Thread by @rapplerdotcom

NOW: Every K-pop fan has their origin story.

In this latest episode of #HELLO_TO_HALLYU, we ask Rappler’s resident K-pop fans on how they got into K-pop in the first place.

Watch it here. rappler.com/life-and-style…

How did you get into K-Pop in the first place?

@reetuquero: I only got into K-pop in 2018. What happened was my best friend...may nadala siyang NCT photobook. She was flipping through the pages and may certain [member] doon na very visually attractive. #HELLO_TO_HALLYU

@reetuquero .@dylanitron: It was back in 2008 [or] 2009. Me and my sister came across a Korean channel. At that time, there was this music show playing Super Junior and Girls' Generation. It was different from the music that I usually hear. #HELLO_TO_HALLYU

@reetuquero @dylanitron .@escchrista says she first discovered K-pop when she danced to 2NE1's "Fire".

However, she only became interested to the genre when she found out that her boyfriend liked BLACKPINK. #HELLO_TO_HALLYU

@reetuquero @dylanitron @escchrista .@dylanitron: I really got into K-pop because it's not just about the lyrics and musicality, but it's also about the dance moves. For me, it's those intricate choreographies that get me hooked into a K-pop group. #HELLO_TO_HALLYU

@reetuquero @dylanitron @escchrista .@reetuquero says the catchiness of K-pop songs got her into the genre. #HELLO_TO_HALLYU

@reetuquero @dylanitron @escchrista .@reetuquero is also very particular with the group's dynamics when stanning a K-pop group. #HELLO_TO_HALLYU | via @vixeylema

@reetuquero @dylanitron @escchrista @vixeylema .@escchrista: Being a casual listener means just digging into the songs or the music videos of the artists. Whereas if avid fan, finofollow mo talaga 'yung day-to-day activities ng artists. #HELLO_TO_HALLYU

@reetuquero @dylanitron @escchrista @vixeylema .@dylanitron, @reetuquero, and @escchrista agree that K-pop should be open to everyone whether they are a casual listener or avid fan. #HELLO_TO_HALLYU

@reetuquero @dylanitron @escchrista @vixeylema .@dylanitron: I find it hard for new people to appreciate a group if there are fans who gatekeep them. #HELLO_TO_HALLYU

@reetuquero @dylanitron @escchrista @vixeylema .@escchrista talks about social relationships between K-pop artists and stans. She thinks that there should be boundaries set to prevent violating the private lives of artists, even if it is part of the idols' job to interact with their fans. #HELLO_TO_HALLYU | via @vixeylema

@reetuquero @dylanitron @escchrista @vixeylema What motivates you to stay in a certain fandom?

.@dylanitron: It's the continuous connection between the members of the group and yourself. #HELLO_TO_HALLYU

@reetuquero @dylanitron @escchrista @vixeylema .@escchrista says she would lose interest in a K-pop group if there is a member with a bad personality. Otherwise, what makes her stay is when a group offers something new every comeback. #HELLO_TO_HALLYU

@reetuquero @dylanitron @escchrista @vixeylema .@escchrista mentions how she became interested with LOONA due to their constant concept changes from their pre-debut project, where the members have solo music. #HELLO_TO_HALLYU

@reetuquero @dylanitron @escchrista @vixeylema What's your favorite part of being a K-pop fan and how would you encourage potential fans?

.@dylanitron says his favorite part of being a K-pop fan is how they would display solidarity and empathy. #HELLO_TO_HALLYU

@reetuquero @dylanitron @escchrista @vixeylema .@dylanitron says the empathy and solidarity of K-pop fans could be tapped for organic social movements. #HELLO_TO_HALLYU

@reetuquero @dylanitron @escchrista @vixeylema .@reetuquero: Coming across certain content from a group that resonates with me is one of the most meaningful instances of my K-pop journey. #HELLO_TO_HALLYU

@reetuquero @dylanitron @escchrista @vixeylema .@escchrista: You can never get bored with K-pop. With the number of artists out there, hindi ka talaga mawawalan ng bagong music to consume. #HELLO_TO_HALLYU

@reetuquero @dylanitron @escchrista @vixeylema ...and that's a wRap!

Catch the replay of #HELLO_TO_HALLYU here. rappler.com/life-and-style…