My Journey from Kpop Skeptic to Dedicated ARMY: Insights and Discoveries

My introduction to the world of K-pop was far from what one would expect. At one point, I was a self-proclaimed 'Kpop hater.' Whenever the topic of K-pop came up, my reaction was immediate and vocal, often deriding the genre with phrases like, 'They look like girls, they are gay, they can't sing.'

How I Discovered K-pop

Introduction to K-pop

My sister, who was a devoted fan of anime and Japanese culture, was among the few who showed a genuine appreciation for K-pop. She introduced me to the song 'Don't Wanna Cry' by Seventeen. It was a song I already loved from the American trio Chainsmokers, which made it easier for me to embrace the new sound. However, I had to maintain an indifferent facade, saying that I didn't like it.

The seed was planted, though. I kept listening to the song, and soon I found myself engaging with my sister in K-pop discussions. Initially, I still wasn't a fan, but then one day, I started researching BTS online. It was through this process that I discovered their genuine and sweet nature, and I joined the ARMY community. She was amused when I declared, 'I am an ARMY,' but from then on, my journey with K-pop was well and truly underway.

What Attracted Me to K-pop

As my interest in K-pop grew, I found myself much more drawn to the genre than I had anticipated. In high school, I was introduced to K-pop through a 'K-pop vine to cure depression.' The music felt fresh and original, unlike much of the American music at the time which seemed repetitive to me. The messages in K-pop didn't feel as explicit or demeaning, and there was a sense of investment and passion that I appreciated. The production values and the fan service were things I came to appreciate over time.

The Turning Point: FBE Video on BTS

The turning point in my journey came unexpectedly when I watched a Fake But Exciting (FBE) video. The first video that caught my attention was 'BTS: The Show Must Go On.' From that day forward, I made a conscious effort to learn more about the members of BTS as I reevaluated my initial stance. Soon, I was fully immersed in the K-pop fandom and became a passionate supporter. If I hadn't stumbled upon that FBE video, I probably wouldn't have become an ARMY, but such is the randomness of life.

Prior Interests Leading to K-pop

My interest in K-pop didn't come out of nowhere. My journey to discovering K-pop started long before I became a fan. I was fascinated by martial arts films, specifically those starring Bruce Lee. This interest then led me to Japanese films by directors like Akira Kurosawa. This, in turn, opened the door to other Asian horror and supernatural films and the legendary actor Chow Yun Fat, particularly in his role as a hardboiled detective.

From there, I explored Bollywood and anime, genres that I soon found were intertwined with K-pop. These explorations led me to discover JRock artists like Gackt and Malice Mizer, as well as other forms of Japanese entertainment. It was then that I realized many of the Korean horror films I had enjoyed were actually produced in Korea, not Japan. This led me to explore Korean dramas, which often featured K-pop music in the soundtracks.

Watching Boys Over Flowers, a Korean drama series, was a pivotal moment. Specifically, Kim Hyun Joong's performance of 'Because I'm Stupid' in an acoustic version, which showcased his talent both as an actor and a singer, captivated me. This discovery led me to immerse myself in K-pop music. I spent time listening to various K-pop groups, from SHINee and BTS to Big Bang, Super Junior, Girls' Generation, and more.

Broadening My Horizons

The more I listened, the more groups I discovered and grew to love. Over the years, I have expanded my K-pop playlist and attended numerous concerts, even attending KCons annually. My love for K-pop has only grown, and I continue to watch hundreds of Korean dramas, delving into their rich narratives and captivating soundtracks.

In conclusion, my journey from K-pop skeptic to dedicated ARMY is a testament to the power of continuous discovery and appreciation. It began with a song, evolved through a series of cultural explorations, and culminated in a deep passion for the genre. If you're curious about K-pop and want to explore a world of origins, innovation, and heart, this is your starting point.