Kpop has become a global phenomenon, with millions of fans around the world coming together to support their favorite groups and artists. Joining a Kpop fandom is like entering a vibrant community where you can make new friends, learn about different cultures, and connect over a shared love for music. However, if you’re new to Kpop, you might feel overwhelmed by all the fandom lingo, activities, and platforms that come with it. This guide will help you understand the essentials of joining and participating in a Kpop fandom, so you can get involved and make the most of your fan experience.

Table of Contents

• Understanding Kpop Fandoms
• Official Merchandise
• Online Communities: Forums, Social Media, and Group Chats
• Subscription Apps: Bubble, Phoning, and More
• How to Stream and Support Your Favorite Group
• Voting for Awards and Rankings
• Connecting and Making Friends in the Fandom

Understanding Kpop Fandoms

Each Kpop group has its own dedicated fanbase with a unique name, usually given by the group itself as a way of showing appreciation for their supporters. Some examples include BTS’s ARMY, BLACKPINK’s BLINKs, and TWICE’s ONCEs. These fandom names create a sense of belonging, making fans feel like they’re part of an exclusive community. 

Aside from the name, each fandom often has its own color and light stick. Light sticks are colorful, glowing devices that fans wave at concerts to show support. For instance, NewJeans has the Bunnies fandom, and fans have the Binky Bong light stick to hold during concerts to create a sea of color that reflects their support for the group. With NewJeans lightstick, you can also customize the eyes to show support for different members.

There are also unique lightsticks such as Itzy’s light ring.

You can familiarize yourself with your favorite group’s fandom name, official color, and light stick. These details help you feel connected to the fandom and let others know which group you support!

Official Merchandise

Once you know your fandom name, consider exploring official merchandise to show your support. This can include light sticks, albums, photo cards, and apparel. These items are not only fun to collect but also serve as symbols of support for your favorite group. Official light sticks and albums are especially popular.

Where to Buy: You can find official merchandise on websites like Weverse, SM Global Shop, or even on platforms like Amazon. Be careful to purchase from reputable sources to avoid counterfeit items.

Check if your favorite group has official merch and consider getting a light stick if you plan to attend concerts or fan meetings!

Online Communities: Forums, Social Media, and Group Chats

A big part of joining a kpop fandom is finding a community where you can talk with other fans. Here are some popular platforms and communities:

• X and Instagram: These platforms are great for staying updated on news, events, and fan-created content. Many fandoms have hashtags that you can follow for regular updates and fan art.
• Reddit: Many Kpop fandoms have dedicated subreddits (like r/kpop or r/bangtan for BTS) where fans discuss everything from album releases to favorite songs.
• Amino: Kpop Amino is a mobile app dedicated to fandoms, allowing you to join communities, participate in polls, and share fan art.
• Discord: Some fandoms have their own Discord servers where you can chat in real time with other fans. These servers often have specific channels for different topics, so you can find fans with similar interests.
• Kpop Tips: You can sign up for an account at Kpop Tips and take fun kpop quizzes and comment on posts!

Start by following official group accounts on social media and look for fan communities using popular hashtags. From there, you can join groups that interest you!

Subscription Apps: Bubble, Phoning, and More

If you want a more personal way to connect with idols, many Kpop agencies offer subscription-based apps that let you receive messages, updates, and exclusive content from your favorite idols.

• Bubble: Popular with fans of groups under JYP Entertainment, Bubble allows idols to send personalized messages and updates. Fans can respond, creating a feeling of personal interaction.
• Phoning: NewJeans fans can subscribe to Phoning, an app specifically for this group, where they can view exclusive photos, videos, and messages.
• Weverse: Weverse has an official community for groups like BTS and TXT, offering exclusive content, messages, and live broadcasts. Weverse also has a shop where you can purchase official merchandise.

Consider subscribing to one of these apps if you’re interested in receiving updates and personalized messages directly from your favorite idols!

How to Stream and Support Your Favorite Group

Streaming is one of the biggest ways fans support their idols and help them climb music charts. Here’s how to get started:

– Streaming on Spotify and Apple Music: Streaming counts help boost a group’s ranking on international charts. Create a playlist of your favorite songs and let it play on repeat!

– Korean Streaming Services: Apps like Melon and Genie are popular in Korea and count toward domestic music charts. It may take a bit more effort to sign up for these, but they’re key for supporting groups in the Korean market.

– YouTube Views: Many fandoms focus on increasing music video views, especially in the first 24 hours of release. Watch the video from start to finish without looping it for maximum impact.

Many fandoms post streaming guides online to help new fans maximize their streaming impact on different platforms.

Voting for Awards and Rankings

Voting is another critical way to show support, especially during award season. Many award shows allow fans to vote for their favorite groups, and fandoms work together to secure wins for their idols.

– Mnet’s M Countdown: M Countdown uses both digital streaming and fan voting to determine weekly winners. You can vote through the Mwave website.

– MAMA, AAA, and Other Major Award Shows: Major Kpop award shows often have fan-voting categories. You can vote on their official websites or apps.

– Social Media Voting: Some award shows, like Billboard, accept votes through social media platforms like X. Follow the official hashtags to join in!

Stay updated on voting windows and join fan groups that post reminders to help fans vote together!

Connecting and Making Friends in the Fandom

Being in a Kpop fandom is not only about supporting idols but also about making friends who share the same passion. Here are a few ways to connect:

• Online Events: Join fandom events like streaming parties, voting marathons, or charity projects. These activities bring fans together and create a sense of community.
• Fan Art and Fan Projects: Many fans express their creativity through fan art, edits, and even charity projects. Participating in these projects can help you connect with others who share similar interests.
• Local Kpop Meetups: Check social media platforms to see if fans in your area host meetups or events. Concerts and fan conventions are also great places to meet fans face-to-face!

Don’t be afraid to reach out to other fans or join fandom activities, you’ll find that most Kpop fans are welcoming and eager to connect!

Joining a Kpop fandom is an exciting journey that opens up a world of music, friendships, and unforgettable experiences. From streaming and voting to chatting with idols on exclusive apps, there are countless ways to participate and show your support. No matter which group you stan, the fandom experience is about sharing a passion and creating meaningful connections with fans worldwide. So, dive in, explore different platforms, and get ready to make lasting memories with your fellow fans! 

Now, you’re ready to join the Kpop fandom community with confidence. Enjoy every moment!