I have been a fan of Kpop Groups since the 2nd gen. It is exciting to see more people love the music I grew up listening to. A decade ago, K-pop (the music and even wearing a Kpop outfit) was not popular. However, there are friends of mine who have liked Korean pop and culture for as long (or longer) as I had (around 2008+). And these friends got some of the best Kpop collections that I have seen!
Why we liked Kpop
Each country has its own best singers. We have a lot here in our country too! But the appeal that Kpop had at the time when Hallyu (Korean Wave) was gaining momentum for me was about the personality of the group members and the amazing choreography.
I became a fan when content was only available in 360P and at least 3 parts on Youtube. Back then, Kpop groups and their fans were not competing about views and streams and it is more common to like more groups without worrying about fan wars.
Kpop became an escape from a busy life. I used to like songs based on the tune and melody even if I do not understand the lyrics. It means that the song itself resonated with me even before I searched for the romanized and translated meaning.
Kpop Experience
My fondest Kpop experience is concerts. My first concert was Super Junior’s Super Show II. I was a high school student then and I got Gen Ad tickets which I funded from saving my baon.
VIP Standing - Super Show 2013. Holding Henry Lau banner
Years later, I got to watch another Super Show when I was in college. That time, I was able to save enough money to afford VIP Standing tickets and it was one of the highlights of my senior year in college.
Some fans wait at NAIA or the Manila international airport flights and landing info of the idols to give them a warm welcome. I wanted to be ‘team airport’ too, but I was not an expert in commuting to and from the airport then. However, fuel prices in the Philippines will also hinder me from being ‘team airport’ now 😭
KPOP MERCH
Being a part of a fandom can tempt one to collect items such as Kpop albums, light sticks, and merchandise (clothing, bags, key rings, and more!)
I got the amazing chance to meet my high school batch mate and she is one of the most prolific Kpop album collectors I know. I thought at first that she was just a YG Entertainment stan but when I saw her collection, I realized that she is also a 2nd-gen multi stan and her collection is abundant!
You can take a look at her collection here. Please leave a comment on the video if you find an album of the Kpop group you stan!
Which of these kpop lightsticks do you recognize?
I can identify those of GOT7, Blackpink, BIG BANG, Lee Hi, and Red Velvet.
Images and Videos from Mae Anne Abad.
HEALTH + TIME + MONEY
When reminiscing about my active fangirling days, I had a quick catch-up with my friend (different from the Kpop collector mentioned above) whom I attended two concerts with!
When we were younger, we had a lot of time and great health, but not enough money.
Now that we are older (young professionals), the situation has somehow reversed. We earn our own money now. But the time for leisure is scarce and our bodies can’t keep up with standing in mosh pits and crowded areas anymore.
Here is a quick guide on how “unnie” Kpop stans save money to buy Kpop merch and concert tickets.
Check out the 60-20-20 rule on how you can support your bias while also setting up a long-term fund for yourself.
60% for needs
20% leisure
20% for savings
For example, my college allowance from before (2013-ish)
Php 1000 allowance every week x4 = Php 4000 monthly
60% - for needs: 2400
20% - for leisure – 800 (kpop / fun budget)
20% - for school needs if needed – 800
I lived in a dorm so I did not spend on transportation costs.
If you are already earning, you can plug your numbers above then use them to sustain your mid- and long-term goals just like this example below!
Want to learn more about creating your leisure funds? I want to help you create a solid personal financial ladder!
About France Afulugencia Coach France is a Sun Life Macaulay Club member (Sun Life's elite advisors all over the country). A personal finance advocate, she dreams of helping clients achieve their personal goals through habit building. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Santo Tomas and worked as a senior marketing and public relations associate before being a full-time financial advisor.
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