In 2008, I was introduced to K-Pop by a fellow Asian classmate in high school. Six years ago K-Pop was not very familiar here in the states. Korean Pop groups have struggled to make the crossover for many years, however throughout this time these groups were able to make a presence in some American's life. I was introduced because of my nosiness. I was too worried about what the Asians girls in my class were laughing about rather than the Americans. Overtime, some of the asians saw my curious eyes and invited me to join them. I was introduced to K-pop for the first time and it has changed my life in a good way.
K-pop is short for Korean Pop, mainly Koreans as young as 13 years are trained under major recoding companies in hopes of becoming a star. Now k-pop has opened their doors to other asian races and do not limit themselves to just koreans. One thing that is big and pulled me in is the major popularity of boy band groups. Here in America we don't see that as often and it has become a thing of the 90's, which kind of adds to the reason I have fallen hard for k-pop.
Many of the groups that I have followed and supported since their debut have perform many concerts, act in dramas and shows, and guest host on varies music and tv shows in Asia. A fangirl like me in America has a hard time finding access to these things. In addition to finding those programs with English subs, there are devoted fans that speak the korean language take time out of their day to find the programs and edit it with english subs for those who do not speak korean. I am very thankful for those few that do devote their spare time to help those in my situation. Now, I have tried many times to learn the korean language, but I have failed miserably. However, I figure if I just know "Hello" and "Goodbye", I'll be ok, hahaha.
Listening to some my favorite groups such as Got7, Shinee, EXO and Big Bang is really easy, now that Apple Music is a thing. I can access many of these groups latest and oldest albums or top hits. However, trying to get a physical copy of their albums is a hassle in its own. The problem is one can only order them through korean sites if you want an official copy of it and there goes the language barrier. Many have recommended Amazon and eBay, but there have been complaints about those copies not being authentic, so there goes my chance. Concerts are a separate problem altogether, for its very rare when they do visit the states to give their american fans a show. So when they come you have to make sure to go, for you never know when they will be back. There have been many times the groups have visited Dallas and Los Angles, but being a college student of course I'm broke and can only experience the view through a computer screen.
Fortunately, I have been blessed with tickets to LA,Cali to see my favorite k-pop group Got7 in July for the first time! This will be the first k-pop concert I have ever attended and I am very excited to be abel to have this experience. My fangirling from many miles away has finally paid off!
