“Sun Jae-yah!”
Watching Lovely Runner’s Im Sol fangirling over her favourite idol, Ryu Sun Jae on screen had me screaming “Oh my God, that is me!” internally, and I am sure other K-pop fans watching the drama could relate too. Lovely Runner, the fantasy romance K-drama starring Kim Hyeyoon and Byeon Wooseok follows Im Sol, a devoted fan of K-pop band Eclipse, and her journey in travelling back in time to save her bias, Ryu Sun Jae, from dying. Being the sensitive bean I am, it was not surprising when I sobbed uncontrollably watching her backstory as I found myself relating to her to an extent. Sol, disabled and discouraged after an accident, was on the verge of ending her life in the hospital. A phone call from Sun Jae, filled with heartfelt words, unexpectedly reached her, pulling her back from the brink and giving her a reason to keep fighting. While not every fan's journey mirrors Sol's, there's unanimous agreement that K-pop offers comfort and healing during our most challenging and vulnerable times, supporting us in maintaining a positive mental state. Let us dive deeper into how K-pop improves the mental health among youths, complemented by Sol’s personal experience as an Eclipse fan.
Creative expression and escapism
Fans partake in fan activities, ranging from decorating photocards and writing fanfictions to producing song and dance covers, music video reaction videos and other content.
K-pop fans have since created other portals to break away from the chaotic reality, winding down in the nooks of their creations. As different groups appeal with different concepts (e.g.: girl crush, bad boy, fantasy, sci-fi, etc...), fans take these concepts and interpret them in their ways. Based on theories and lores, some fans conjure alternate universes where their idols are someone else- from ordinary people with different occupations to otherworldly beings such as Greek Gods, vampires, fairies, witches and more. The consistent release of new content and merchandise has given fans the drive to produce various forms of crafts. In Sol’s case, she creates headbands and banners, with her famous one being the “Carry Sun Jae at the back and run” headband that she wears during the concert.
These K-pop-inspired fan activities, being a creative outlet, allow fans to direct their emotions and feelings to their crafts, which helps them to process and regulate overwhelming emotions. By keeping them occupied, they are less likely to fall into a mental spiral, as Hungarian-American psychologist Mihaly Robert Csikszentmihalyi stated in his book, ‘Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience’, being creative can induce a state of flow, which is a mental state marked by intense concentration, deep engagement, and a sense of timelessness. A sense of achievement and fulfilment follow suit upon completing their crafts, replacing previous negative feelings with positive ones. Much like Sol, who proudly wears her self-made headbands, fans are able to derive happiness directly from using or admiring their creations. By further posting their crafts on social media platforms, they would undoubtedly be cheered up when their crafts are acknowledged and appreciated by other fans or the idols themselves, leading to higher levels of self-satisfaction and self-esteem.
Community and affiliation
K-pop fans identify themselves as the fandom name (ARMYS, Carats, Blinks, the list goes on...)
Naturally, K-pop fans join fandoms to show their support and engage with each other, whether in a particular fandom or across different fandoms. Communication takes place virtually through platforms catered to K-pop fans such as Weverse and social media, most notably Twitter X, as seen in bits of the drama where Sol connects with other Eclipse fans via tweets and comments on Eclipse and Sun Jae’s latest posts. Although social media and other online platforms have been the most preferred medium for interaction due to accessibility and anonymity, K-pop fans continue to engage in real life during physical concerts as well as fan-organised events like cup sleeve events, listening and watch parties, random K-pop dance events as well as friendly gatherings.
Being in a group that bonds over mutual interest leads to an increase in social connectedness among fans. As I fangirl about the concept, music, and members’ style with fellow fans during our favourite groups’ latest comebacks, I feel a deep connection and sense of belonging. It’s a space where my thoughts are valued, surrounded by people who truly understand me. The fandom also becomes a safe space for us members to unleash our emotions, whether positive or negative, instead of suppressing them. This can range from celebrating their artists’ achievements together to sharing and relating personal problems. Inspired by the idol groups to stick as a team, we strive to be there for one another, ensuring the positive well-being of all by loving and caring for every member.
Besides, fans are essentially entrusted with the decision-making role, where they have the voting power to decide on the musical and non-musical output of their favourite artists. An example of this involves rookie girl group tripleS, where fans get to vote for their desired sub-unit lineups and pick the title track for their next album through Grand Gravity events on Cosmo, the group’s official app. Other instances involve deciding on fandom names, light stick designs, and variety show content. As they become proactive in expressing their liking and involve themselves more in the community, they also take up a role within the fandom through fandom activities, ranging from group admins, channel coordinators, designers, organisers, streamers and more. Being entrusted with roles comes with responsibilities, which increases their commitment to their fan interest. The commitment and dedication in rooting for their favourite artists instil a profound sense of purpose and motivation, which steadily enriches their happiness over time.
Comfort and companionship
Self-produced variety content such as Going Seventeen and Run BTS have become fan favourites, accompanying them
through tough times.
Just as fans support their favourite idols, idols provide support directly and indirectly to their fans in the form of comfort and companionship. Youths like myself struggle with challenges during different phases in life. Some may find it hard to open up to friends and families due to fear of judgement, being a burden or other reasons. During these situations, they turn to their idols for help. Drawing from personal experiences or others, idols share hopeful messages and advice to fans through their live streams, fan cafe and fan app community boards, one-on-one online fan meetings and physical fan meetings. Comforted by the people they look up to, fans will feel encouraged to overcome their hardships one step at a time. Sol was saved by these very words from Sun Jae, “Thank you for being alive. The ones by your side will thank you for that, so stay alive today, because it’s nice outside,” (who else cried during this scene because I sure bawled my eyes out 😭).
Moreover, fans find solace and companionship in immersing themselves in the music, variety shows, and other content of their favourite artists. Beyond mere entertainment, these mediums offer a refuge for relaxation and temporary escape, while also empowering fans to navigate their daily lives. Take, for example, Seventeen's tracks like 'Kidult' and 'Cheers to Youth,' which resonate with youth by imparting messages of resilience, self-forgiveness, and embracing the present moment. Moreover, variety programs such as BTS' 'Run BTS' and Seventeen's 'Going Seventeen' inject excitement into fans' weekly routines with their humorous sketches and engaging games, showering their stressful days with laughter and joy. I cannot stress enough how I instantly feel so much better after laughing out loud at the members' antics. Plus, the anticipation of new releases from these artists not only adds excitement but also serves as a reminder that, despite physical distance, they will always be there for their fans. This sense of connection helps alleviate feelings of loneliness and, consequently, reduces the risk of depression and anxiety.
K-pop transcends from being a genre of music, but an effective agent that contributes to the positive mental health of youths, as portrayed in Lovely Runner. Aside from finding refuge and solace in the harmonies and messages of their favourite idols, youths can discover a pathway to self-expression, community and resilience. In this day and age, K-pop has become the medicine for the mind and soul, playing a part in fighting the inner demons of youth.
By
Amanda Lee,
Journalist,
Charisma Movement 23/24
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