From naming forests and charity work in their name, fans, especially K-Pop fans, go above and beyond in celebrating their idols. The list of 'what fans would do for their idols' goes on-and-on. This time we were fortunate enough to sit down with a couple idols while they shared heartwarming stories about some of their most dedicated and loyal fans.
Below are some confessions of the idols that we talked to. As a disclaimer, the pictures do not depict the actual idols . The idols wish to remain anonymous.
1. I LOVE YOU ALL <3
"To be completely honest, I love all my fans. I wouldn't be where I am right now without them. When I'm feeling down, I look towards my fans for encouragement. My fans give me the motivation to work harder, to practice harder, and to perform harder. As long as my fans enjoy what I'm doing, that is enough for me. I love every single one of you guys."
2. Enduring harsh weather conditions ??
"The thing that melts my heart the most is when I see my fans waiting for me, through rain or shine, cold or hot. Seeing their dedication makes me want to give back to them. The only thing I know how to do is perform; I want to show them my appreciation through my music and my performances.
If given the chance, I would like to wait for you to get out of school or work or from anyplace too!"
3. A touch of thoughtfulness
"For me personally, I hate the cold and I get sick easily during the winters. During one of our evening events, I remember being outside, shivering in the cold, when a fan came up to me and offered me her jacket. She had even prepared handwarmers for me! I remember her saying, 'Unni, please keep warm and don't get sick!' Events like these will always have a special place in my heart."
4. Words of encouragement
"Being an idol is tough. All the traveling and practicing eventually catches up to you. Sometimes I even ask myself why I'm doing any of this. But whenever I get to this point, there is always that one fan that knows exactly what to say to bring me back up. I specifically remember a time when a fan left me a note saying, 'Oppa, I know you're probably exhausted, but you were great on stage today. I want you to know that I will always be cheering you on.' Its these one on one connections that I make with my fans that keeps me motivated and on top of my game."
5) Savior during my trainee days
"Till this day, I still remember this one special fan of mine. It may sound cheesey but you can truly say she was an angel sent from heaven. During my trainee days, my mother and father worked long hours, day and night, barely getting any sleep just to provide for me. Coming from a poor family, there have been many nights where I would go to sleep with an empty stomach. I remember on my birthday, I was walking home on the outskirts of Hongdae after practice, starving and broke. A girl recognized me and came up to me saying, 'Happy birthday oppa! You look really tired. Let me treat you to some dinner!' I remember eating that day, feeling truly blessed. Somehow, all the hardships that I endured that day magically disappeared."
6. Defenders!
"As an idol, I receive a lot of hate and criticism. I feel like sometimes people forget we're human beings just like them. We make mistakes here and there. We aren't perfect. And as a human being, we also have feelings as well. Unfortunately, when I break down, I let these things get to me. Even though we have been trained to look past the negativity, sometimes I can't help but take them personally. But with the bad, there is always the good. When I least expect it, my true fans ride out. Like a knight in shining armor, there is always one fan who will take on all my hate and criticism and defend my every move. Seeing this makes me realize, I'm not perfect and I can't please everyone, but there are people who love what I do. For my true fans I just want to say this: 'Everything I do is for you guys.'"
7. Gifts
"They say that food is the key to an idol's heart. Yes, I will admit it's true. Whether it be foods or presents, my fans have always gone the extra mile to make me feel special. My fans have fed me well throughout my career and have also sent me a fair share of expensive gifts. While I am thankful, nothing stands out more than a handwritten note or a custom photo album that you know required some time to put together. Really, nothing makes me tear up more than seeing a fan who will dedicate so much thought and time into his or her gift. My fans feed me and give me gifts. What more could I ask for?"
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