I loved Kpop before you loved Kpop

Flashback to August 2016. 15. Sophomore in High School. Wearing white converse high top shoes, boyfriend jeans from H&M, peplum shirt and a chunky statement necklace. Sitting in the car with my bff jamming out to the radio. And complaining that I wish music was more upbeat, that didn't curse and I could DANCE to. Yanno?

My friend looked at me:

"Do you wanna hear a cool song"

"sure" I said

"don't be weirded out...it's not in english"

*that didn't bother me because I had just ended my Russian Rap phase* (story for later)

and she played "Very Nice" by Seventeen.

then Blackpink, GOT7, EXO, Red Velvet, BTS...

My eyes widened-- we look at each other and in that moment, I knew, this was the beginning of a new era. I fell in love with Kpop.

So we continued, everyday we drove home from school blasting KPOP in the parking lot singing/reading the romanized lyrics (english pronunciations of the Korean words). At one point I had 'Very Nice' memorized in Korean. I have never experienced bliss, but I'm pretty sure this is what it felt like.

My first Fandom:

JEONGHAN FROM SEVENTEEN

Oh I SWOONED. yes he had long hair and kinda looked like a girl but we can look past that because LOOK. AT. HIM. NOW.

Major heart eyes.

WHY KPOP

1. THEY DANCE

2. Multiple gorgeous people

3. Chorus in english (that's all you listen to in American music anyway)

4. looking up translations is my personal fav part

5. the concepts. Every album or MV has a concept that has helped me grow and learn as an individual. haha my life mentors ㅋㅋㅋ!!

Well, if you're happy listening to american music, please continue. But if you want music you can JAM to, members to idolize, learn about another culture, dance to, impress friends with you Hangul.... don't hold back. Join the fandom.

xo,

charity