I've waited 4 YEARS to say this -
Yeah, not very eloquent but I don't care.
Music represents different things for all of us, but there's probably always a song that will remind you of a key moment of your past. A song that may be flawed but is precious to you for reasons unknown. Or maybe it's the artist themselves that have spoken to your very soul that endears them to you.
There have only been 2 groups that I care for on a personal level. My interest for them stems further than just their music. Sometimes I think it's unhealthy to care for an artist beyond their music and take an interest to other aspects of their lives; but it's part of the fan culture breed in kpop. The way in which kpop is conducted unconsciously creates this belief that you share a certain bond with an artist. This probably explains why some fans are willing to spend most of their income (if not all) and time on these artists. (I'll stop here or else I'll ramble on. Maybe I'll make a post about my insight of kpop another day)
Anyway, SHINHWA and DBSK are the only groups that I care for on an intimate level. I follow many other groups but Shinhwa and DBSK will always have my loyalty. Sure, things are complicated with DBSK right now, but when they come back, I'll be there to cheer them on. Which is exactly the case for Shinhwa right now.
They have been inactive for 4 years, and in terms of kpop that's a lifetime. Most groups can't survive unless they do continuous promotions in kpop; which I believe is due to the fast-paced and ever-changing world of kpop. Fans have short attention spans because kpop is just saturated with idols right now. If you disappear, another will surely come to replace you. To last in kpop, you need to be unique and stand out among your fellow peers.
And well, Shinhwa definitely fits that criteria at least. But it's what Shinhwa has gone through, together, that has me loyal to them. They will always have my respect and admiration.
This is how my adoration for Shinhwa began.
I was around 9-10 years old when I was first introduced to Shinhwa. Their existence was made known thanks to my cousins who were into kpop at that time. They shared with me songs from many other groups that are now considered legends by today's standards. However, they were just another idol group back then.
Out of all the songs that I heard, it was Shinhwa's Perfect Man that I took a strong liking too. And that, my friends, is how my love affair for them began. It shouldn't be too surprising when I admit that despite whatever awesome new material Shinhwa may ever release, Perfect Man will stand at the top as my favourite song. It will stand there, full of pride, and serve as a reminder of all the sentimental feelings and memories that is attached to it.
Of course, one song does not warrant undying and unconditional love. (This is probably where the kpop fan culture comes into play). My love for them was cemented when I started having access to their appearances on variety shows and reading articles about them. Through these various medias, I saw for myself their souls laid bear for anyone who cared to see. I saw just how much their group and members meant to them that they went through extremes to protect and save what they deem as the most precious thing in their lives. They fought for everything most groups took for granted and against everyone who didn't believe in them.
It is for their perseverance, music and brotherhood (which is so much more than fanservice) that I hold them with utmost adoration and awe.
Therefore, after 4 years serving their country, they are back. And this girl right here is one freaking happy fangirl.
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