something i've noticed is there's so much overlap between nerd spaces (specifically comic and anime/manga) and kpop fans' treatment of black people
because they both love aspects of black culture/identity (the underdog trope is really prominent in both nerd spaces and kpop, x-men are one of the most popular superhero teams, kpop is heavily influenced by hip hop and black styling, etc) but once black people try to engage with them, they get pushed out through exclusion and being spoken over
like it's just so crazy seeing people who love mutants complain about "wokeness and dei," and kpop fans praising cortis as innovative while degrading the black music&artists they were inspired by
this is genuinely so out of the blue?? am i late to this information because i did NOT see this happening anytime soon? is this his own decision or belift pulling their dumbest move by suggesting hee to leave enha and pursue solo career? he is the main vocal of the group ffs. didnt yeonjun release a solo album while being in txt? or did jungkook and other bts memebers not release numerous solos while thriving as a group??
i have never wanted to get sunghooned so bad ever before.
This is my tumblr account dedicated to yap about anime and manga. But I think I'll use it to talk about kpop too, at least for this one because it's been bugging me for sometime and I don't know where to discuss it (I don't use reddit or discord and only has art account on twitter and instagram where I refrain from talking about things not related to art).
I stan stayc. My bias is isa and I'm aware of how popular she is among non-fans, especially international kpop fans. Sieun is the most popular one among korean general public due to her background, and I see seeun often getting viral among knetz due to her princess-like beauty. And as far as I know, the fandom fortunately has a minimum to nonexistent amount of akgaes. Even some self-proclaimed solo stans I came across are still supportive toward the other members and defended them when antis throw hate or malicious rumors (seems to me like these solo stans actually just like particular members a lot, thus feeling bad to call themselves swiths because they don't hype up other members ー which I personally find nothing wrong).
What I'm curious about is why do non-fans adore isa so much when they don't follow stayc or just casually listen to their music? Even to the point of saying she would've been better off in a more popular group rather than stayc?
In almost my 10 years of being in the kpop community, I usually witness this kind of thing happening to face of the group idols like chuu (loona), nana (wooah), eunwoo (astro), etc. This is where it confuses me. Isa is not the face of the group. For all I know, both sieun and yoon are the pushed ones more in korea. As the only english-speaking member, sieun also takes charge whenever they hold concerts or events in foreign countries.
I understand at least why isa is popular in my country (Indonesia). My friend said she has the typical beauty locals love here, amplified by her cute eye-smile and a bit of resemblance to karina aespa who is really popular in my country. Like, I remember when yoon and isa had bebe and vvv challenges with the boyz's members. I think the Indonesian comments I've seen are focused on isa, praising how cute and beautiful she is. I was grateful but feel a bit sad that yoon almost got no mention 🥲. And I do admit that many kpop fans here still place visual in high priority too, so I get why even those who don't know much about stayc can find her endearing. But how about kpop fans from countries who usually don't care about visuals, especially western kpop fans?
Just within this month, I've seen a few comments saying how her potential goes to waste in stayc or if only she were in a better group. I'll understand if it's like the case of harry june's overwhelming popularity after boys planet 2 where people feel it's a shame he is not in a bigger company, because brave entertainment indeed sucks at promoting dkb ー and their artists in general ー no matter how talented and eager the boys are. But high up is doing just fine IMO. Sure, their stayc promotion in 2024 was disastrous. But the previous years' promotion tactics were fantastic (especially in 2023) and even this year they seem to get back in gear again. The girls are not abandoned, they seem comfortable at the company, and all members get to showcase their talents properly. I might even argue that the reason stayc is not more popular at this point is due to non-fans already have prejudices about the group's capabilities and music without diving in head first to see for themselves and how most kpop casual listeners prefer to check out new stuffs from bigger names, not the lack of stayc's talents nor promotion.
The reason my confusion exists is NOT because I undermine isa's potential or unable to see why she can be popular as an individual. It's because whenever she is with stayc ... she blends in. Not overshadowed, but like a puzzle piece is finally put into place. She became my bias in the first place only after I binge-watched stayc videos from the earliest ones. Meaning that I know she exists after I know there is stayc. When I first discovered stayc, almost none of them stood out to me except sieun (mostly thanks to her unique bow-like hair in stereotype mv). That's why I'm curious about the reason behind isa's popularity among non-fans. The reason why some of them say that stayc hinders her potential. Because as a fan, I honestly think she already shines bright in stayc, as bright as her sisters and none of them drag the other down.
So I want to know your opinion, especially if you don't follow stayc but have any idea why many non-fans like isa (you are welcomed to discuss it too if you are a fan 😉). My judgement can be clouded because I've always seen stayc up close (figuratively), that's why I need objective input from non-fans/non-antis' standpoint. And I'm not here to argue your opinion, so feel free to have different perspective. It might actually be helpful for me to gather information haha.
Bonus!
The one who caught my attention first: Sieun. When she first appeared on screen, I immediately said, "How adorable!" I mean, sieun and her hairstyle are so cute!
First bias: Isa. I always love soft-spoken people. And the way she speaks is so gentle, it's what intrigues me about her first. It's also the reason why I like chaewon from le sserafim.
Current bias: Isa. Tbh I rarely ever change bias because I always find new reasons to like them even more. Same goes for isa.
Bias wrecker: the rest of the group, like it keeps changing
First song I listened to: actually asap but stereotype's the one I sat down and properly listened to, and the song which introduced me to them
Most favorite title track: stereotype if the sentimental element is counted lol, but the one I replay the most is bebe
Most favorite album: um... if we are talking about the songs alone then it'll be [s] with staydom close behind. If we put the aesthetic aspect into consideration, I'll vote for teddy bear (I love the pink one) and metamorphic. But if it's also about the era, the cohesiveness, and the impact, I'm gonna go with young-luv.com (as much as it feels too romanticized by many swiths) even if r&b is not really my favorite haha
i find something so deeply special about commentary on the parasocial aspect of the fan and idol relationship delivered through / from the artists.
goldfish is in its simplest form about connection and compassion. yves describe this as a song that deeply resonates with the feeling between the loona break off and her debut. specifically her and her fans. i find a goldfish, in its clear glass bowl, to be a wonderful imagery of the idol - fan dynamic.
i personally see the goldfish, to be the idol on this case. a goldfish, loved and adored by its owner, in a bowl to be admired in. the fish from its owner are so different , but like the lyrics “we’re living together , you know” and “but we’re under the same sky”.
the narrator expresses a constant desire to comfort the other. despite all our difference , the protagonist sees something that transcends this fact and makes it possible for us to deeply empathize and care.
the narrator could be the fan ( owner ) or the idol ( goldfish ). in truth , this deep contemplation of the other person’s silent worry causes an affect on the protagonist too. like fans worrying about yves when she was in dispute with bbc or inactive. like yves feeling worry that her silence will cause her fans to worry.
virtual angel ; the protagonist bear on a secret appearing to be troubling to themselves. but the moment they stand before this person , they become an angel , realize that they in fact have this super power , that it is no need to hide.
imperfect , this person still deeply accepts the protagonist.
in turn , the protagonist wants to protect this admirer. let them go “is a heartbreak”.
the music video holds a darker end than what the lyrics does. similar to ditto ( newjeans ) , this person that adores their “virtual angel” experience incredible highs as well as lows during the song.
the music video in turn also emphasize the “virtual” aspect of this connection. a virtual angel ; someone seen as touched by divinity through the screen of another. this “virtual” is the distance between the “angel” and its admirer.
the two tracks explores this theme in a very meaningful manner, and at last paints this human connection as something worthy of appreciation , even despite the usual negative discourse surrounding parasocial relations. both uplifts this intense feeling between these two people , but one is still unable to ignore the tremendous distance between. one that does in fact make it harder for us to truly understand the other. but maybe , just maybe , does it exist something beyond “virtual” , that transcends digital age and makes us root for the other.
Hello! I realized BLACKPINK has 9 solos total a while ago, but that will change when ROCKSTAR comes out later this week so I decided to just post this now.
NAYEON - SOLO
Since Nayeon is the first member to get a solo, I thought it's fitting she gets the first BP solo. The style matches her really well and I can imagine her singing it.
JEONGYEON - All Eyes On Me
Her voice type matches Jisoo's pretty well, and I think she would really appreciate deeper/darker lyrics.
MOMO - MONEY
I was stuck between either of Lisa's solos for her, but I decided to go with Money since I think it fits her better, especially the iconic dance.
SANA - FLOWER
Even though Sana's and Jisoo's voices are very different, I think Flower fits her well. Everything from the styling to the song would suit her.
JIHYO - Hard to Love
I think this song fits her really well. The vibe reminds me of Nightmare and the lyrics of both songs are a warning to a (future/past) lover. She would effortlessly pull it off.
MINA - LALISA
Okay, this is kind of random, since Lalisa is all about showing off, which is really different from what we usually see from Mina. I think she could really pull it off though, and it would be a great opportunity to show a more confident side of herself.
DAHYUN - Gone
Yeah, she also wrote a song called Gone lol. I genuinely think she would do justice to this song with her soft and emotional vocals.
CHAEYOUNG - On The Ground
Yes, I gave Chaeyoung's song to Chaeyoung lol. I think the lyrics are OTG's strong point, and I also think she would appreciate the nostalgic feel they have. I think the song and concept in general fit her well, and I can visualize her playing the guitar at the start.
TZUYU - You & Me
Even though You & Me sounds a bit simpler compared to the others, I think Tzuyu really fits the song down to a T (lol). If she covered it, it would really sound like her own, from the styling to the choreo, even the rap.
Conclusion
Welp, that's what I think. I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions, and don't forget to tune in to ROCKSTAR on Thursday/Friday (depending on ur timezone), and to DIVE on July 17. Bye!
(Psst. All photo credits go to rightful owners. I just found all of these on Pinterest.)
If you're a veteran k-pop fan, just getting into the genre, or anywhere in between, come check out my blog! I'll be posting deep dives twice a week or so.
Please remember, this is completely for fun, and my lukewarm takes should be taken with an entire silo of salt. All this to say, grab your lightstick, get some ice cream, steal a fluffy dog (not Yeontan or Berry, please), and settle in folks. Enjoy!
-Anna
Discography deep dives from a fan, linguistics major, and beginner in Korean
