Life&Culture
K-pop 101 In series
The world of K-pop explained, for both fans and newcomers
#Kpop
# Idol
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K-pop 101 In series
The world of K-pop explained, for both fans and newcomers
Would you like to subscribe?
Series preview
Celebrate your fave K-pop artist’s birthday at a 'birthday cafe'
THave you ever attended a birthday party without the guest of honor? That’s exactly what K-pop fans are doing: celebrating their favorite artists' birthdays at cafes that allow them to be us
From balloons to light sticks, fans' cheering evolves
K-pop fans often arrive at concerts carrying bags filled with essentials: banners to support their idols, water and snacks to endure the long performance, and, most importantly, the iconic light sticks. These customized light sticks, crafted to embody each artist's or group's unique identity and style, have become an essential part of the K-pop concert experience and a powerful symbol of fan solidarity. "When you're surrounded by people holding the same light stick, all glowing in the same color
Jan. 11, 2025 - 10:00:00
'Private chats' with your idols
K-pop enthusiast Lee’s phone lights up dozens of times a day with notifications — not from friends or family, but from messages sent by her favorite singer, SHINee's Minho. “It really feels like talking to a friend. It’s not like admiring a celebrity from afar; it feels like having a close, personal connection,” Lee said. Private messaging services exemplify how K-pop has evolved into an industry that sells not only music but also fantasy, emotions and excitement. While idols have long used soci
Jan. 8, 2025 - 08:50:22
How ‘homma’ became little helpers of Korean celebrities‘ rise to stardom
“Homepage masters,” also known as “Homma” among K-pop fans, are superfans who, armed with professional cameras with sophisticated lenses, take high-quality pictures of their favorite artists. These superfans follow their artist’s official schedules such as fan meetings, concerts, end-of-the-year awa
Nov. 19, 2024 - 15:50:01
Celebrate your fave K-pop artist’s birthday at a ‘birthday cafe'
Have you ever attended a birthday party without the guest of honor? That’s exactly what K-pop fans are doing: celebrating their favorite artists' birthdays at cafes that allow them to be used for this purpose. In Hongdae and Myeong-dong in Seoul, where many of these birthday cafes are located, you’ll find cafes decorated with neon signs, posters and balloons in honor of various K-pop idols. Fans from both Korea and abroad flock to these celebrations. “I live in Japan, but
Nov. 18, 2024 - 16:37:58
![[Today’s K-pop] Blackpink’s Jennie graces cover of Billboard magazine](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2025/01/10/news-p.v1.20250110.5d2de960989e40af808cb37725347ca8_T1.jpg?type=h&h=240)
