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. Fresa from Ecuador is the next fan to answer our questions. She is a fan of MONSTA X and more particularly of KiHyun and HyungWon! 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? My name is Fresa, a latina MONBEBE from Ecuador, South America! I’m a college student, work full time and also dedicate my free time to run @kihyunjournal, which is a Twitter account dedicated to KiHyun and MONSTA X. How and when did you enter the fandom? I entered the fandom in July 2020, MONSTA X was actually my quarantine distraction! I found them through a video posted by Hello82 titled “MONSTA X, the legendary latino K-Pop group”. Since I’m a latina, the video drew my attention a lot. I already knew about MONSTA X from one of my best friends, who was a MONBEBE, but back then I wasn’t really into K-Pop. Until I watched this video. My friend, knowing that I’m latina and speak Spanish, sent me this video where MONSTA X play a whisper challenge game but in Spanish. That’s how they got me. The video is so funny and entertaining that I remember thinking “Even if I listen to their music and dislike it, I still could find myself becoming a fan” because they were just so funny and cute that I was CHARMED. Thankfully, the music was not a problem. After watching that video I listened to their discography and I fell in love. Their music is on another level and I was shocked at how much I was missing and wishing that I had met them sooner. I owe my MONBEBE friend, who very sneakily got me into Monsta X with that video, absolutely everything, because MONSTA X changed my life in the best possible way. What are the reasons why you love your favorite group? I love MONSTA X because they’re funny, extremely talented, SO passionate and caring of their MONBEBEs and because they make me genuinely happy. I was at a bad place when I found MONSTA X and as corny as it sounds they really helped me feel happy and find enjoyment in things again. They’re my safe space. Who caught your attention at first and why? MinHyuk was the first member that caught my attention because he’s just so handsome, I was captivated by his visuals but also by his sense of humor. In that same video I mentioned before he was so funny and quick witted, it’s imposible not to be drawn to him. Who is your bias, and why? KiHyun and HyungWon are my main and ultimate biases. I never choose one over the other because they’re equally important to me. Though the first of the two that I biased was KiHyun. He’s my bias because of multiple reasons: he’s so incredibly talented. He’s the main vocalist of MONSTA X and he always makes sure to prove the reason why he bears that title. His voice is so perfect: soft when he needs it to be, strong and loud other times. His vocal range is crazy, he can hit the lower and highest notes that you can imagine; it is honestly a pleasure of mine to just sit and listen to his voice and singing. Another reason is because of how caring he is. I think I can safely say he’s the sweetest and most caring idol. He checks fancafe almost every day, reads letters from MONBEBEs and answers them sincerely, gives us advice or comfort if we ask for it. He’s so genuine and caring it makes my heart feel so full. I think these are the 2 main reasons, but there’s many many more. He’s just such an all around wonderful person, it makes me feel proud to be his fan. About why HyungWon is my bias, that’s also very easy to explain: he’s an all rounder idol. He’s a singer, one of my favorite voices ever, he’s a DJ, an actor, a composer and songwriter, an incredible and captivating lead dancer… I really think he’s got it all. He’s such a core member for MONSTA X nowadays, which among some people might be an unpopular opinion, but this is something I strongly believe in. All members are important, really. But I believe HyungWon deserves a lot more credit and appreciation than he’s given. He’s an incredible all around artist and I’m also very proud to be his fan. Can you recommend a title track and a B-side track for new fans? Oof, that’s a tough question. For title track I think I would recommend their most recent comeback: ‘LOVE’, from the mini album “Shape of Love”. I think that ever since JooHeon (JooHoney) started composing the title tracks for MONSTA X their music has taken a new direction which keeps the essence of what MONSTA X’s sound has always been but with a different approach, a more musical and creative maturity. With every title track they always find a way to keep it interesting and new, rather than following trends, they set the trends themselves, and I think that’s very valuable. For B-side track I would recommend ‘Nobody Else’, from their 3rd full album “Fatal Love”. This is the first song composed and written by HyungWon that was added to a MONSTA X album and it’s one of my favorite songs of all time. Overall, “Fatal Love” has some of my favorite MONSTA X songs ever, but specially ‘Nobody Else’ is a song that I would never get tired of, no matter how many times I listen to it (which has been, well… A lot). Can you recommend a fancam, V Live, cover video, cover dance, or individual content video of your bias to our readers? About KiHyun I think I should recommend his solo debut song called ‘Voyager’. KiHyun’s debut perfectly captured the essence of who he is as an artist and the music that he likes, it’s one of my favorite songs ever. Please support his solo music and look forward to his comeback, I think it could be coming sooner than we think! About HyungWon I would recommend the variety comedy show he does with MinHyuk called “INSSA OPPA”. It’s one of the funniest shows I’ve ever watched and it puts me in such a good mood, they never fail to get a laugh (or many) out of me. Can you also do the same type of recommendation for the group? Group wise I think one of my favorite variety shows is “Twotuckbebe” or “Newtroland”, both of these are shows they made for their collaboration with their exclusive brand TWOTUCKGOM. These shows are so lighthearted and sweet and I think they’re perfect for new fans that want to see what each of the members are like. Can you share with us one of your favorite lyrics? One of my favorite lyrics is this, from ‘Lost in the Dream’, another one of my favorite MONSTA X songs ever: “Every night I look for you, wandering in the same dream I want to stop but I can’t escape It starts when the moon rises Nights that always repeat” What is your favorite group/bias’ influence on your daily life? They bring me happiness. They have also brought me best friends for life. I’ve met so many people that I hold very close to my heart thanks to MONSTA X. The people I call my best friends in the world are all MONBEBE, even a very special person that is my best friend is a MONBEBE and I’m forever thankful to MONSTA X for helping me making these connections with people that share my love for this group. Fresa’s message to MONSTA X: Lastly, I want to tell MONSTA X that I love them, even if they never actually read this. I don’t think I’ll ever have the chance to see them in concert, considering where I live, but just by doing this interview and putting into words what they mean to me has been enough to make me happy. I hope one day I can tell them directly but for now: thank you, my MONSTA X. I love you so very much, and I hope and pray for your continuous success and happiness every single day. Thank you for answering our questions, Fresa. 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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