Rookie K-Poppers Vs. Veteran K-Poppers

Oct 19, 2016

by mayme22

Wherever we are in this rollercoaster ride called K-pop, some of us (ahem) have been on this journey much longer than others. Not to say that’s a bad thing (once a fan always a fan), but as K-pop is ever evolving, so are its fans. Whether you are calling your favorite idols oppa/unnie/noona/hyung, or you are being called that, here are some differences between rookie K-poppers and veteran K-poppers.

Comebacks

ROOKIE:

We have to wait three months for a comeback?

derp-squad-out

VETERAN:

We have to wait three YEARS for a comeback?

With every passing year, it seems idol groups are coming back faster than before. Veteran K-pop fans (and current YG stans) know it’s a miracle when their (WHOLE) beloved group comes back within the same year.

When you talk about K-pop with your friends…

BEFORE:

A: Yea, I really love this group called DBSK.

B: Dibidibi what?

lotsofkpopgifs

That’s not even the right group.

NOW:

A: My favorite jam right now is ‘The Eye’ by this group called INFINITE.

B: OMG HELLO FELLOW INSPIRIT?!

sporcle

Most veteran K-poppers probably identify more with the first scenario, while rookie K-poppers may have only heard stories of the first. With the rise of Psy’s “Gangnam Style,” K-pop has started to become more mainstream. Nowadays, if you throw a stone, you may just hit a potential Starlight, Shawol, or Baby (and let the fangirling commence!).

Fashion Sense

ROOKIE:

WOW what is that hair? Those glasses? Coordi-noonas must not like that idol too much hehe~

alecrinum

VETERAN:

Thank you God that the ’90s and early 2000s have passed and will never, ever come back.

‘Nuff said

Social Media

ROOKIE:

A: YASSS. VIXX’s Hyuk just updated his Instagram again. Gotta go like it~

sataem

VETERAN:

A: *obsessively refreshes Instagram knowing full well their favorite idols are in the military right now and have almost no access to social media*

B: OMG they opened a Twitter account!!! *chorus of “What’s their username?” rises up in forums*

C: Does my idol even know what social media is?

lotsofkpopgifs

Before social media sites like Twitter, idols actively used only Korean sites, such as me2day or Cyworld.

And if you didn’t know Korean…

OTL

Obtaining subbed idol interviews and variety shows

ROOKIE:

Don’t worry! There are tons of subbing groups out there. Someone will sub it soon!

@BTSgoogling

VETERAN:

Okay, Google. What is ‘Ann-yeong-hae-say-yo’ in English?

No results? What if I spelled it this way…

coldmilk

And that’s how it’s done.

With K-pop rising in the mainstream, so has the rise of subbing groups. Veterans still have war flashbacks of desperately scouring YouTube for English subs.

And on a similar vein…