What's this?? Another early FFA?

[turdferguson.livejournal.com]

1. STAY COOL
2. NO FIGHTING
3. Email omonamods@gmail.com for inquiries, advertisements, sponsorship etc, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter for updates!
4. YOU CAN SPAM BUT SPACE IT OUT, BE SMART ABOUT IT. Put all your goodies (multiple gifs, multiple images, multiple videos) under a cut or spoiler

Here's something you could do. We got an email from one of our members asking for help:

My name is Des, and I'm writing an ethnography (study of a subculture) essay for my College Composition class with the subject being KPop. Fandomhood is something that's always been very complex and interesting to me, and since KPop has been in my life for about 6 years, I couldn't think of a better topic for this paper! Omona is easily one of my favorite KPop communities full of very intelligent, capable minds and I would love to include your thoughts in my paper!

Feel free to only answer the questions you find interesting; anything helps!

<b>1. How did you view kpop before you were interested in it and how do you view it now? How do you think people on the outside view kpop?</b> <b>2. Define fandom in your own words. What makes for a good, healthy fan environment/community?</b> <b>3.What objects define the kpop culture and why? (ex. Photocards)</b> <b>4. Are there any "unspoken rules" of fandom? If so, what are they?</b> <b>5. Is there a hierarchy or separation of groups within the kpop fandom? How does this affect the fandom as a whole?</b> <b>6. What do you feel is the significance of festivals and gatherings such as KCon? What makes them important/unimportant?</b> <b>7. What are the negatives of being apart of the fandom? </b> <b>8. Do you have any criticisms about kpop as a whole?</b> <b>9. How has kpop affected your life?</b>

Help a member out!

Comments

Click~

[asth77.livejournal.com]

(alwaysjapan.livejournal.com)

[nekokonneko.livejournal.com]

i'm gonna go mad if i don't get a job soon, mad or fat since i keep going back for chocolates

[rikli.livejournal.com]

same :/ i just eat laze around no job wheres job

[princetabi.livejournal.com]

I finally got a job at an animal hospital!!! I'm excited to not be at home all day again and also money bc I need to start paying back my tuition loans next month :(

also I am very upset bc of mix and match...i hate that show.

[imienazwisko.livejournal.com]

yay! congrats!

[hipployta.livejournal.com]

Hello Early FFA Omona.

In response to the question fandom is a scary and alarming concept. I previously considered myself a part of many fandoms but over the years I would say I became a casual fan until EXO. Unfortunately right when I became a more relaxed M fan I saw the stalking behavior of fans, Korean and Internationally, in person and was slightly traumatized.

I will always regret not pulling out my phone and recording when EXO-M came into a restaurant I was in and how the fans followed them and were acting ridiculously in the restaurant. Then, of course, the batshit insane and scary aftermath when fans decided it was okay to swarm them when the got up to leave. I think it was more scary because I just gotten up to leave like 40 seconds before them and all the people jumping up and running a few feet past me to cling onto them was too close.

I also should have recorded their behavior in the hotel such as packing the elevator full of people constantly to force the idols to ride with them. I saw Jo Kwon squeeze out of the elevator and run AT A FULL SPRINT across the entry way to the exit.

In conclusion fandom = people justifying their scary mob like behavior, and judging other people for theirs, while also thinking they have to right to control the lives of the idols and invade their private lives and space

Being a casual fan is the best way to go.

[love-keiko.livejournal.com]

omg this is scary as fuck! it sounds stressful just WITNESSING it i cant even imagine what these celebs r feeling actually going through this!

[exo-cath.livejournal.com]

1. How did you view kpop before you were interested in it and how do you view it now? How do you think people on the outside view kpop?

My sister has been a kpop fan for years now, long before I became fan so before I was even interested, I found kpop pretty normal since I always heard her listening to it anyway, even though I didn't know anyone else who listened to it. I guess it depends on who they are but the majority of people at my 6th form who don't listen to kpop think it's silly when they first hear about it since 'we can't understand what they're saying'

2. Define fandom in your own words. What makes for a good, healthy fan environment/community?

I think what makes a good, healthy fan environment is when the fans aren't obsessed with their idol's private lives and don't feel like they have control over their lives. There's more as well but I feel that's definitely important.

3.What objects define the kpop culture and why? (ex. Photocards)

Lightsticks definite kpop culture the most imo because they represent the fandom you are a part of and gives you a connection between you and other fans. They're also fun to buy :3

5. Is there a hierarchy or separation of groups within the kpop fandom? How does this affect the fandom as a whole?

I guess the more popular a group is to another group, then the fandom of the more popular group will feel more superior to the other fandoms and there are always those few, loud fans that make the fandom look bad overall. There is also of course fandom wars between fandoms where the groups are meant to be 'rivals' of each other.

7. What are the negatives of being apart of the fandom?

It's definitely bad if you're a fan who has an unhealthy obsession with their idol's private life. Assuming you're not though, being part of a fandom takes up a lot of your time (though not forcefully, e.g. I could be doing my work for media studies rn but I'm on here ;;;;;) and you spend a lot of money ;; Though that could be debatable since some people will think spending the money is worth it whilst others would disagree.

I hope this was useful!

We finished reading 'The Great Gatsby' in my English Literature class today. I loved it! Though it made me sad, not because of the ending but more for the character's lives. I just finished watching the movie, it was alright but obviously nothing compared to the book. Opinions on the book anyone? and does anyone have suggestions for similar books? I rarely read but I need to more since it's vital if I will be studying English literature and I really enjoyed 'The Great Gatsby'.

Sorry for such a long comment and yay for early FFA :)

[modernelegance.livejournal.com]

TGIF!!!!!!! Almost done with work for the day!!

[imienazwisko.livejournal.com]

i was super late to the last one, yay

i just want to say i'll be 21 in three hours and it feels weird... i almost missed my own bday haha, for the first time probably. ive fallen into a slump and havent noticed that summer's gone too.

i hope everyone's doing great! im eating pasta rn and i need to finish up cleaning cause my mom comes over tomorrow and i don't want to embarass myself.
i got fired from my job but i would resign anyway so i'm finally more free. i ordered some cool stuff from online patissery shop, some came today and rn im spazzing about wilton golden foil. finally my truffles won't look like shit :') funny that my old job also managed online shop, a really good one but i don't really want to support them so i had to find another site... and spend extra $ on shipping :p

that 4minute thing is so sad... rip and i'll be praying for the injured people.

[modernelegance.livejournal.com]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!

[imienazwisko.livejournal.com]

1. How did you view kpop before you were interested in it and how do you view it now? How do you think people on the outside view kpop?

Well to me it was just another fandom.
People on the outside, esp if a person is not familiar with fandom culture in general, can see kpop fans as obsessed hipsters.

2. Define fandom in your own words. What makes for a good, healthy fan environment/community?

Fandom is a collective brought together by a joint likeness towards something.
Ability to embrace problematic things mostly. Also not being to delulu.

3.What objects define the kpop culture and why? (ex. Photocards)

Lightsticks and fanchants!

4. Are there any "unspoken rules" of fandom? If so, what are they?

Don't edit fantaken photos? And don't bring up the stuff your fave has messed up. Conceal, don't feel.

5. Is there a hierarchy or separation of groups within the kpop fandom? How does this affect the fandom as a whole?

Yeah, there is one. Basically people who stan succesful groups behave differently. The larger the fandom the better. It's bad if your fave is a nugu (also depends what does a person consider a nugu), you're low.

6. What do you feel is the significance of festivals and gatherings such as KCon? What makes them important/unimportant?

To me they are embarassing... Maybe some people like them but personally I tend to shy away from larger fandom gatherings. In general they make me notice the nad stuff about fandoms more than the good things.

7. What are the negatives of being apart of the fandom?

It can be time consuming... Esp if you're a "giver". Also you don't really chose your co-stans so you have to deal with people whom normally you would avoid.

8. Do you have any criticisms about kpop as a whole?

Not really? the system really works. At least for now.

9. How has kpop affected your life?

A bit? It helped me to find out that korean indie scene exists. I'm here for music so even if I leave kpop behind, I would still keep up with my favorite non-commercial aritsts.

[princetabi.livejournal.com]

1. How did you view kpop before you were interested in it and how do you view it now? How do you think people on the outside view kpop?

I didn't really have an opinion on kpop before getting into it, mostly because I had never really heard of it. I was mostly aware of JPop. When I first got into kpop, I thought it was super cheesy, outdated, and embarrasssing and I still feel that way 80% of the time lol. The difference is that now I embrace it as being a part of kpop and part of what makes it fun. I think people on the outside just see it as a bunch of guy groups wearing make up and Gangnam Style.

2. Define fandom in your own words. What makes for a good, healthy fan environment/community?

I think being able to make fun of your faves and also liking kpop with a bit of irony helps keep people from becoming delusional.


3.What objects define the kpop culture and why? (ex. Photocards)

Really massive, ridiculous photobooks. And lightsticks.


4. Are there any "unspoken rules" of fandom? If so, what are they?

I don't think so...


5. Is there a hierarchy or separation of groups within the kpop fandom? How does this affect the fandom as a whole?

Basically DBSK/SNSD/BigBang > everyone else lol


6. What do you feel is the significance of festivals and gatherings such as KCon? What makes them important/unimportant?

What makes them important, at least in the U.S., is that you get to meet people who like something that the majority of other Americans don't care or know about. I try to stay away from them though because they're usually disorganized and fangirls get too wild for me.


7. What are the negatives of being apart of the fandom?

There are always the crazies who think their fave can't be criticized. Also, people are quick to jump on the bandwagon when there is an opportunity to hate an idol or group.


8. Do you have any criticisms about kpop as a whole?

Basically the hypocrisy when it comes to judging female idols in comparison to their male counterparts. There is a lot of sexism in kpop. There is also hypocrisy when it comes to homophobia...male kpop idols dress as girls all the time, wear just as much as make up as girls do, and partake in 'kissing' games, but the moment someone indicates that one of them might be gay, its like NO HOMO THAT IS A SIN HDU. Its really dumb.


9. How has kpop affected your life?

Its made me a lot less productive than I used to be, mostly. I don't have a complete understanding of Korean culture, and I probably never will, but it has taught me a lot about the basics of Korean culture which is really cool. I've also met some nice people who share a similar mindset when it comes to kpop

[sundaetea.livejournal.com]

this has been a pretty stressful week. but the highlight was when we were having an open discussion about racism in my sociology class. and people were undermining the experiences of p.o.c. by saying things like, 'i've never experienced that' or 'that doesn't happen nowadays'. talk about frustrating and sad. anyhow i left class feeling like crap.

[sayufied.livejournal.com]

ummmm racism is still alive and well, and it shocks me that some people (a lot of my white classmates) think that it doesnt exist!

my cousin and her friends literally got beat up in london for being arab not too long ago amongst millions of struggles p.o.c go through on a daily basis....

dont let it get to you bb!! people are turning a blind eye because they dont want to be associated with racism ..

[rikli.livejournal.com]

ahh im gonna think about the answers but i cant do them all i wish i could

and i myself have a question!!!

im doing a short presentation about korean entertainment and i picked hello counselor, so i can talk about mental illness and how koreans sees it (or rather don't) and i was wondering if is there any similar show? i know there was one about health with idols, i could mention it to bc food disorders are important to and this topic was shown there
or do you have any articles about those kind of things? i can mention it's ok it's love ofc bc they tried to show that mental problems are just other types of diseases
should i mention some idols committing suicide as well?

ill appreciate any kind of help thank you!

[fabulousdoll.livejournal.com]

i know there was one about health with idols
I don't know if you mean 'Healing Camp', if not, well that's one. In the second part of 'Witch Hunt' and 'Abnormal Summit', even if it's not the finality, they speak about specifics problems that it can make you an idea about how koreans see some problems. I wanted to point you out 'Witch Hunt' because sometimes they mention some behaviour on couples that I see as someone having a serious psychological problem, but not once I have seen that they offer as advice to seek professional help (the same on 'Hello Counselor'). In 'Mnet 4 Things Show' the idols speak very superficially about their problems and it has always given me the impression that korean in general don't give a second thought about their mental state.

I think this was too long and not very helpful, but I hope that you found something of value ;)

[luvey.livejournal.com]

1. How did you view kpop before you were interested in it and how do you view it now? How do you think people on the outside view kpop?
i didn't know kpop before i became interested in it. it was by accident. it started with me watching WGM, seeing cute boys...then listening to the music...and bam! i was hooked. i think i look at kpop a little differently, although i love some of the music, but i am fascinated by the culture surrounding it. the Kpop fandom culture, the korean culture, and the Kpop business practices.

2. Define fandom in your own words. What makes for a good, healthy fan environment/community?
fandom can be batshit crazy as a collective, but it can be pretty amazing when it break it down to the individuals you end up meeting and bonding with.
although there has been many incidents, but looking at it from a Super Junior fan perspective, you can see how different factions of the fandom react. Korean fans, Japanese fans, Chinese fans, and the rest of the International fans have their own unique perspectives and actions within the whole spectrum of fandom.

3.What objects define the kpop culture and why? (ex. Photocards)
i never encountered photocards or lightsticks before kpop.


5. Is there a hierarchy or separation of groups within the kpop fandom? How does this affect the fandom as a whole?
yes. it can tear the fandom apart with lot of fighting. (re Super Junior - Henry, Zhoumi and Kyuhyun)

6. What do you feel is the significance of festivals and gatherings such as KCon? What makes them important/unimportant?
a gathering like KCon really brings together artists and groups in one spot that fans who are far away would normally not be able to see. sadly these events tend to be messy, unorganized, and over priced.

7. What are the negatives of being apart of the fandom?
the companies think fans are made of money by jacking up prices and waiting for the last minute to announce concerts. batshit crazy fans who will jump on you if they disagree, and getting their friends to do the same - mob mentality.

8. Do you have any criticisms about kpop as a whole?
i have lots. but i don't have time to write them all out now.

9. How has kpop affected your life?
i have made some wonderful friends near and far. been able to meet people in person i would have never been able to. learned about a different culture. been entertained.

YAY early FFA

[sayufied.livejournal.com]

you guys i need remedies!
today i literally woke up CRYING from period cramp pains!! i have a high pain threshold, like i dont cry from pain... at all!! but it was so bad and so intense i thought i was gonna die!! like i was about to go to the ER for it!!

any helpful remedies?? i took codeine (which i usually take for my back pains) but it barely took away some of the pain.

Re: YAY early FFA

[saoirseangel.livejournal.com]

Apple cider vinegar! Like a tablespoon mixed with water or Apple juice a day or three teaspoons a day and when you have your period cramps are like nonexistent. Believe me I understand that pain, I used to end up bedridden and crying and just in so so much pain but taking that regularly has seriously helped a lot.

[hippodameia.livejournal.com]

1. How did you view kpop before you were interested in it and how do you view it now? How do you think people on the outside view kpop? I viewed it as a sort of niche hobby for weeaboos and assumed it was only filled with good-looking faces devoid of unique expression or creativity. I now understand that kpop includes other acts outside of idol pop. Even within idol pop, there are some talented groups and individuals. By the majority, though, I would still say there is too much emphasis on good looks and appearances, although I think this obsession is slowly going by the wayside. I think people on the outside also view kpop as a niche hobby with little artistic merit.
2. Define fandom in your own words. What makes for a good, healthy fan environment/community? Fandom is a group of people who consume the same type of media. A healthy fan environment should allow for expression and enthusiasm, but with a respect for the privacy and health of the individual(s) of interest. There should also be room for calm discussion. Disagreement should not be discredited simply because it is disagreement.
3.What objects define the kpop culture and why? (ex. Photocards) Biases, fanchants, certain slang and inside jokes, acknowledgment of certain unique features of Korean language and culture, music shows, variety shows, dramas. Kpop culture is part cult-like mentality and part cultural immersion. Some people lean more towards one part than the other.
4. Are there any "unspoken rules" of fandom? If so, what are they? I think a big one would be not pointing at a heavily made-up guy and asking if he might be gay.
5. Is there a hierarchy or separation of groups within the kpop fandom? How does this affect the fandom as a whole? People who have Korean language skills (and Chinese and Japanese to a lesser extent), operate fansites, and participate in translation/subtitling are more likely to get certain perks like tickets and backstage passes at certain events. Some keep in contact with artists. Everyone else without those kinds of skills or connections has to experience kpop at more of a distance.
6. What do you feel is the significance of festivals and gatherings such as KCon? What makes them important/unimportant? Maybe they're important for some people, but gatherings like those make me realize how obnoxious and immature a lot of the fandom is. I went to a kpop concert once and I don't think I will again. It wasn't worth the money or the time spent waiting in line. I feel like a lot of people go to concerts in a weird attempt to establish some kind of personal connection to their idols. I don't feel the need to see artists in person, although it can be exciting. With so many people crowded at one show, it is difficult to enjoy the performance. KCon is a little different than a concert, though, I guess. Eh, bottom line is most of the kpop fandom is kinda weird and I don't want to interact with them in public, haha.
7. What are the negatives of being a part of the fandom? I guess the last sentence of my previous answer kind of covers it. Most of the kpop fandom is pretty weird. Delusional, especially those who only follow one group or one person. It's weird. And they think Korean music is ~original~ and superior to other music. There are some great things about Korean music, a lot of creativity, a lot of cool things being done. But it's not superior to other good music out there from other countries.
8. Do you have any criticisms about kpop as a whole? There is still way too much emphasis on appearance and cosmetic surgery. There are talented people out there who could make great pop music, but less talented individuals are given opportunities based on looks. Also, a lot of idols, especially rookies and trainees, are overworked and exploited by their companies, which adversely affects their health and their relationships with their families and friends. I wish idols could be more human and be given more breaks. They should be allowed to eat good food, see other people, and express themselves.
9. How has kpop affected your life? Kpop is a fun hobby for me. I really like art, music, theatre--kpop can be very theatrical. It has also helped me learn more about another culture.

[mya13.livejournal.com]

QUESTION: does anyone at omona go to york uni (ontario canada)?

anyways midterms week. plz pray i don't fail my syntax midterm. syntax is the worst part about linguistics i'm convinced.

[laeryn.livejournal.com]

wow, no, I don't, but I'm applying for an intl exchange at my uni and that's one of my choices. You go there? Any advice in case I end up there?

To actually answer

[hipployta.livejournal.com]

1. How did you view kpop before you were interested in it and how do you view it now? How do you think people on the outside view kpop?

I've watched dramas from abroad all my life. I started watching Korea dramas in the late 90s/early 2000s so I have known about kpop since the late 90s via Uhm Jung Hwa, SES, and Shinhwa. Shinhwa was NOT a positive thing if you remember their old title songs. More of a WTF? I only really knew a couple of acts from YG, Rain, and Boa. Boa from JPOP and it took awhile to realize she was Korea (Brittney Spears showcase thing). I guess I came over via jpop and kdramas. Never really got to involved until 2005(?) when I fell for Clazziquai's song She Is (insert song for MNIKSS) and remained on the periphery for a couple of more years while laughing at stage names (G-Dragon though that docu was gutting). People outside view kpop as an odd subculture of people obsessed with Asian music since they aren't aware it is the machine of an entire nation.

2. Define fandom in your own words. What makes for a good, healthy fan environment/community?

Please see the rant above. A healthy fan community is one that is not scary.

3.What objects define the kpop culture and why? (ex. Photocards)

I only buy physical albums if there is something I want or I support the artist alot so I do not know. I usually just buy digital albums. I have bought a few Kris photobooks from fansites though (BAD HIPP)

4. Are there any "unspoken rules" of fandom? If so, what are they?

As far I know they seem to admonish sasaengs then use the information and photos they provide so...I guess not to bother their families, outside their businesses, is the only one.

5. Is there a hierarchy or separation of groups within the kpop fandom? How does this affect the fandom as a whole?

There are groups that ARE THE TOP TIER...and then there is a descending level of groups that matter...and also a division between girl groups, boy groups, and solos.

6. What do you feel is the significance of festivals and gatherings such as KCon? What makes them important/unimportant?

KCON is messy. I went two times then quit. However I almost regret not going a third time because I could have seen SNSD as OT9. I also think they price gouge and do not like the amount of lipsyncing at those shows. I prefer solo concerts...that are LIVE.

7. What are the negatives of being apart of the fandom?

The times when if you are the opposing voice or part of a minor section of fandom you get marginalized

8. Do you have any criticisms about kpop as a whole?

See above...also the industry is a mess and cannot continue on this way if they want to operate on a global scale. The lack of basic business sense and PR is also alarming.

9. How has kpop affected your life?

It's an interesting hobby...and made me invested enough in a few idols that I'll support them as much as possible

Re: To actually answer

[anconeous.livejournal.com]

Sooyoung wasn't in KCon though, so you wouldn't have seen OT9 there even if you went. :)

[modernelegance.livejournal.com]

For those of us learning Korean (or making an attempt) how are things going? Give an update of where you're at, what you're struggling with and any awesome achievements you've made!!!


So the first word I learned on my own was 비 (rain) and now I see it EVERYWHERE!! At least there is one word I am familiar with whenever I try to read the newspaper or books. Something simple, but it never fails to make me smile.

I sluggishly made my way through TTMIK Unit 1: lessons 7 and 8. For some reason pronouns (저것, etc) really threw me off so I feel like I need to go faster to catch back up...but I shouldn't feel like that at all.

[hipployta.livejournal.com]

I've been learning Korean for a couple of years...I can get around Korea on my own in Korean with no problem but I understand way more than I can actually speak.

I listen to TTMIK's Iyagi lessons and audio books...I think I was on Level 6 during the Summer. I should start listening to grammar podcasts again.

[tempestdance.livejournal.com]

saw the most gorgeous rainbow in sunset the other day after rain



i was gonna nap then i saw the orange light coming through my window and consume my entire room so i walked out of the house and oh my god it was so pretty. i only wish i took the whole arch on my camera but alas i could not fit it in.

i'm so behind on dramas! need to catch up and then i heard misaeng was great today so have to start that too...

it's funny how during the week day i think of something oh i should mention this on omona on friday and when ffa happens i don't remember it at all.

[hippodameia.livejournal.com]

I'm super super excited for Misaeng. I don't think subtitles will be ready when I get home... but I'm still excited.

[turdferguson.livejournal.com]

1. How did you view kpop before you were interested in it and how do you view it now? How do you think people on the outside view kpop? Before getting into kpop kind of assumed it would be like Jpop but the sound is a bit different. I view it now as just.... Korean pop music. There's so much variety even though 95% of it is derivative outdated cheesy crap. People on the outside probably see it as the last vestiges of boy/girl group bubblegum pop music with at least 12 members per group.

2. Define fandom in your own words. What makes for a good, healthy fan environment/community? Fandom is a section of people who enjoy a product and actively engage with each other through discussions, art, and writing. Fandom is basically it's own little world so you're bound to have disagreements and craziness so I think criticism of your own fandom makes being in it more palatable, keeps you on your toes. Checking each other on things like respect and good behavior when meeting an idol at an airport

3.What objects define the kpop culture and why? (ex. Photocards) Most of the engagement is done online for the international fandom so I think it's things like gifs, edits, fanfictions. But there's also ephemera like lightsticks, CDs, posters, socks, phone charms. And there's fanclub names, the use of Korean language we learn in songs.

5. Is there a hierarchy or separation of groups within the kpop fandom? How does this affect the fandom as a whole? Yea there's a fandom for each idol group but people outside of the kpop fandom don't know that so if one person sends period blood letters, tries to poison an idol, vote for one idol group to win an international award, it reflects on everybody who likes kpop.

6. What do you feel is the significance of festivals and gatherings such as KCon? What makes them important/unimportant? Never been to KCON but it's always nice to be acknowledged by these entertainment companies that there's money to be made from us out here.

7. What are the negatives of being a part of the fandom? It sucks hearing about the stupid things that people say; when people get really possessive and jealous about their idols; general butthurt about perceived superiority and not recognizing that you are just projecting your own insecurities about your own faves lmao; apologism when your faves fuck up aka oppa didn't mean it

8. Do you have any criticisms about kpop as a whole? Better working conditions such as regulated hours; allow for resting periods; when idols get sick don't just stick an IV in them, give them time to heal

9. How has kpop affected your life? Well I've never been heavily involved in any other genre of music. Most of the people I know on the internet are people I've met on this site. I just think it's really interesting that there's an entire self-made industry for the international fandom to sustain ourselves, that there are people dedicated to the exchange of media so that the rest of us can enjoy it and that people are inspired by the genre to write, make art, make remixes and even learn how to manage a website. It can be v enriching and beneficial if you learn how to code or use Creative Suite, like that can get you a job IRL too. Being in fandom teaches you interpersonal communication. Very cool and very interesting.gif

[saoirseangel.livejournal.com]

Soooo is anyone else going to see 2pm in Dallas next month?

[fraudandfantasy.livejournal.com]

Totally useless response because I'm going to the one in Jersey but yay 2pm concert!!

[benihime99.livejournal.com]

1. How did you view kpop before you were interested in it and how do you view it now? How do you think people on the outside view kpop?
I didn't care

2. Define fandom in your own words. What makes for a good, healthy fan environment/community?
People being as crazy as me about hot talented strangers I'll never meet irl but yet gives me feels I can't control

3.What objects define the kpop culture and why? (ex. Photocards)
I don't really fangirl like that for k-pop. I just buy albums so for me k-pop=music
I'm a bit on the crazy side with Kanjani8 and Ryo though:
Albums, single, DVD, movie with no subtitles, t-shirt, phone strap, key chain, poster, uchiwa, badges, photobook, I do need those hello kitty pushies, the music box was really cool too... oh lord this is why I have no money

But k-pop doesn't have that effect on me, I'm in for the music and the eyecandy

4. Are there any "unspoken rules" of fandom? If so, what are they?
I'm not deep enough in any fandom to know

5. Is there a hierarchy or separation of groups within the kpop fandom? How does this affect the fandom as a whole?
I guess so

6. What do you feel is the significance of festivals and gatherings such as KCon? What makes them important/unimportant?
It's important for the fans I guess. To not feel alone...
Listening to anything non-american (come at me but you know it's true) is viewed as weird at best, ridiculous, childish and so on
Sometimes it's just nice to see your favorite artist with other people who care without being judged

7. What are the negatives of being apart of the fandom?
OPPA DIDN'T MEAN IT!!!

8. Do you have any criticis about kpop as a whole?
too many people are "stan" instead of being "fans"
I know now we kinda use one for the other but the childish mentality of "I love everything oppa does even if it's bad and you're wrong" is so upsetting. But that's for every fandom tbh

K-pop needs to work on some basic human rights for the artist

9. How has kpop affected your life?
It hasn't
Well... to be fair I spend a lot more time online now (posting here).
I learned a lot thanks to the people I met through k-pop so I guess somehow k-pop allowed me to grow but without being the things to nurrish me, does that make sense?
K-pop was a way to meet people (I really care about some of you guys)

[waves-of-light.livejournal.com]

Beni, ot but do you have any daesung icons? I've been feeling feels after that last mv

[bomsnose.livejournal.com]

1. How did you view kpop before you were interested in it and how do you view it now? How do you think people on the outside view kpop?
i didn't know kpop before i became interested in it. i was instantly hooked. i did start to compare it with jpop (something which i hated).
2. Define fandom in your own words. What makes for a good, healthy fan environment/community?
an ever-changing media-fuelled group of people with too much money/emotional bandwidth/time on our hands
3.What objects define the kpop culture and why? (ex. Photocards)
mini albums (you don't see that packaging on other music markets), lightsticks (idk, i didn't see those before kpop either)
4. Are there any "unspoken rules" of fandom? If so, what are they?
no fanwar, which happens a lot, but significantly less than in other music fandoms.
5. Is there a hierarchy or separation of groups within the kpop fandom? How does this affect the fandom as a whole?
there are many levels to the groups. i could write an essay myself on this. based on the changes in idol groups, fandom groups change, too. separation strenghtens the emotional attachment in some paradoxical way.
6. What do you feel is the significance of festivals and gatherings such as KCon? What makes them important/unimportant?
it helps with the feeling of togetherness to attend these sort of events. also it's just more fun to experience kpop irl.
7. What are the negatives of being apart of the fandom?
the frustration about the ignorance of mainstream media about kpop. with the community i didn't have any problems.
8. Do you have any criticisms about kpop as a whole?
i only have loads of inprovement ideas for them.
9. How has kpop affected your life?
made me a bit frustrated about my job. made me help keep up with trends. naah, hasn't affected my life that much.

[timetobegin.livejournal.com]

Early FFAs are nice because for the first time in five years I can join. What do you guys usually talk about?

[stoppedclock321.livejournal.com]

Recent music, dramas/shows/movies you're watching, stuff you're reading, work/life in general...anything and everything goes, I think. How was your day? :D

[xxmiracle.livejournal.com]

I use to be really into jpop and Johnnys until 2008\2009 and I shifted to kpop. Recently with all that's happened in 2014 in kpop I've been wanting to get back into Japanese. And I realized I just about forgot every I learned back in high school. Sigh.

With that, are there any recommendations? Jdramas /movies/(variety) shows /songs/singers?

[timetobegin.livejournal.com]

Singers: duo FAR EAST MENTION MANNEQUINS or FEMM for short. Sing English languaged electro pop tunes and I think they are absolutely fantastic.

survey!

[chaneltini.livejournal.com]

1. How did you view kpop before you were interested in it and how do you view it now? How do you think people on the outside view kpop?
I didn't really know about it, to be honest. Like, I logically assumed it existed but all I had was a vague knowledge of GG and nothing of the subculture and fandoms. I think, nowadays, Kpop = Gangnam Style for most people.

2. Define fandom in your own words. What makes for a good, healthy fan environment/community?
Fandom is a group of people who have a strong love of a certain media - whether that's a type of music, a specific show or video game, or other. A good and healthy fandom should have the ability to respectfully discuss with each other, to disagree without getting worked up about it, and allow for all sorts of differing preferences and opinions within reason.

3.What objects define the kpop culture and why? (ex. Photocards)
Photocards, yes, because they're a quintessential part of buying albums. Like many people have said, lightsticks. But also, for me, group outfits because they're so common.

4. Are there any "unspoken rules" of fandom? If so, what are they?
Don't be a dillhole? I wish

5. Is there a hierarchy or separation of groups within the kpop fandom? How does this affect the fandom as a whole?
Oh definitely. I think there's a general male/female group divide, since most people I know seem to lean heavily towards one type of group or another, but there's also the separation regarding fans of different agencies.

6. What do you feel is the significance of festivals and gatherings such as KCon? What makes them important/unimportant?
They're not something I know much about, but I guess they're important to demonstrate the international fandom???

7. What are the negatives of being a part of the fandom?
Some people are really embarrassing and everyone hates my faves...

8. Do you have any criticisms about kpop as a whole?
Lots. From the way companies treat their idols to the way fans treat idols (and each other, sometimes) to the way there seems to be an assumption that 'this is just the way it is #kculture' which means nothing will change despite clear indications that the industry is not working out any more in this manner.

9. How has kpop affected your life?
I spend too much time surfing for kpop gossip now and appreciate cheesy pop more