From the world's finest skincare products to their mouth-watering street food and now even their pop culture, it seems everyone is enjoying their fair share of everything Korea has to offer, and our Indian Gen Z is no behind. From teenagers to even the millennials, all are finding their escape in Korean content. The influence of this particular pop genre has increased since the last couple of years and more during the pandemic. India has made significant progress in the last three to four months as it climbed quite few ranks to be among the top five or six countries contributors to Highest YouTube music video views of K-pop bands like BTS and more. But while influences can be good, sometimes they tend to have cons too.
1. The Fandom Clans
In comparison to other genres, K-pop has a unique level of fandom. The amount of energy invested in this genre's fandom is unrivalled. Different bands have different names to associate their fans with, like fans of the popular boy band BTS are referred to as 'Army' while fans of the popular girl band BLACKPINK are referred to as 'Blinks' fans of Got7 are known as 'IGOT77’, the list just goes on, and it’s safe to say these fandoms are an entire community within themselves.
2. Way Of Life
K-pop groups have evolved into more than just pop bands; they have become a way of life for their fans. Communities and fan clubs put on events, perform charity work, and plan meetups, and one thing they all share is a passion for their favourite artists and genre. K-pop has impacted Indian youths’ fashion style, as they try to emulate their idol in whatever way they can. From buying ad spaces to mobilizing their networks to buy K-pop albums in bulk, the K-pop fandom in India is not behind to showcase their love for the genre and the artists.
3. Interest In Different Language Cultures
K-pop has provided avenues for youngsters to get interested in various cultures since its origin and success. Different linguistic pop genres such as J-pop (Japanese Pop) and C-pop (Chinese Pop) are becoming popular in India's pop culture scene. People have now become more receptive and open to new and various types of music.
4. An Escape To A Different World
While K-pop music genre to some of us, it is an escape from the everyday commotion for others. Any K-pop fan will tell you how their favourite bands and other K-pop artists songs helped them through a trying time in their lives. Some of the lyrics in K-pop songs are so profound that almost everyone can relate to them. Ishita, a youngster from Kolkata, said that BTS songs had given her the strength to overcome her melancholy.
5. Uniting Every Fan Globally
Music, like a global language, links people from all walks of life and can provide solace in times of need and grief. Even if different people have different interpretations of the song but it still binds them together and such is the beauty of K-pop which brings people together irrespective of age, gender and race. Everybody and anybody sharing their love for the genre are welcome to the fandom.
6. Breaking Societal Stereotypes
Despite living in a country where gender stereotype is strongly enforced, the K-Pop idols have managed to shatter barriers in expressing themselves and breaking gender stereotypes. From males not being allowed to wear makeup to women not being allowed to have tattoos, K-pop celebrities are defying conventional standards one stereotype at a time with their rebellious attitude, and it is inspiring youth too to break free from society's traditional constraints. G-Dragon, a member of the K-Pop boy band Big Bang, is regarded as one of the industry's top trendsetters; with his genderless clothing choices and as a fashion innovator, the all-around artist has left his imprint in the world of fashion.
7. Skincare
One thing that practically all K-Pop with their flawless skin. Given that Korea is the world's leading manufacturer of high-quality skin care; it's no surprise that K-pop singers and skin care go hand in hand. These celebrities not only share their skin care tips but also promote hygiene and wellness. This has piqued teenagers into skin care, not just in India but all over the world.
8. The Dark Side Of The Obsession
Young fans health is a common problem since they spend much of their time in front of digital gadgets attempting to find information about their favourite K-pop bands and performers, making them vulnerable to autism and depression because they shut themselves off from the physical world. Teens also get critically ill from replicating their celebrities' diets and daily routines, often forgetting how much agony and effort it takes for their idols to make it in the profession.
9. Void Between Teenagers And Their Families
With the level of obsession with Korean pop culture among Indian teenagers, it is causing them to become aloof and spend less time with their families, mostly because of between teenagers and their parents, there is a significant generation gap, so the parents are often not supportive of their children's choices, causing social voids even while living under the same roof.
10. E-wars, Conflicts, And The Immoral Side Of The Fandom
Since there are so many fandoms, the battle to see who the best is; is always on. While there are mature fans too, among youngsters who are lovesick with their devotion, toxicity may sometimes take over, and the fixation becomes unhealthy. Hence degrading remarks, immoral acts, and rejection of the people who aren't into K-pop are all too typical among most teen fans.
