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Being a fangirl can often feel overwhelming and complex. The intense affection, the desire to immerse oneself in intricate narratives, and the creative impulses to craft fan art or write fan fiction are experiences many share at different points in their lives. While some critics might dismiss fangirling as frivolous or overly emotional, those who actively engage in it generally have quite a different perspective.
“K-pop fandom has played a significant role in my ability to communicate in Korean, and it’s through writing fan fiction that I’ve honed my storytelling skills,” shares writer Giaae Kwon. “Fangirling creates bonds of friendship; it’s inherently social and communal. What’s truly wonderful is how fandom acts as a magnet, connecting people through a shared passion. This aspect feels incredibly uplifting to me.”
In her debut essay collection, I’ll Love You Forever: Notes From a K-Pop Fan, Kwon reflects on her journey as a bbasooni (K-pop enthusiast) while tracing the transformations within the K-pop landscape. She delves into the cultural and political dynamics that shaped the K-pop phenomenon, offering a compassionate view of fandom that serves as a counterbalance to a plethora of narratives highlighting its more toxic aspects.
“While social media can often amplify a negative ‘hive mentality’ leading to fan wars, my personal encounters with K-pop fans have been largely positive,” Kwon notes. “K-pop enthusiasts beam with excitement when they discover a shared interest, and that infectious energy brings joy to my heart.”
In an effort to share knowledge and insight with fellow fans, Kwon recommends five essential reads for bbasooni enthusiasts.
Korea: A New History of South & North by Victor Cha and Ramon Pacheco Pardo
“This book should be on the syllabus for every international K-pop fan. It provides an easily digestible overview of 20th-century Korean history, helping readers understand the sociopolitical backdrop that gave rise to K-pop. I believe in grounding experiences in their contexts, and K-pop is no exception; this book paints a vivid picture without getting overly academic. The authors conclude with a thoughtful examination of potential reunification on the Korean peninsula, which I found very enlightening.”
Excavations by Hannah Michell
“Excavations pairs beautifully with Korea: A New History of South and North. It is a fictional retelling of the 1995 collapse of the Sampoong department store, effectively weaving together modern Korean history from the postwar era up to the protests of the 1960s through 1980s, leading right into the emergence of K-pop. I was quite impressed by Michell’s ability to compress significant historical events into a compact and engaging narrative.”
Flowers of Fire by Hawon Jung
“Korea’s deeply embedded patriarchal structures are reflected in K-pop culture and its fandom. Flowers of Fire offers a candid exploration of the #MeToo movement in Korea, which gained momentum in 2018. It’s a challenging read, but I consider it essential; Jung’s straightforward storytelling sheds light on the realities faced by Korean women. I had previously understood the issue of molka (hidden cameras) in Korea, yet Jung reveals the severity of the problem without dramatizing it. Importantly, she also emphasizes the resilience and activism of women involved in fighting these injustices.”
If I Had Your Face by Frances Cha
“In If I Had Your Face, Cha examines Korea’s beauty ideals and the prevalence of plastic surgery, exploring the broader implications for women. Centered on four women living in the same apartment complex in Seoul, the narrative addresses the intersections of class and gender as they relate to beauty standards. I appreciate Cha’s nuanced approach; her characters are complex and relatable, prompting a deeper understanding of why there’s such a fixation on a singular beauty ideal in Korea.”
Y/N by Esther Yi
“The story in Y/N revolves around a beloved K-pop idol who abruptly steps away from the limelight. Yi skillfully captures the obsessive mindset common among fans. The protagonist is a diasporic Korean from Germany who travels to Korea for a unique venture, and the book’s absurdist humor combined with a distinct narrative voice makes for a captivating experience. I hesitate to provide too many details because I believe it’s a journey best undertaken by diving into the book yourself—it’s an enjoyable philosophical exploration.”
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