For the past two years or so, the interaction between K-Pop idols and fans has been limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Artist schedules, which are usually directly supported by fans on the spot, must go through an intermediary in the form of electronic media.
But now the world is getting better along with the decline in the number of COVID-19 patients. This atmosphere slowly makes the long-missed moments of K-Pop idols and fans reappear. What are the moments in question? Come on!
1. Fan Support at the Weekly Music Show
Music Bank is a pioneer in providing seats for the audience to support idols who are promoting their new songs after the pandemic has decreased.
Music Bank began to provide access for fans to come to the studio starting from the beginning of May 2022. This decision was also followed by music shows Music Core, Inkigayo, and M Countdown in stages.
Fanchant and cheers from fans who have been missed make idols even more excited to show their best performance. On the other hand, fans also feel happier when watching idol performances live.
2. Interaction Between Idols at the End of Music Show Stage
So far, K-Pop idols are known to like to show their closeness to fellow idols other than members of the same group. Before the pandemic hit, this interaction was often shown by idols during the last segment of music shows where all the artists who came were asked to come on stage during the weekly winner nomination reading.
Although the main focus is on the winning candidate, sometimes other idols' closeness moments also look like greeting each other and talking. Not only that, some idols also don't hesitate to show closeness to the winner before doing the encore which sometimes makes fans nervous.
3. Fansign Offline
After a long time of always undergoing online fansigns to support the latest album, now some idols have started holding offline fansigns with fans.
The offline fansign in the midst of this pandemic was initially spearheaded by the girl group Lovelyz during the promotion of the last album before disbanding, namely Unforgettable at the end of 2020, equipped with health protocols and a limited number of fans.
However, since the number of the pandemic has decreased, several idol groups such as Kep1er, Super Junior, IVE, and other idols have slowly started to participate in holding offline fansigns for the release of the latest album this year to have direct interaction with fans.
4. Offline Concert
Earlier this year, K-Pop idol groups began to dare to hold offline concerts both at home and abroad after making sure that conditions were safe.
But there is a challenge that fans must face, namely not being allowed to scream during concerts. To bring excitement to the concert, NUE'ST in its last concert provided new innovations in the form of an applause guide and SEVENTEEN launched percussion instrument merchandise instead of fanchant calls.
However, recently the regulation has been revoked so that fans are allowed to scream in support of idol performances on the concert stage as happened at WINNER's latest concert.
5. Fashion Airport
In line with several idol groups that have released concert schedules and activities abroad, the fashion style at the airport has not escaped the public's attention. The media and fans are ready to wait for the artist's arrival at the airport to capture the fashion style and spirit of the idol group who is carrying out their activities.
In one group, each member usually dresses in his own style that is able to fascinate fans and be inspired to show off as an everyday OOTD.
The longing for the moments of idols and fans above is finally released after approximately 2 years. Now conditions have returned to normal and the interaction between idols and fans is getting closer. Among the rows of moments above, which one do you miss the most?