Seventeen’s Seungkwan opens up about fan culture and idol culture in newest post.

When we begin to get into a new hobby, this hobby can often lie within different industries (such as music, entertainment, movies or films for example) however these hobbies usually have different niches underneath these branches and even sub genres within that hobby. As this community forms within this hobby it is sometimes referred to by some as ‘fandom’. It is the same for those who enjoy the music or are into the K-Pop ‘fandom’. K-Pop is largely lead by some of the most well known companies and artists (including but not limited to): SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, HYBE, BigHit Music + Labels, PLEDIS, FNC Entertainment, StarShip Entertainment, KQ Entertainment/Seven Seasons, S2 Entertainment, PNation, RBW, BE:LIFT, IST Entertainment, Source Music, EDAM Entertainment, Yuehua Entertainment, Fantagio Music and more.

Usually when getting into any hobby no matter what it is or what you are interested in getting into, there will always be negative things either how you view the industry (how some things are done or managed), how a fandom could improve or how the ‘fandom culture’ could improve or change or your own thoughts about the behind the scenes of an industry. Every person has a different reaction of how they handle something, although there will always be negatives its that fresh breath of air of seeing something in a different way or hearing someone within the industry that you love say it makes you think about it a little differently or make you think about it for the first time. 

For many idols especially newly debuted or ‘rookie’ artists in the industry, it can often be hard to speak your mind and protecting your ‘image’ within the scene. Its not always an easy thing to want to say something or speak your own truths in the midst of chaos or whatever it is that is going on, let alone with a positive twist or positive influence. 

Recently, K-Pop fans especially those of various groups have felt hurt and unheard due to the current situation and since the reveal of [ HYBES Industry Trend Reports ]. Newly revealed pages with the focus on music industry weekly trend report that contains detailed analyses written by different industry employees, some including harmful and hateful comments towards certain groups and artists within the industry. Often referred to fans as ‘industry insiders’ due to their important positions at their respective companies. 

In one of his most recent posts over on his Instagram, the beloved singer songwriter, main vocalist, comedian, MC (host) and model Boo Seungkwan would recently reveal his thoughts on the situation asking many to stop hurting one another within all this mess. 

A Carat (Seventeen and Boo Seungkwan’s fandom name/ what they call their fans), have recently shared their rough translations of Seungkwan’s post on October 28th 2024 not to long after the Instagram post. The post gained a whopping amount of likes, comments and bookmarks for previous references for fans. 

Within the post itself, the Carat would mention the following as the rough translation: 

Boo Seungkwan: 

“I don’t want to see us hurting each other anymore. As I’ve watched everything that has happened over time, I kept moving forward with the hope that somehow things would pass, holding back my emotions and working hard with the members, just as I’ve always done. But now, just watching and waiting for the fire to die out is no longer an option. 

For my people who are getting hurt – my fans and my members – and for all my colleagues who are working hard at this very moment, I feel I can no longer remain silent. 

To some, this may seem like meddling, to others a rash statement, but I decided to speak up with courage just once. 

Being a celebrity is a path I choose, and there are parts I must endure since I receive so much love. But I don’t believe its a job where I should have to endure to the point of hurting myself, tearing myself down to the brink of collapse, just to hold on. I simply wanted to do my best and take my responsibility in the role I was given, to repay my fans who love me and to share any positive energy I can offer in various ways. The burden, the pressure, and physical and mental fatigue are honestly beyond what words can express. 

Yet even in this moment we must preserve. Some view things logically, some try to stay positive, and others even when its tough, adapt and endure however they can. Because I chose this path, I am supposed to bear the weight of it, but today, that reason feels so merciless and harsh. 

Some days are bright and others are cloudy; today is particularly cloudy for me. Have I not had days where I tried to focus things positively? Have I not tried to smile, no matter what? But today, its not easy, and I feel heart broken for those who are hurting at this very moment. Its frustrating that I can’t embrace everyone. I wonder if my clumsy words (that?) could resonate with someone or offer comfort to anyone. 

Including my members, the colleagues and friends I know in the large K-Pop industry are people who genuinely love what they do. Because of their deep sincerity, they get hurt, and because of their great love, they sometimes feel empty. But day by day, they live, giving and receiving love for themselves, for their members, for their families and for their fans. This is something I want to make clear: these are not people who live ordinary, easy going lives to be so casually judged and discussed. They have felt pain, they have fallen, and they still push forward with all they have to show their best on stage for their fans. I wish people wouldn’t take idols lightly. 

You don’t have the right to easily involved yourself in our story. This goes not just for us but for other artists too. We are not your commodities. I hope you don’t think you can just use and enjoy us however you like. 

Even with just a week of music shows, all of our energy is drained. On top of that, there are ads, events, concerts, and other schedules. Despite this, nowadays, there are many colleagues who greet me warmly with a smile, even more than I do. Every time I see that, I smile back. That’s all I can offer them. Every time they greet us with a powerful smile, I am grateful for that one moment. Even a line from a message written in an album can lift my spirits on a tiring day. All I want is for everyone to be healthy and free of pain.

I like the challenge culture too. Whether we’re close or not, sharing a video of us dancing together off stage is a small yet beautiful memory for us during the best days of our youth. And if fans are watching it, that’s even better. Even if we don’t know each other, just one word of encouragement after filming saying, ‘Good luck with your activities’, brings warmth. I believe its meaningful and something to be thankful for to meet with respect and be able to offer even a little help.

Thought I should be the first to make an effort, I wish we could all be a little warmer. If we could view, support, and love each other warmly, things might just get a little bit better. I truly dislike watching someone break down and finally let go. I hope we can stop causing wounds we can’t take responsibility for. That’s my earnest wish. I no longer want to see my members, our hardworking colleagues, the dedicated staff and our fans who genuinely care for us, getting hurt. To the fans who continue to love us warmly, I want to say that I’m sorry and that I love you.”

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Within all the issues fans, artists and industry insiders maybe facing at the current moment of time, be the positivity you wish to see. Its the same even when you are online talking to someone you don’t know or supporting someone you don’t really know online. Positivity goes a long way then we care to like to admit.

Seungkwan is apart of the 13 member South Korean boy group ‘Seventeen’ and is currently promoting their newest extended play [ Spill the Feels ], including their title track ‘Love, Money, Fame’ (feat. DJ Khaled’). Check out Seventeen and Seungkwan on your favourite music streaming platform and SNS (Social Media page).