>>214026004
>No one's been able to explain to me what makes k-pop such an all-consuming mind virus for its fans
In Western pop music, you usually just get music, maybe some branding. In K-pop, each group is a franchise: songs, choreography, music videos, fashion, variety show appearances, livestreams, merchandise, even βloreβ or storylines for groups. The fans can engage on dozens of levels. K-pop idols are also trained to interact directly with fans through platforms like Weverse, VLive, Bubble, fancams, and social media. The culture encourages idols to present themselves as approachable, vulnerable, and βfor the fans.β So fans will develop parasocial relationships and feel like theyβre personally invested in their growth. Western celebrities usually keep distance with fans.
Also, K-pop is hyper-produced. It has crazy produced or beautiful MVs, razor-sharp choreography, constant comebacks/releases. Itβs overwhelming in a way that keeps attention locked in. Where Western pop sometimes leans on authenticity and minimalism, K-pop goes for sensory overload.