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It has been suggested that this article be merged with K-Pop. (Discuss) Proposed since March 2015.

This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages) This article may require copy editing for The English needs help throughout the article.. You can assist by editing it. (December 2014) (Learn how and when to remove this message) Some of this article's listed sources may not be reliable. Please help improve this article by looking for better, more reliable sources. Unreliable citations may be challenged and removed. (December 2014) (Learn how and when to remove this message) This article is written like a personal reflection, personal essay, or argumentative essay that states a Misplaced Pages editor's personal feelings or presents an original argument about a topic. Please help improve it by rewriting it in an encyclopedic style. (November 2014) (Learn how and when to remove this message) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

"K-pop" is a term for Korean pop-culture music. "Fans" is an abbreviation for fanatics of a given subject. Subsequently, "K-pop fans" are people interested in K-pop and its related subjects. K-pop has emerged as a strong global phenomenon. K-pop fans are found all over the world, not just in Korea.

Sasaeng Fans

Stalker-like fans, which are also known as abnormal supporters, are being called “fans” as they have done something too exaggerated or invaded their privacy. The majority of sasaeng fans are female or high-school students. Managers of the Korean stars have spoken to Korean media, revealing that the popular stars have followings of between 500 to 1000 sasaeng fans. Sasaeng fans often engage in activities that include stalking, taking secret pictures, and sneaking into their homes. The idols that are victims of this abuse have described the experience as making them feel as though they were living in a jail or prison, and as if they were being watched and followed all the time. Block B, a Korean boy band, has asked sasaeng fans to stop visiting their dorm. One example of an extreme action taken by a sasaeng fan included writing letters using menstrual blood and attaching pubic hair.

Airplane-followers

Some sasaeng fans have been known to follow their idols around by taking the same plane as them in order to take photos and "protect" their idols. Some fans have occupied the entire Incheon Airport whenever their idol travels overseas.

Dedication

K-pop fans are attracted to an idol's music, appearance, and personality. They rely on their idols for personal motivation, emotional support, and inspiration. "Many are likely to listen to the comments and influence of a celebrity than their parents” (Theodosiou, 2012)

Management companies are complicit in creating super-natural images of celebrities in an attempt to gain and retain fans. These images perpetuate the belief of K-pop fans that their idols are perfect, and the fans should follow their actions, style, and schedules to show their support. Management teams for these celebrities must hire security guards to accompany them at public events to protect them from fans. K-pop fans have been known to get so aggressive that security guards must use force against them to keep them away from their idols.

Another reason teens worship their idols is self recognition. To overcome the problem, fans will fill their emotional vacuum through worshiping idols. “Celebrity worshiping could thus have a prevalent influence on shaping their followers’ values, attitudes and behaviors”.

Fan bases

K-pop idols often have official fan groups with a specific name. Some notable examples: Super Junior's ELF, Girls' Generation's SONE, B.A.P (South Korean band)'s BABY, BTS' ARMY, EXO's EXO-L, and BIGBANG's VIP.

References

1. Chen, Jasmine (2013, Nov 22). The Differences between Sasaeng Fans and Normal Fans. Retrieved from http://exploringkpop.blogspot.hk/2013_11_01_archive.html
2. Soh, Elizabeth (2012, Aug 2). “Sasaeng Stalkers” (Part 1): K-pop fans turn to blood, poison for attention. Retrieved from https://sg.entertainment.yahoo.com/blogs/singapore-showbiz/sasaeng-groupies-gone-wild-part-1-k-fans-141105992.html
3. KoreaBoo (2014, Oct 21). Block B pleads to sasaeng fans to stop visiting their dorm. Retrieved from http://www.koreaboo.com/trending/trending-block-b-pleads-sasaeng-fans-stop-visiting-dorm/
4. EXO Love (2013, Aug 16). EXO reveals the hardship of having Sasaeng fans. Retrieved from http://exo-love.com/exo-reveals-the-hardship-of-having-sasaeng-fans/
5. Donna (2013, May 28).10 Craziest Things that Fans Did for their Idols. Retrieved from http://www.oddee.com/item_98593.aspx
6. Theodosiou, Barbara (2012, Mar 30). Celebrity Influences and Their Negative Impact on Today's Youth. Retrieved from http://www.reneweveryday.com/blogs/addicts-mom/celebrity-influences-and-their-negative-impact-on-todays-youth/
7. Oddnessweirdness (2012, Nov 7). KPOP WTF: IDOL MANAGERS BACK IN THE SPOTLIGHT FOR HITTING FANS. Retrieved from http://oddnessweirdness.blogspot.hk/2012/11/kpop-wtf-idol-managers-back-in.html
8. Schultze, Q. J., Anker, R. M., Bratt, J. D., Romanowkski, W. D., Worst, J. W. & Zuidervaart, L. (1991) Dancing in the Dark: Youth, Popular Culture, and the Electronic Media. Grand Rapids, MI: Williams B. Eerdmans.
9. Farzana, Farah (2013, Sep 8). Kpop Fans Speech. Retrieved from http://www.scribd.com/doc/166412903/Kpop-Fans-Speech

• Articles to be merged from March 2015
• Misplaced Pages articles needing copy edit from December 2014
• K-pop
• Music fandom