Being exposed to Kpop for a mere 2 years, I realised gradually that what draws me into this pop culture is not only the music, but rather, the forces driving Kpop.

There is strong cmaraderie. Its really not simply some crazy fangirls oogling at macho or cute guys. Its demonstrates the unity of the fangroups working to acheive a common goal - to popularise the group whom they admire because the fans has figured a talent worthy of their favourite band.

On radio chat-sites... Audience comment all the time, about how much they miss the entire group being one altogether. DBSK from JYJ, ex-members Alexander and Kibum from Ukiss... The audience has unknowingly created an attachment to the original groups and when the group restructures, it disorientates them. The reluctance and longing for the original groups to come together once more is on the minds of both fanclubs and band members, but the organisation/company hinders right?

On kpop charts, fanclubs unite to vote for their groups vehemently. This fan once admitted that she almost screamed at her mum for closing her laptop screen which she had left running while being at school. What for? For that little bit of effort that each of us believe in, with a little more effort from each and everyone, we can increase the viewship of the MV by letting the MV loop throughout the day so that the group can attain an award.

The award is important. The awards personify popularity, but then.. It reflects the amount of effort a particular fanclub is, and how strong the fandom is. The popularity of a group through its achievements, on the other hand reaffirms the fanclub's efforts, and its a cycle round and round. The bands put in alot for their fans too. Ukiss released an impromptu song just for the fans. With no MV, no dance, no intention of appearing on the charts. They simply released a song titled 'Lifetime', for their fanclub, Kissme. Llifetime for Kissme'. Touching? Yes it is.

On youtube comments on MVs, trolls (people who come on to criticise) have no leeways to intrude into the fan's dominance. A troll who criticises through a one sentence comment, will be bombarded by all the thousands of fan's also hovering incessantly on the youtube comments page. and eventually, me too, flagged the troll's comments as spam. Save your comments. If you dislike, you are the minority, because you do not see the way the fans do. Think, and explore from the fan's perspectives.

Even though people criticise Kpop groups for sprouting up like weeds without vocal talent, I realised one day through my mental debates, that sometimes, music does not require good vocals. As long as the beat successfully resounds in your head and you move along with it, I feel that it has already accomplished the task of connecting with the audience. I believe the music itself is a significant aspect of a track, rather than relying solely on vocals. That's the way with Kpop. The groups dance their hearts out. They train continuously. If you hadnt ever watched a Youtube Video of your favourite group practising in the dance room, them drenched in sweat and their sheer determination renders our minute willpower an underdog. I felt inspired, and I really admire their routines. Listening to the music, I recall the dancesteps from the Videos clearly.

It takes utter perseverance. My favourite group, Ukiss, has debuted since 2008, but has never topped any majororalis charts before. Demoralising. But through a change of members, and new hits, they garner new fans everyday. People learn about them everyday. Ukiss calls themselves weed-ols (from the word idols). Because they have failed many times, but they are still resilient and strong coming back bigger better. They mentioned that there were times they thought of disbanding if their next song couldnt make it, but they did not. Im glad they did not. because they are always appearing stronger and better. People appreciate them. I see the strength of Kissmes, and

Kpop is not as simple as what many perceive. There's a story behind the fanclubs, and many driving forces, shaping this popular culture.

Im proud to be a part of it :)

Im a crazy fangirl.

and manyatimes I post videos on FB, hoping to share my love with the world. Hoping they coudl gain a new perspective about Kpop. :))))

ay.starsplash