admins that have worked hard to connect fans and artist (now in hiatus).

Lots of kids do K-pop choreo on break
Javiera RV
When I was in school, I would say the image wasn’t really good. There were a lot of racist stereotypes about K-pop artists being factory-made and fake. After BTS spiked to fame, things gradually changed. For the first time you could hear K-pop on the radio, on the street, and in stores. I remember listening to “DNA” playing on the bus while on my way to university. By now, K-pop has become very normal. I work at a school, and lots of kids dance K-pop choreographies during their break. It's normal to see little plushies of BT21 characters hanging from bags, and you can even find bootleg merch everywhere because of how ingrained it has become. It’s so popular now that it practically takes a miracle to be able to buy tickets to a K-pop show, because of how fast they sell out, and there’s been a spike in K-pop album sales in stores as well. When a BTS member has a birthday, our metro station puts a congratulatory message all across the city. The president uses a lot of K-pop in his official posts, and K-pop fans became a huge recognized group of people in his campaign. Overall, K-pop is really popular in Chile.
Javiera RV(Chile, she/her)

A school librarian that enjoys art and has a brighter life thanks to BTS.

BTS Chile

News and translations since pre-debut for Chilean and spanish-speaking ARMYs, with a small group of 5 admins that have worked hard to connect fans and artist (now in hiatus).

K-pop can please even more people
Henrique
K-pop is already a widely consumed genre in Brazil, but seen in a general context, it’s not yet so big when compared to the consumption of Brazilian songs or American pop in general. I’ve observed that there is a kind of big bubble that consumes K-pop massively in my country, and in this bubble K-pop has an impact not only through music, but through Korean culture in general, including culinary culture and film/television productions. Outside the bubble, I feel that people still have a certain fear or resistance when talking about the genre, due to prejudices and stereotypes that have been created, but collaborations like the one between TOMORROW X TOGETHER and Anitta (a Brazilian artist) in “Back for More” have caused many of these prejudices to be broken. I’ve seen the general public enjoying the music, which surprised me and made me realize that K-pop can please even more people than I thought.
Henrique(Bahia, Brazil, 22 years old, he/him)

A person who likes chart analysis and achievements, and enjoys making posters for these milestones. I’ve stanned TXT since their debut, so it’s really exciting to do this for them. It makes me feel really proud.

TXT Chart Data

A consistent and reliable platform dedicated to providing real-time updates on TXT’s achievements since their debut. Our diverse team includes chart analysts, designers, and content creators who work together to deliver accurate data on charts, sales, awards, and voting updates. In addition to chart tracking, we also share news about TXT and actively promote the group. Our website offers a comprehensive database with verified sources, including key Korean chart platforms, ensuring fans have access to credible and detailed information.

In Brazil, K-pop’s a very big niche
Fabrício
To be honest, I feel like here in Brazil K-pop is still something very niche, but it’s a very big niche. Like, people here are not used to listening to K-pop like we listen to Brazilian music for example. But there’s a lot of K-pop fans here, like people in my age for example. I don’t know if this is just in my city or my circle of friends and work, but at the same time I know a K-pop artist can do a sold out show here, I feel like it’s hard to find other K-pop stans at parties or at the gym for example. So K-pop has a big niche in Brazil, we have big fanbases. But when it comes to the general public, I think it still has room to grow.
Fabrício(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 22 years old, he/him)

I’m a designer and art director in the brazilian music industry and chart enthusiast. TXT stan since their debut in 2019, in the same time i was discovering more of K-pop music. In TXTChartData, i’m in charge of the visual identity for the profile each comeback and some posters eventually.

TXT Chart Data

A consistent and reliable platform dedicated to providing real-time updates on TXT’s achievements since their debut. Our diverse team includes chart analysts, designers, and content creators who work together to deliver accurate data on charts, sales, awards, and voting updates. In addition to chart tracking, we also share news about TXT and actively promote the group. Our website offers a comprehensive database with verified sources, including key Korean chart platforms, ensuring fans have access to credible and detailed information.

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