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’ 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. Sol from Argentina is the next fan to answer our questions. She is a fan of SF9, and particularly of YoungBin! 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, my name is Sol and I am from Argentina. In my social networks, they know me as @EsposaDeBin. How and when did you enter the fandom? I entered the fandom in April 2021 after watching “KINGDOM: LEGENDARY WAR”, a program where SF9 participated. What are the reasons why you love your favorite group? I love them because from the first moment I could see their talent and their desire to work. As I got to know them, I realized that they are very hardworking, talented and kind. Who caught your attention at first and why? The leader of SF9 caught my attention when I first saw them. He had a warm smile and a very cute way of walking. Who is your bias, and why? Kim YoungBin is my bias, not only because of what I mentioned before, but because as time went by I could see the kind, shy, polite side of him, and above all things, the hardworking and paternal side of him taking care of the young members- that makes him charming. Can you recommend a title track and a B-side track for new fans? I would like to recommend ‘Good Guy’ as this song represents SF9 and FANTASY. And as for B-side, I would like to recommend ‘Go High’ since it motivates me to work with the fandom. Can you recommend a fancam, V Live, cover video, cover dance, or individual content video of your bias to our readers? I recommend them to watch YoungBin’s ‘S.P.M’ MV on SF9’s official channel. There you will see the best version of him rapping and dancing. Can you also do the same type of recommendation for the group? Although there are many videos of SF9, one of my favorites is their performance of ‘RPM’ in “Inkigayo”. The strength, the message and their dance is a hit of energy. Can you share with us one of your favorite lyrics? “Let me take your hand I will sit by your side, you shine from far away, thanks for your love” - ‘Shine Together’ ‘Shine Together’ is a very important song for FANTASYs because of its message and because it reflects what unites us with SF9. Are there any words from the members you would like to share? Bin (YoungBin) always says, “Good job, you did well” even when things don’t go as planned. He always encourages us to continue because in the end, beyond the result, working hard without any regrets is the most important thing. What is your favorite group/bias’ influence on your daily life? SF9 fills me with energy and desire to do better. They are a family working together and they never lose their smile. They always have words of encouragement for their followers and their example of humility and dedication fills me with pride and desire to be a better person. What is your best souvenir with your favorite group until now? My best memory is the last online concert that SF9 did before 2 members went to military service. That day was very moving for everyone and what I liked the most is that I was able to listen to the song by my bias YoungBin and InSeong live … It was the first time they sang it before going to military service. Can you describe your bias in only one word? Yes, the word that describes YoungBin is PASSION. If you are collecting goods, what is your most precious treasure? My most precious object is the first album I was able to buy, “RUMINATION”. If you have a chance to cook for the group, what will you cook for them? I would cook Empanadas. It is a typical food from my country that I am sure YoungBin would love. If you can spend a day with your bias, where will you go and what will you do? I would take him to Salta, a province in my country where there are mountains of colors and a beautiful landscape… I don’t know if he tried mountain climbing before but I think he would be a good companion for that. Do you have a dream subunit/unit? I would like a collaboration of SF9 with iKON. I think they would do a great job together. Name a variety show/content show that you would love to see your bias on? Tell us why. I would like to see them on the show “Men on a Mission”. I find it a very funny show and the SF9 members will laugh a lot. What is your favourite way of communicating with your bias? My favorite way to communicate with my bias is through UNIVERSE. It’s an app to talk to your idol, and even though he can’t answer because he’s in the military, he can read my message, so I always write to him and tell him about FANTASY and how much we miss him. What do you have in common with your favourite idol? I think that what Bin (YoungBin) and I have in common is our love for music, for teamwork, and the firm conviction that dreams come true with effort. Is your bias different while performing and in real life? What is your reaction to the difference (if there’s any)? Kim YoungBin is the same on and off camera… He is transparent and that is one of the things that makes me love and respect him. What is your favorite side of fangirling/fanboying? My favorite side of being an SF9 fan is meeting and working with other FANTASY to support them. We became like a family who, in addition to supporting the group, helps and cares for each other. 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)? As the world of K-Pop is very competitive, there are often misunderstandings but it is better not to pay attention to them and to continue on our way. FANTASYs know SF9 the best so that’s more than enough, but if I had to think of a negative, it would be that they don’t get the recognition they deserve due to lack of publicity. Those who see their work will realize what I’m talking about. They have talent, dedication, good music and they are family. Sol’s message to SF9: SF9, I’m so proud of you! You are the best example of consistency and perseverance. Even in hard times, you make me smile so I hope to return that much love to you. Thank you for filling my life with good music and good energy. Let’s grow together… FANTASY won’t let go of your hand, so don’t let go of our hands too. Thank you for answering our questions, Sol. Note: Kpopmap Fan Interview includes 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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