There are K-Pop fans across the globe who share the same passion. But on online platforms, it is hard to know about each other’s stories and K-Pop life. Even if we are in the same fandom, it is hard to get to know each other. So at Kpopmap, we started the Kpopmap Fan Interview Project to get to know more about K-Pop fans from different countries: more about their K-Pop life and tastes and to give them the opportunity to share with our readers about their favorite group(s) and bias. Reese from the US is the next fan to answer our questions. She is a fan of ATEEZ, particularly of HongJoong! Check out how she entered the fandom, the songs and content she advises to new fans, and much more! Can you introduce yourself? Where are you from? Hi, I am Reese, an 18 year old from Indiana, America. How and when did you enter the fandom? I am new to being an ATINY and just recently joined in March. I saw the release of ‘Deja Vu’, but did not become interested until seeing “Kingdom” stages such as ‘Wonderland Symphony No. 9’ and ‘The Real’ performances. What are the reasons why you love your favorite group? Some reasons I adore ATEEZ are because of their unique storyline, powerful stage presence and dancing, hilarious antics on and off stage, and their overall kindness and understanding of professionalism and kindness. Who caught your attention at first and why? The first member to catch my attention was Choi San also known as San, Mountain Choi (his self-proclaimed rapper name), or Sannie. His charismatic and powerful stage presence is what first garnered my attention. Who is your bias, and why? It’s near impossible to choose a bias which is why I bias all 8 members, but any close friend of mine will tell you just how deep my adoration and love for HongJoong is. I call him my ultimate bias for that reason. He’s a proud “Captain”, but he rarely asserts himself over the rest of the group. HongJoong is an ace and one of the sweetest, funniest, most adorable and hardworking person I’ve ever known. Can you recommend a title track and a B-side track for new fans? A title track I would recommend for news fans varies. They explore lots of genres and sounds so for a gentler sound I’d say ‘Wave’ but to see their pure talent and dive head first into their lore I suggest ‘HALA HALA’. For B-sides the same applies so I suggest either ‘Aurora’, written and produced by HongJoong for ATINY. If you’re more into darker tones I highly recommend one of their newer songs ‘Cyberpunk’. Can you recommend a fancam, V Live, cover video, cover dance, or individual content video of your bias to our readers? As previously mentioned my ult is HongJoong so I suggest readers check out his mini series on YouTube called “By HongJoong” where he covers songs by re-producing them and writing his own lyrics to them. ‘Black and White’, ‘Lemon Tree’, and ‘Numb’ are all great examples of this series. I also suggest any HongJoong fancam for ‘The Real’ or ‘Wonderland’ as he effortlessly shows his charisma and leadership throughout these performances. Can you also do the same type of recommendation for the group? ATEEZ as a group covered ‘Black Cat Nero’ which was originally done by Turbo on “Immortal Song”. This is one of their best covers so much so that Kim JongKook and Turbo handed rights of the song to them in order for a music video to be made and the cover to be put on streaming platforms such as Spotify. One video that got me into ATEEZ and introduced me to ATEEZ personality-wise was their “Wired” interview where they answer the webs most searched questions, so I highly suggest new fans watch that! Can you share with us one of your favorite lyrics? “Isn’t it embarrassing to keep copying and copying, Here I’ll show you double of that, Before we know it it’s all similar, the talent is overflowing like crazy, Compliment you twice as much, This is how I got too many twins, I’m proud, everyone fighting, Like always, we’ll keep dancing to our own moves, So try to follow me (Like this!).” This is easily one of my favorite lyrics written and performed by Kim HongJoong himself. It seems from early on ATEEZ and their “Captain” have known of their talent and power which shines through in ‘To The Beat’. Are there any words from the members you would like to share? Choi San once said, “If someone hurts you for no reason, do the same to them. You don’t have to be considerate.” In this statement San encourages us to look out for our well being and safety when someone needlessly hurts ATINY. I will always respect him for that, and I hope he follows his own advice. What is your favorite group/bias’ influence on your daily life? My favorite influence when stanning ATEEZ is their constant ability to give me hope. Even when I’m not listening to their music or watching their content I know they are always cheering me on beside me. Their music which speaks of adventures and capturing goals without giving up gives me strength I need in dark times to always move forward. What is your favorite side of fangirling/fanboying? Fangirling is often highly disparaged simply because it is mainly women/femmes/non-men who partake in the culture, but there are so many things to enjoy about it. Making friendships with people who share and understand my love of my favorite groups is one of the biggest ones for me. Do you feel there are any misunderstandings, things that are not well known, or any prejudices about your favorite group from other fans (non-fans)? There are lots of incorrect information and assumptions out on the internet that I would like to clear up about ATEEZ. First and foremost NO members choked one another during a game of Mafia. It was banned because members would play late into the night getting almost no rest. Any and all “rules” you’ve heard of were for trainee days and are now null. ATEEZ do not overdance or over express themselves on stage. Their story is extremely emotional and dark if non-fans would do the slightest bit of research they should know this, and the characters ATEEZ present on stage are perfectly presented. Reese’s message for HongJoong: To Kim HongJoong, You may never know me, but I am Reese an 18 year old baby ATINY who’s sadly known you a short time. Despite my late arrival I will be here for the rest of my life cheering you and ATEEZ on passionately. HongJoong you are one of the most talented, funniest, sweetest people I know and I wish you could hear this from me everyday because you deserve to. I hope you never lose the pure joy and passion for music and producing that you have because I know it makes you incredibly happy. Always stay safe, healthy, and happy, ~Reese Thank you for answering our questions, Reese. Note: Kpopmap Fan Interview included some of the interviewed fan’s favorite pictures. If you are interested in joining Kpopmap Fan Interview Project, please get in touch with us at [email protected] Everyone is welcome to participate.
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