The Light(s) of my Path to the (South) Korean POP Road

Concerts are all beautiful, Fun, and Wonderful!!! 

The stage set up, props, the back drops... the lights... All these make up an artist's concert. All these when combined will make the event even more memorable. In KPOP, there are stuffs called cheering goods. These are usually Lightsticks - with a very distinct and unique design that is especially made for that particular group. 

With the number of KPOP idol groups, even colors matter - like when you see the color yellow, You know its FTISLAND, BigBang, Pearl Metal Gold for INFINITE or CNBLUE for Blue Lights and so on.  

There are the standard Lightsticks, the kind of Lightstick that one fandom member must have so he / she will have some  thing to hold on to when its concert time and wave it as they sing the song. Then there are also special lightsticks only available and is only sold during an event or a concert. The designs of these are, well of course related to the concert or event concept. =) 

Our Fandom, Infnite has the Yeobong, this Lightstick does not have that strong color so when blended with other fandoms in a year end concert, our lights would not shine as bright as the others. But the design of this lighstick is really pretty. There is the Infinite Logo - in 3D! Its always earned one of the beautiful Lightsticks in KPOP to this day. 

I have become a multi-fandom already. Its just that I support one more than the others. And well, I especially love to collect wonderful things and these lightsticks just amazes me. I love all the designs, and colors they have. and when light up all at the same time - they are really beautiful. :D 

Lightsticks do come in all forms, designs and sizes. I salute the companies and the designers of these. Its quite unique and some even have the design reflect the character of the idol group or their fandom name. 

As an iKonic, I also have the Konbat. Yah, it does look like a bat. Its colored in red with iKon's logo in it.It looks really bright though in darkness. Honestly, I do not know what YG was thinking when they created this But yeah, when holding on to it during the concert, its really easy on the hands.  

Winner's Lightstick is also nice, maybe because of its color - it is beautiful. But It is quite hard to open, takes a lot of patience to install batteries and it feels like it is going to break! 

Bigbang Crown is probably among the very popular Lightstick, You know that person holding that stick is a member of VIP right away - perhaps because BigBang is really popular not only in Korea, but all over the world. They have a Crown for a Lightstick - maybe to signify that they are indeed the kings. :D 

I was not yet a Beauty back then, So I was unable to get myself a Beauty (Rose) Lightstick. It is beautiful now that I think about it. I really should have gotten myself one when I had the chance as I was thinking even if I was not yet a fan. They do not sell it anymore now. =( 

Anyway, whatever the fandom color is, in the end... its still the same beautiful light ocean. Does not matter which design it is, when looked upon, its still the color that stands out and when held together, it is such a beautiful sight. 

In REALITY, Its STILL BEAUTIFUL

Every Little Thing(s) will make you think. It will all start so great, You are happy, you are so high with all sorts of emotions, following your favorite group and with all the photos, videos, shows and previews - You are excited about their new releases, their activity... You prepare to support, buy their albums, merchandise when its concert time, calendars when its year end... even buy some fansite goods. 

Then there will be times when its all so quiet, your boys have no activities - they are preparing for something, or something will happen when you have time to think about all those that you did, all those you purchased in support and you will feel what have I done? Where did I get all these from? What was I thinking? How in the world have I managed to all these goods.. and yeah, the money all went in here. 

There'll be times you will think oh these makes me so happy, but there are times like you would regret buying them as you should have tried harder to resist and seeing others have them in twitter or facebook will also make you regret not getting them. So its really such a dilemma. Being a Fangirl is such a hard life to live.

Well anyways, A lot of things will happen when you start to really follow one group...

First, There's the time issue, When the group you support have a comeback, its like going to be a full 2 weeks(at least of busy schedule and its hard to keep up and be updated with all that is happening over there in South Korea. You need time to watch all the music shows, you need time to vote for them and hope for them to win, you need time to stream their Music Video and also Stream in Music Sites, You need time to save and compile all the photos and GIFs and Videos that you have, You need a lot of time to watch and finish all the shows they have guested in.  Yup - TIME is one of the most crucial requirement when you start fangirling. 

Second, When there are a lot of things to do, there are a lot of things to BUY! Yeah you read it right. There is the Physical Album, most of the time, there is at least least two versions. Limited Version, and the regular version. Or there is a version of Black and White, Truth or False, Sense or Sensibility. Those kind of stuffs.  As if physical albums aren't enough, you also need to support them in their digital charts, You have got to have at least two mobile phones, one to stream for Melon - the Music App where digital counts the most when it comes to music shows and awards. So for you to help them to win in shows, you also have to pay at least $14.99 for the 30 day streaming with 30 MP3 downloads.  Naver Gives out free 120 or 80 passes, so at least this is free. Genie has a 10 pass free too valid for 3 days.  

When you are into this kind of things. The kind of love you give, the kind of support you do... You probably did not know how capable we are all of giving such attention to a group, or to a person and give with all our heart. I am able to say these, coz I have done all these, streaming, voting, anticipating...

This, really is just my rant probably. I'm just feeling a bit doiwn the past few days because as I have said, Mah boys INFINITE brought me into another world... I thought it is going to be a never ending Bliss. But they are the ones who brought me Back to the REALITY. I even thought of giving it all up coz I love Sung Gyu So much it hurts. Then I got to know HIGHLIGHT and after a couple of days, my emotional state was pushed aside. I was told that, whatever happens, IT's STILL BEAUTIFUL. 

King of Masked Singer: Dong Woon(Beast) and Hong Ki(FTIsland)

I just love to talk about my boys. Since I was new as a Beauty (Beast's Fandom) It is just nnow that I was getting to know them. Last night I saw that my Bias have sang in Masked Singer too! Oh this got me so excited. So here's their performances, and links to them in Youtube. Hope you enjoy them as much as I did. 

Just about two years ago, as I was starting out as a Primadonna, my Bias Lee Hongki of FTISLAND appeared in the show too, he was really so wonderful in there, singing Addicted to Love. his husky voice was so unique some panelists knew it was him already. It was just sad that he got eliminated in the first round. But this was good exposure for him though, at least they will remember our FTISLAND vocalist with a such a powerful voice. 

The performance before he was eliminated: 
Lee Hong Ki - Addicted to Love, King of Masked Singer

Performance after he revealed himself:
Lee Hong Ki - After Breaking Up

* * * * * * * * 

As for my Bias in Beast (Highlight), I think Son Dong Woon got to the second round and was eliminated on his second performance battle. This is okay, though it was jut funny that his companions in the King of Masked Singer Panelists did not recognize him. (haha) He was one of them before and well they did not have a clue that it was actually him! 

The song was really wonderful, I liked it immediately and had it played way too much too, even as I write this blog entry. (◠‿◠)

Honestly, watching Beast's Music Videos, I kind of think Oh, my Woonieverse (this is what I call him by the way) only had one liners, or just aa bit or part in their songs... and his voice is not given that much attention (or maybe I was wrong?) But with the King of Masked Singer... Ohh his heavenly voice is beyond comparison. He's got such a wonderful voice and no doubt he got to step forward to another round. =) 

Son Dong Woon - Goodbye (with Alex)

Son Dong Woon - I'll Give You My Everything

Son Dong Woon Revealed and Interview 

Highlights of my Road to Oppas, este Kpop Idols

Okay Okay, So How did I get here, In the first place? :P 

I knew of Super Junior Before, I watch Korean Dramas, Download their OSTs if I happen to like the songs, but I never got into KPOP and never followed any Idol Groups... Well not until I watched You're Beautiful. This Korean Drama in 2012, I watched in 2015 when I was just bored! haha 

There was Jang Geun Seuk, Park Shin Hye... but that weird guy on the drums got me. He is not that handsome, he was just cute really - but because he is cute and funny, I searched him up as soon as I finished watching the KDrama. 

Lee HongKi - Yeah that was his name, not the second lead in this drama, but the third lead! hahaha Okay so He sure got me. It was theire Korean Comeback too during that time for Pray Era. Boy, was I surprised that he was in a Rock BAND!!! So Cool! Their name, was FTISLAND... uhmm not so catchy for an idol group but heck... He's cute and he's got one hell of a husky voice! 

So the song that I first watched by his group is I Confess - such a lovely song! Please take time to watch it here... FTISLAND - I CONFESS

I got recruited too, in an all Filipino FB Group, FTIPRI Philippines and so I came to know the FTISLAND as a group more, their members, their albums, and I found new friends too! 

* * * * * * * * 

Fast forward to 2016, Right, a Primadonna, referred to me a song called Love Letter by Infinite. I immediately love this song and had it on repeat for months with other songs I listen to. I was sad that I did not look them up sooner or I would have watched them live in their Philippine concert that year =(  Because I remember it was around March, I was waiting for something at the office and so I suddenly remember, right i haven't watched a video of the Love Letter Song... 

Deym! I watched it, first pan of the camera to Sung Gyu and I am in love! I was soooo hooked right then and there. Its like I have loved him all my life. hahaha :D 

If FTISLAND got me to start listening to KPOP, INFINITE got me drowned in Kpop world and that is for sure.  Here is the INFINITE - LOVE LETTER  video.

* * * * * * * *

Okay, So another year passed, I was just minding my own time - browsing through Twitter.. and it just so happened someone I was following Re-tweeted this short video of the Parody of Goblin. I thought it was from Infinite, I watched it without reading the caption... and then there was this super handsome guy. Wow! I was so lovestruck. hehe He is so handsome - and He happens to be Dong Woon, from Beast, Now Highlight. 

I followed his instagram, and yeah, i knew Beast as I have listed to their song, Clenching my Fist Tight. But after seeing this less than a minute video, I feel I need to get to know them more. I'm glad someone I know was also getting to know them because she saw Jun Hyung too. I got to watch their Showtime as Beast and well it is just the right timing since they will comeback, or debut as a new group called HIGHLIGHT now. I am so excited for this!!! They also separated from their former agency and formed a new one, Around Us. They have been releasing teasers and schedules since last week and their new album will be so great, I am sure. Look how wonderful this poster of a teaser is...

So there, I checked out some songs, I like their song Ribbon from last year's album too, but I am so into this old song of theirs, OASIS. Its so sweet and it has a wonderful meaning too. 

* * * * * *

Okay, so in between I also watched iKON, these babies are so talented. They composed a lot of beautiful songs. These boys, the youngest probably amongst those I stan are so precious. haha They have a good relationship with each other, they love their work and i sure love how they are in the reality show they have been in, you can see the wonderful personalities they have. 

Also, When they sang this song, Long Time No See, I just have to have a copy of that song, and found it in Apple Music. haha I purchased it in a blink of an eye - I was so quick because these boys deserved it. With how hard they work, they deserve all the wonderful things! 

Fangirling is more than admiring your "IDOLS"

Fangirling is really more than following a group, it is more than buying albums, cds or photobooks or whatever merchandise there is... It is more than saving for a concert, in case they come to your country. It is more than meeting up, shouting, watching videos together, downloading and singing to their songs every time. Fangirling will teach you a lot of things, it is actually a way of life too. You plan for a comeback, you learn how to budget your money, your time and so on. 

If gives you a whole new experience, meeting new people that have the same interest as you, and getting to know them... being with them and sharing the same kind of passion when it comes to loving your bias group. 

As a Primadonna, I have become more giving, through charity projects. the more we share, I find it easier to give more. And all the more blessings come my way too. 

The First Project we were able to do as a Group is with Children's Joy foundation. We were able to donate a few bags, umbrellas, and school supplies to the kids and spent a nice time with them. Getting to know the kids and really chatting and talking with them, hoping that they will get these small gifts from us and be inspired and do the same when they grow up and be able to share themselves in the future. 

On the same year, we were also able to provide some special time with our dear Lolo and Lolas This project has put us on our feet though because we haven't got much funding for this, to be honest. Its just that, maybe God knows our hearts and he is always looking out for us. It is yet another successful charity event. And this one, moved our hearts - or at least mine. I have a mom who have had a lot of sacrifices because she worked hard for three of us siblings and seeing the grandma and grandpa left to the care of others, I really think how could children leave their parents just like this. ='( 

Whenever they see us, they would smile so lovingly and would never want to let go of our hands and would even be teary eyed - as if missing their family members and that they see their sons or daughters in us. 

Being friends with people from all walks of life, fan girls or not, students, employees... When people come together, We all can do great things, if we have one goal... all things are possible! 

Like what we always say - "Kaya natin to, Tayo pa ba?!" 

Discovering INFINITE, and their Fansites! <('o'<)

You will never ran out of things to do in Twitter. Like, just follow a couple of Fansites (check if the twitter account has a lot of followers, like 5 thousand or more) and a few fellow fans (called mutuals) and you will be on your road to lots of time burning, spazzing on your favorite Idol group - and of course your bias. I swear, opening your twitter with the intention of just seeing a few pics or few updates of your favorite KPOP idol is not possible. You would probably be spending no less than 30 minutes without you realizing it. :P 

Search Result

I followed a few fansites, with the advice of a friend who became an inspirit before me. But actually when you just search for the name of your bias, if will load a lot of tweets and from there, suggested accounts will be given to you by the app itself. :D 

Follower count

As an infinite FAN, I followed a lot of Sung Gyu Fansites first. As I get to know Infinite members more, that is the time i took time to also follow their followers. Maybe this is how it was for me, I get to know the one that got my attention first before moving on to the other members. 

Elvis Gyu Support Slogan

Dongwoo and Sung Gyu USB

So just a month after following the fansites, came Sung Kyu's birthday and the fansites, and other mutuals would have tweeted about their Support Projects for the artist. I have had thoughts about it, but it seemed as though its wuite legitimate so yeah, I did try to participate in such supports - plus the fact that I get to have a fan, or a photobook, or a good that is inspired by the artist. 

There are a lot of supports, every concert they have supports, every activity, they have supports as well, especially if the artist will have guested on a show, or will tape a drama of at least 16 episodes. There are also the birthday supports. The goods or items are really wonderful too! Its like they are made with so much creativity and there are also fansites who would collaborate, two or more fansites of different members would join hands and sell their support goods that have similar items, like bracelets, mirrors, or photocard themes, etc. 

Type of goods are as follows:

Photo cards (size of a calling card, now there are also plastic or non carton photocards)
Photo Postcard (in multiple quantity / different shots)

More Than Kyu Photocard Set

Fans (the most common - sometimes photo of the artist, or sometimes a fanart or cartoonized version of the artist) Aren't they cute? Fansites really choose the best pics when it comes to these support goods to attract us all, and it is so hard to resist! 

Tumbler / water bottles (bulky, but very useful)

Dolls (one of my favorites, but these are special cases, does not come often)

Summer Dong Woo Doll

USB (designs are fanarts of the artist, contains videos or photos too) 

Summer Dong Woo EMS

EMS (electro magnetic stickers - i like this because i like decorating my phone with EMS. :P)

Notepads, Sticker Sets, (sometimes just comes with the support package you avail)

Made in L Stickers

Season's Greetings / Calendar Sets (always comes around when its year end, proceeds of these support goes to gifts to idols during the Christmas Season.)

Douerky Calendar Support

Photobooks (Also another favorite, But I have yet to get myself a full set of about 100 pages and more. Also most photobook sets are like gathered in a concept, like this one, Suit Boy. All photos are collected and all you see here are Sung Gyu in Suit!) 

Turningpoint Photobook

There are also other stuffs they include in ther support packages, like L Holder, Stationary and envelope sets, iRings, keychains, and now i saw their into embroidered bracelets - all designs are really so cute. 

The fansites, are really so good at taking photos of the idols that we love, they are known to the artists themselves already too(i think), because a lot of photos they share have eye contact too! (❀‿❀) 

The support goods, are actually fund raising on the part of these fansites... they send gifts to our idols and the range of their gifts are outstanding! They are in a different level! A scale so amazing you'd be left wondering as to how they can afford such lavish gifts! =) 

The truth is, buying the goods is like hitting two birds with one stone, i mean you get to have a goods so cute and increase your memories and collection of KPOP items you have and also in part, the gifts your idol or bias receives, actually also comes a portion of it by your participation. :D 

 

Fansite samples (i participated in) for Goods: 
@stay_gyu @douerky @turningpoint428 @summer_dw @Kyutizen @madeinL @morethankyu

Support Gifts: 
@stay_gyu @nwhtree91 @blissinyou_wh

Fangirl? Are you sure? Are you Ready?! Can you handle it?

When I started fangirling FTISLAND, it was rather easy, getting updates from official accounts of their agency, and following their IG and twitter accounts and some fansites would already suffice. I mean, it was not as complicated as it was, but yeah at first I was overwhelmed with all the terminologies and all... But the most important thing is, I only have to prepare for their Japan Album, Korean Album (come backs), and concert goods. Their Korean albums - this is what counts when it comes to comebacks, awards and well - popularity in music shows. Korea, have daily music shows! When your bias group does not win a single trophy in these music shows, it is really very painful!! ='(

Sample Fansupport

Being a fan, you would have felt a mix of emotions! :D You'd be so happy, you'd feel betrayed when they do not win an award especially when they really deserve it. You would laugh, cry, and then you'd be in panic, you will turn to their agency and cuss at them for not giving them enough time to promote! =P Ha it can be really funny thinking about all these times, but yeah we all go through such a cycle every time they have a Korean comeback. Following other groups, I have also started feeling the need to get a hold of those fantaken photos, these fansites also releases photobooks, their very own version of goods whatsoever. Ah! it just doesn't stop there. The list where you have this inner battler on whether to buy or not is going to haunt you even in your dreams! :P 

First, Preparing for the official: 

A lot of things to consider to support them in comebacks: 

Streaming, Digital downloads - a lot of sites have this, and it matters most in Melon! During FTISLAND's Where's the truth comeback, We streamed and streamed for like 24 hours. I kept hearing Hongki's voice even when there's no music turned on already...(hahaha) but hey, just recently Melon said international streaming doesn't count.. like really?! a lot of international fans spent over $15 to subscribe to this and download MP3 to support their artist and then they say we don't count?!  

Music Shows and live voting - forms part a percentage of their score, so it matters if your fandom is actively supporting, and not only buying their albums (physical). You see, fandoms have this habit of counting all the trophies their idol has and of course this is such an honor for the fandom too, because it means they are great in numbers and is able to fully support their idol groups. There are also sites that do online voting, and it takes a lot of time and effort doing so. We even had 700 accounts used to vote daily for one site - so you see how it is when you decide to dedicate your time to this whole KPOP culture... (•‿•)

Physical album sales and everything else- oh yah, if you think saving up for that one album is hard enough, well think about other fans who buys like a lot! i mean, at least three, probably and would buy all versions of the same album! 

Then size does matter as well, since music shows and performance of an album also gets stats from social media, news articles, and youtube streaming. so if the fandom is of huge membership, then a lot of the members would be able to increase the youtube views in no time at all. Other groups' MV would reach 10M in no time, while others will find it hard to reach a million in a week! 

Credit:@Shineurlight428 for the sample Fansupport Promo Banner (Kim Sung Gyu Fansite)

Some things to help you get started on your account in melon (if you wish to do so): 

Melon Site: 
Registration, a lot of fandoms already have this so i created other tutorial that is not readily available. 

     Change your Profile Pic and Banner Photo

     Download DCF and Make a Playlist

    Melon Tutorial - How to use Melon (app) as Mp3 Player