> How did you know about the Kpop community?
If you spend time online, it is inevitable that you would run into something K-pop related that may pique your interest. I was introduced to K-pop by a friend, who also watched K-dramas, and I saw K-pop recommendations on YouTube that I listened to. At the time (2013), there were not as many K-pop fans around me that I could interact with. I knew the community existed online, but I enjoyed K-pop on my own and did not interact with them until
> How did you know about the Kpop community?
If you spend time online, it is inevitable that you would run into something K-pop related that may pique your interest. I was introduced to K-pop by a friend, who also watched K-dramas, and I saw K-pop recommendations on YouTube that I listened to. At the time (2013), there were not as many K-pop fans around me that I could interact with. I knew the community existed online, but I enjoyed K-pop on my own and did not interact with them until ~2017.
> What was it like to be part of a bigger community?
It is refreshing to interact with people who share the same interests as me and do not judge me for liking K-pop (it would be funny if they did). I did enjoy K-pop somewhat before, but it is definitely more enjoyable to talk about the songs or artists I like, whether participating in in-depth discussions, recommending new music, or just joking around. I am talking about the K-pop community on forums in particular; most are very composed, mature, and a delight to talk with. (I have little experience interacting with K-pop fans elsewhere, such as on platforms like Twitter.)
However, in such a large community with a notorious reputation, I admit it can sometimes be a little embarrassing to be associated with it, which is why I used to hesitate to call myself a K-pop fan. Fortunately I rarely encounter these “toxic” fans, but they are hard to ignore as a very loud and sizable subsection of the community.
> And how did you feel as you became part of different discussions on views, values, beliefs and etc...?
I became less concerned about what other people thought of me. Although I would not advertise that I like K-pop, I am comfortable with it now. Also, I am less judgemental about other people’s interests, or really, less judgemental in general. Although some K-pop fans have overbearing values at times, I try to avoid letting their views influence my own.
Thanks Mirella for the reply and have a great day!!!!!!
> What was it like to be part of a bigger community?
It is refreshing to interact with people who share the same interests as me and do not judge me for liking K-pop (it would be funny if they did). I did enjoy K-pop somewhat before, but it is definitely more enjoyable to talk about the songs or artists I like, whether participating in in-depth discussions, recommending new music, or just joking around. I am talking about the K-pop community on forums in particular; most are very composed, mature, and a delight to talk with. (I have little experience interacting with K-pop fans elsewhere, such as on platforms like Twitter.)
However, in such a large community with a notorious reputation, I admit it can sometimes be a little embarrassing to be associated with it, which is why I used to hesitate to call myself a K-pop fan. Fortunately I rarely encounter these “toxic” fans, but they are hard to ignore as a very loud and sizable subsection of the community.
> And how did you feel as you became part of different discussions on views, values, beliefs and etc...?
I became less concerned about what other people thought of me. Although I would not advertise that I like K-pop, I am comfortable with it now. Also, I am less judgemental about other people’s interests, or really, less judgemental in general. Although some K-pop fans have overbearing values at times, I try to avoid letting their views influence my own.