K-pop fans, maestros of social media, bring their powers to bear on #BlackLivesMatter activism
4 years, 7 months ago

K-pop fans, maestros of social media, bring their powers to bear on #BlackLivesMatter activism

LA Times  

Katya Grossman couldn’t march in the U.S. protests against police violence and racism, but, with a few keystrokes, she raised a six-figure sum for the cause by tapping into a massive, impassioned, international platform at her fingertips: K-pop fandom. Fans have gained notoriety over the years for carpet-bombing Twitter timelines and Instagram feeds in support of stars or groups they like, promoting new songs or albums the minute they’re released or circulating videos and photos of their “faves.” They’ve been known to strategically stream YouTube videos for hours on end, or rain abuse on anyone making negative comments about groups they support. “We’re a huge audience,” said 19-year-old Louisianne Momavuli, a BTS fan based in London, who said she felt compelled to speak up, donate to bail funds and support protests in the U.S. after watching videos from fellow black BTS fans protesting in American streets. It’s so cool to all come together in one place.” Jiyoung Lee, a 49-year-old South Korean philosophy professor and BTS fan, said the global network of fans had in recent years tapped their social media organizing skills to get messages out about the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and crackdowns on student protests in Bangladesh in 2018. “It may give a bit of encouragement for us to show them we’re with them, even if just in spirit.” Lee, who wrote a book on BTS, said coordinated action on social media for K-pop fans occurred organically.

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History of this topic

South Korean K-pop star Jin plans to hug 1,000 fans at Seoul Festa after completing mandatory military service
6 months, 3 weeks ago

South Korean K-pop star Jin plans to hug 1,000 fans at Seoul Festa after completing mandatory military service

CNN  

Seoul, South Korea CNN — The oldest member of the K-pop phenomenon BTS is spending his day hugging 1,000 fans, after finishing his mandatory military service in South Korea on Wednesday. K-pop boy band BTS member Jin waves after being discharged from his mandatory military service outside a military base in Yeoncheon, South Korea on June 12, 2024. Mim Cheenchanya …

K-pop fans around globe rally for climate and environment goals
7 months, 3 weeks ago

K-pop fans around globe rally for climate and environment goals

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

K-pop fans around globe rally for climate and environment goals
7 months, 3 weeks ago

K-pop fans around globe rally for climate and environment goals

Associated Press  

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Fans of Korean pop bands around the world are increasingly channeling their millions-strong online community into climate and environmental activism, protesting business deals linked to coal power, urging K-pop entertainers to cut waste and raising awareness about climate-related issues. “We think we can harness that power for climate change action.” In 2021, Korea Beyond Coal— a coalition …

‘BTS and BLACKPINK are treated like slaves’, North Korea's outrageous claims spark social media frenzy
10 months, 4 weeks ago

‘BTS and BLACKPINK are treated like slaves’, North Korea's outrageous claims spark social media frenzy

Hindustan Times  

Amid South Korea's Seollal festivities, a previous report from a North Korean media outlet resurfaced on February 10, causing a stir on social media. It shed light on the alleged harsh conditions enforced by prominent South Korean entertainment companies, drawing social media frenzy from Korean netizens. BTS and BLACKPINK dominated Spotify Wrapped List Old report of North Korea surfaces criticising …

How K-pop took over the world — as told by one fan who rode the wave
1 year, 4 months ago

How K-pop took over the world — as told by one fan who rode the wave

NPR  

How K-pop took over the world — as told by one fan who rode the wave Enlarge this image toggle caption Amy Harris/Invision/AP Amy Harris/Invision/AP In a new podcast, Vivian Yoon dissects her personal stake in K-pop, and how her obscure childhood passion has evolved into a billion-dollar industry. "You're seeing this really clear intention on the part of these …

Five things to know about 10 years of K-pop megastars BTS
1 year, 6 months ago

Five things to know about 10 years of K-pop megastars BTS

Live Mint  

Seoul this week marks 10 years of megastars BTS, the supergroup credited with bringing K-pop into the global mainstream and generating billions of dollars for the South Korean economy. Despite earlier breakthrough Korean hits like Psy's "Gangnam Style", BTS are widely credited with bringing K-pop into the mainstream in the US. "As a South Korean idol group, BTS have smashed …

It's more than just a parasocial relationship: BTS and their impact on my mental health
1 year, 7 months ago

It's more than just a parasocial relationship: BTS and their impact on my mental health

Salon  

2018 was one of the worst years of my life. I was struggling to like myself enough to take care of myself in the simplest ways, but soon enough I was singing along: I'm looking for myself again But I don't wanna die anymore Me, who used to be sad Me, who used to be hurt It'll make me more …

South Korea brought K-pop and K-dramas to the world. The Korean language could be next
1 year, 11 months ago

South Korea brought K-pop and K-dramas to the world. The Korean language could be next

CNN  

CNN — There’s never been a better time to learn Korean. It’s one of the fastest-growing languages in the world, outpacing traditionally popular rivals like Chinese in multiple markets – reflecting the global phenomenon many call the “Korean wave.” In 2022, Korean was the seventh most-studied language on the learning app Duolingo, according to the company’s annual language report. The …

Kpop dominates: BTS, BLACKPINK, Aoora and others to follow
2 years, 2 months ago

Kpop dominates: BTS, BLACKPINK, Aoora and others to follow

India TV News  

When Psy's 'Gangnam Style' was released in 2012, it took over the world instantly. At that time the world of Kpop was under an umbrella and the wide success of Psy's song forced people to look at South Korean pop culture in a new light. In the last decade, Kpop idols like BTS members, BLACKPINK members, Aoora, TXT and others …

BTS’ Jungkook ignoring fans? V aka Kim Taehyung talks to ARMY, responds on K-pop star's behalf
2 years, 3 months ago

BTS’ Jungkook ignoring fans? V aka Kim Taehyung talks to ARMY, responds on K-pop star's behalf

India TV News  

BTS stars Jin, Jimin, RM, J-Hope, Suga and V aka Kim Taehyung have been pretty active on social media. He responded to one of the queries in Korean writing, “Jungkook loves you.” Away from BTS, V has been in news for his rumoured relationship with BLACKPINK's Jennie. Related | BTS V, BLACKPINK Jennie hug, dance together at Born Pink's private …

Angry fans demand apology from Korean writer over article on BTS. Can you guess why?
2 years, 6 months ago

Angry fans demand apology from Korean writer over article on BTS. Can you guess why?

India TV News  

Kpop fans are angry with a Korean writer after an article about BTS from The New Yorker went viral on the internet. The journalist Tammy Kim mentioned the unfortunate suicide of Kim Jonghyun, a member of SHINee, and that BTS participated in a UNICEF campaign to combat violence against children and teens. Another tweeted, "while jonghyun was using his platform …

K-pop fans want Korean writer to apologise for her article on BTS. Here's why
2 years, 6 months ago

K-pop fans want Korean writer to apologise for her article on BTS. Here's why

India Today  

Fans of several K-pop groups furiously trended several hashtags against The New Yorker after a contributing writer’s article on supergroup BTS irked them. Here’s what people had to say: This article screams DISRESPECT There is no need to dragg Jonghyun and Big Bang into this just to praise BTS when both are BTS's seniors and they have nothing to do …

From anti-Asian hate to Black Lives Matter, how South Korean band BTS has spoken up for the right causes
2 years, 7 months ago

From anti-Asian hate to Black Lives Matter, how South Korean band BTS has spoken up for the right causes

Firstpost  

The seven-member band from South Korea doesn’t shy away from speaking on social causes and is involved in multiple charitable causes. On Tuesday, they came together with the White House to raise the issue of crime against Asian-Americans The K-Wave was prevalent in the White House on Tuesday when BTS, South Korea’s biggest pop sensation, met with President Joe Biden. …

It’s Time for K-pop Stars to Speak Out on Human Rights
2 years, 7 months ago

It’s Time for K-pop Stars to Speak Out on Human Rights

The Diplomat  

At the 2022 Grammy Awards on April 3, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a pre-recorded speech, imploring musicians and the global community to speak out on the ongoing war in Ukraine. Indeed, while outspokenness on hot-button societal issues has become ubiquitous among American celebrities – who voice their thoughts on causes ranging from the war in Ukraine to Black Lives …

BTS Brought These Korean American Families Closer Together
2 years, 7 months ago

BTS Brought These Korean American Families Closer Together

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING This is part of This Made Me, a HuffPost series paying tribute to the formative pop culture in our lives. “The band that changed K-pop.” “Kings of K-pop.” “World’s biggest boy band.” These are just a few phrases used to describe the seven-member South Korean group BTS. “As I’ve gotten older — and me discovering my Korean …

Op-Ed: Hollywood, take note: Korean pop culture is here to stay
2 years, 9 months ago

Op-Ed: Hollywood, take note: Korean pop culture is here to stay

LA Times  

When I saw a selection of Barbie-size BTS dolls prominently displayed recently on the shelves of my neighborhood bookstore, I knew that K-pop had truly made it into the mainstream. As my daughter reached out to grab the Jimin doll, clad in a colorful stage costume, it was clear Korean pop culture had become something much bigger than a passing …

K-pop turned its fans into an industry
2 years, 11 months ago

K-pop turned its fans into an industry

Live Mint  

On Wednesday night, Park Ji-min, one of the seven members of the record-breaking South Korean music band BTS posted this message online. “Many newer fans, especially the BTS ARMY, spend a lot on in-app purchases such as special online concerts, stickers or themes that they can use in the app," says Sanjay Ramjhi, founder of The K-Wave India, one of …

Amaal Mallik dissects global popularity of K-pop bands like BTS, calls their music 'new and not formula-driven'
3 years, 3 months ago

Amaal Mallik dissects global popularity of K-pop bands like BTS, calls their music 'new and not formula-driven'

Hindustan Times  

Musician Amaal Mallik appreciates how K-pop is increasing in popularity on a global stage. Asked about the popularity of Korean artists like BTS, he said, “Yes, they make really good music and videos. They are really tight with their songwriting and the audio production, too, is new and not formula-driven.” BTS recently unveiled their first-ever collaboration with the British band …

K-pop crackdown: China social media giant bans BTS fan account
3 years, 4 months ago

K-pop crackdown: China social media giant bans BTS fan account

Al Jazeera  

Chinese social media giant Weibo has banned a fan club of popular South Korean K-pop band BTS from posting for 60 days, saying it had raised funds illegally, days after photographs of a customised aeroplane funded by the fan club were posted online. The BTS fan account was banned from posting on Weibo after images circulated online last week of …

Rise of K-Pop in India: Analysing why Korean pop music has surged in India during coronavirus pandemic
3 years, 6 months ago

Rise of K-Pop in India: Analysing why Korean pop music has surged in India during coronavirus pandemic

Firstpost  

A drastic increase in K-Pop streams on Spotify, Netflix diversifying its slate, and the BTS phenomenon have vastly contributed to the popularity of K-Pop in India despite trolling of boybands for challenging the traditional ideals of masculinity. “The pandemic has contributed to the boom in India, as more people have the time and bandwidth to consume international content,” says Riddhi …

North Korea's Kim Jong Un Wants to Ban K-Pop Music, Calls it 'Vicious Cancer'
3 years, 6 months ago

North Korea's Kim Jong Un Wants to Ban K-Pop Music, Calls it 'Vicious Cancer'

News 18  

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reportedly termed K-pop or Korean pop music, the popular music genre from South Korea a ‘vicious cancer’ which is corrupting the nation’s youth and their culture, keeping in line with the country’s crackdown on ‘capitalistic lifestyle’ and Western influences on youths. The New York Times reported that Kim Jong Un said the music …

K-pop outfit BTS slams anti-Asian racism in the West
3 years, 9 months ago

K-pop outfit BTS slams anti-Asian racism in the West

The Hindu  

K-pop sensation BTS has criticised the incidents of racial discrimination and violence towards Asian people in the West. Though the group did not refer to any particular incident of anti-Asian discrimination, their statement comes weeks after six women of Asian descent were among eight people killed by a gunman in a series of shootings at massage parlours in Georgia, US. …

BTS condemns anti-Asian racism, says they’ve experienced it
3 years, 9 months ago

BTS condemns anti-Asian racism, says they’ve experienced it

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — K-pop superstar group BTS has condemned racism against Asians, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in a statement saying they’ve experienced it themselves. “We cannot put into words the pain of becoming the subject of hatred and violence,” the band said in the statement, adding that their experiences made them feel powerless and chipped away at their …

South Korea K-pop: North Korea blasts industry as ‘slave-like exploitation’ amid Kim Jong Un’s crackdown on foreign media
3 years, 9 months ago

South Korea K-pop: North Korea blasts industry as ‘slave-like exploitation’ amid Kim Jong Un’s crackdown on foreign media

CNN  

Seoul, South Korea CNN — K-pop is one of South Korea’s most popular cultural exports with a growing reach around the world – but it seems that not everyone is fan. The piece on North Korea’s Arirang Meari site claimed K-pop artists were “bound to unbelievably unfair contracts from an early age, detained at their training and treated as slaves …

Korean American K-pop stars raise mental health awareness, share personal story
3 years, 10 months ago

Korean American K-pop stars raise mental health awareness, share personal story

Hindustan Times  

K-pop star Eric Nam was having a meeting in New York when he suddenly felt a pain in his chest. Korean American K-pop stars raise mental health awareness, share personal story “I thought I was going to have to call 911,” he said, recounting the experience from 2019. Similarly, Jae-hyung Park, better known as Jae from K-pop band “Day6,” was …

Korean American K-pop stars promote mental health awareness
3 years, 11 months ago

Korean American K-pop stars promote mental health awareness

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Similarly, Jae-hyung Park, better known as Jae from K-pop …

K-pop Fans Remain in Full Force During Pandemic, Set New Record of 6.7 Billion Tweets in 2020
3 years, 11 months ago

K-pop Fans Remain in Full Force During Pandemic, Set New Record of 6.7 Billion Tweets in 2020

News 18  

K-pop related tweets remained in full force last year, reaching a new record of 6.7 billion, Twitter said on Thursday. BTS’ songs grabbed six spots on the list of ten most-mentioned K-pop songs, with “Dynamite,” “ON,” “Black Swan” and “Life Goes On” topping the list. Twitter also highlighted K-pop fans’ active participation in social causes last year. “The #KpopTwitter community’s …

Lesser-known K-pop bands struggling amid the pandemic
4 years ago

Lesser-known K-pop bands struggling amid the pandemic

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — While popular K-pop bands like BTS and Blackpink have gone from strength to strength during the coronavirus pandemic, lesser-known acts are struggling. The members of Girls Alert said they initially chased glitz and fame just like other new K-pop acts. Jisung said she and the other members led a “dirt spoon” existence after their debut, a …

Lesser-known K-pop bands struggling amid the pandemic
4 years ago

Lesser-known K-pop bands struggling amid the pandemic

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy While popular K-pop bands like …

Why BTS runs the world
4 years, 1 month ago

Why BTS runs the world

Live Mint  

It’s been a really long time since we had a face-to-face interview like this.” Rapper J-Hope, 26, a member of the South Korean group BTS, jumps into conversation while waiting for his bandmates to settle in. BTS’s global success has powered Big Hit, which is only 15 years old, to revenues high enough to bump one of South Korea’s traditionally …

BTS’ K-pop army floods Twitter to support Black fans and Suga’s new song
4 years, 3 months ago

BTS’ K-pop army floods Twitter to support Black fans and Suga’s new song

LA Times  

If anyone is going to take over Twitter, it’s going to be fans of the Korean pop group BTS — who are collectively known as ARMY. One particular member, rapper Suga, is also trending hard Tuesday, but for a different reason: He appears with a verse on “Blueberry Eyes,” the new single out by pop singer MAX. “U AR e …

K-Pop Has Always Been Political
55 years ago

K-Pop Has Always Been Political

Slate  

Last week, fans of Korean pop music groups made headlines after organizing a campaign to register for upwards of hundreds of thousands of free tickets for Donald Trump’s rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma—helping to raise expectations of an event that turned out to be a sparsely attended dud. Today, South Korea is a pop culture superpower, from the popularity of its …

K-Pop Group BTS Donated $1 Million to Black Lives Matter, ARMY Matched It and Got John Cena Onboard
4 years, 7 months ago

K-Pop Group BTS Donated $1 Million to Black Lives Matter, ARMY Matched It and Got John Cena Onboard

News 18  

Ain't no army like BTS's fandom, ARMY, to actually get things done. Fans of the popular South Korean boy band BTS matched its $1 million donation to Black Lives Matter in support of U.S. protests against police brutality, an organisation that runs fundraisers for the fans said on Monday. The K-pop group’s music label, Big Hit Entertainment, on Sunday told …

K-pop fans become an unexpected ally to American protesters
4 years, 7 months ago

K-pop fans become an unexpected ally to American protesters

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — As American protesters took to the streets to mourn the death of George Floyd, they found an unexpected ally: K-pop fans. K-pop fans galvanized by police brutality and political disappointments swiftly mobilized, re-purposing their usual platforms and hashtags from boosting their favorite stars to backing the Black Lives Matter movement. In a tweet Thursday to its …

K-pop boy band BTS donates $1 mn to Black Lives Matter in support of protests against racial injustice, police brutality
4 years, 7 months ago

K-pop boy band BTS donates $1 mn to Black Lives Matter in support of protests against racial injustice, police brutality

Firstpost  

BTS had recently tweeted that they do not stand for racial discrimination. Popular South Korean band BTS donated $1 million to Black Lives Matter in support of US protests against police brutality and racial injustice, its music label, Big Hit Entertainment, told Reuters on Sunday. We will stand together.#BlackLivesMatter — 방탄소년단 June 4, 2020 BTS did not comment on the …

K-pop fans flood social media to support Black Lives Matter and combat racism
4 years, 7 months ago

K-pop fans flood social media to support Black Lives Matter and combat racism

LA Times  

K-pop fans are famous for their persistent and creative ways to make online life miserable for people who demean their favorite artists and groups. But on Wednesday, the genre’s sometimes-toxic community harnessed its digital savvy and mercilessness for more noble causes: shutting down white supremacist social media and overwhelming police tip lines meant to identify Black Lives Matter protesters. K-pop …

They grew up in the K-pop limelight. Is it to blame for their deaths?
5 years, 1 month ago

They grew up in the K-pop limelight. Is it to blame for their deaths?

LA Times  

A memorial for Goo Hara, who was part of the K-pop girl group Kara, at the Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital on Nov. 25. “If a man speaks up, it’s considered standing up for his own convictions, and if a female idol speaks up, it’s considered ‘attention seeking’ and met with a flood of criticism,” an editorial in the South Korean …

Two Stars' Suicides Draw Scrutiny To Pressures Of K-Pop Industry, Fans
5 years, 1 month ago

Two Stars' Suicides Draw Scrutiny To Pressures Of K-Pop Industry, Fans

NPR  

Two Stars' Suicides Draw Scrutiny To Pressures Of K-Pop Industry, Fans If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. SCOTT SIMON, HOST: Fans of South Korean pop music are reeling from the deaths of two K-pop stars within just the …

South Korea's 'playground' for rich and famous hit by sex abuse scandal
5 years, 6 months ago

South Korea's 'playground' for rich and famous hit by sex abuse scandal

The Telegraph  

South Korea’s playground for the rich and famous has been rocked by a major scandal over the alleged drugging and rape of young girls, exposing the underbelly of the country’s massively popular “K-pop” scene. Police have arrested more than 350 people in connection with claims of endemic sexual abuse and exploitation in Seoul’s Gangnam nightclub district, where k-pop stars mingle …

BTS, Korean pop titans who conquered the West
5 years, 6 months ago

BTS, Korean pop titans who conquered the West

Daily Mail  

"BTS has captivated pop fans in the West in a way that no other Asian band has ever done before," says Ben Beaumont-Thomas, music editor of Britain's The Guardian newspaper Paris's Stade de France stadium is packed. It's a suitably dramatic entrance for the seven-piece South Korean boy band, whose world tour, "Love Yourself: Speak Yourself" came to Paris for …

BTS is the K-pop band taking over the world
5 years, 8 months ago

BTS is the K-pop band taking over the world

CNN  

CNN — If you haven’t heard of BTS yet, it’s time to succumb to the inevitable: The Korean boy band is taking over the world. And while K-pop music isn’t exactly a new sensation outside of Korea, BTS and similar groups are cultivating devoted followings across the globe, elevating K-pop from a niche import to a full-blown international movement. BTS …

K-Pop in crisis: Scandal threatens to end the ‘Korean Wave’ and exposes culture of toxic masculinity
5 years, 9 months ago

K-Pop in crisis: Scandal threatens to end the ‘Korean Wave’ and exposes culture of toxic masculinity

CNN  

Seoul CNN — South Korea’s entertainment industry is a cultural juggernaut that has allowed the East Asian nation to punch well above its weight in terms of global soft power. Speaking at a protest Thursday over the scandal, Kim Yong-soon, co-president of Korean Women’s Association United, said “the rape culture that has used women for erotic videos has been maintained …

K-pop’s innocent image is shattered by the ‘Burning Sun’ scandal
5 years, 9 months ago

K-pop’s innocent image is shattered by the ‘Burning Sun’ scandal

LA Times  

Seungri, center, a member of the popular K-pop boy band Big Bang, speaks on his arrival at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in Seoul on March 14. It really disturbs me that some of the women spoken about in the chats between Seungri, Jung Joon-young and others may have been fans discarded and demeaned by the men they adored.” In …

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