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. Arlyn is the next fan to answer our questions. She is from the Philippines and is a fan of The Rose, and particularly of WooSung. Check out how they entered the fandom, the songs and content they advise to new fans, and much more! Can you introduce yourself? Where are you from? Hello, I’m Arlyn but all my K-Pop friends/mutuals often call me KimJi, she/her. I’m from the Philippines but am currently residing in Taiwan for work. How and when did you enter the fandom? Unlike many Black Roses out there, I was not there when they debuted. I joined the fandom a week after their lawsuit, when they were in the lowest point of their career. In their hiatus era, I started knowing about them through the hashtags #WeWillWaitTHEROSE #WeStandWithTHEROSE. It was honestly hard to stay and be one of their Black Roses, and it took me 2 weeks to consider myself a Black Rose, because I kept questioning myself, “If I stay, what could I do for them? They’re on hiatus.” I see all members posting about the lawsuit in their SNS, and it was heartbreaking. But then, they made me stay. On their 1000th day from debut celebration, WooSung’s message to Black Roses made me stay and wait- “I can’t say anything rather than thank you. I miss you guys a lot and I cherish you guys a lot too. I don’t know how to express it so that my words can reach you but, I love you. Just wait.” What are the reasons why you love your favorite group? The reasons why I love The Rose is that their music is so unique for me. Like each song has a deep meaning and reason to touch your heart and soul, whatever situations you’re at. They can convey it to fans through music and the members themselves are great people. Who caught your attention at first and why? It’s WooSung. I’m weak to those people with monolid eyes. And the first photo of him that I saw, he had perm hairstyling and I couldn’t manage to ignore him. He’s so mysterious but once you get to know him, he’s easy to read 😂. Who is your bias, and why? Bias, it is same. It’s Kim WooSung, because of his raspy voice, which is so unique in this industry. It a voice that can make your knees soft like noodles and jelly. Can you recommend a title track and a B-side track for new fans? I highly recommended their debut song ‘Sorry’ and ‘RED’. ‘RED’, if you’re feeling lost and not seeing yourself doing things you wanted. Just be red, be yourself.
For B-side tracks, I recommend ‘She’s In The Rain’ and ‘I. L. Y.’. If you’re feeling broken, these songs will assure you that you aren’t alone that love still there, existing. Also ‘California’ is a song that will remind you to enjoy life while it last the way you want it.
Can you recommend a fancam, V Live, cover video, cover dance, or individual content video of your bias to our readers? I highly recommended their cover of ‘ILYSB’ of LANY performed in “Concert Culture Warehouse” in KBS YouTube Channel. This cover brought many Black Roses into the fandom. I am happy I witnessed it 🥺. And all “WooSung Psychological Counseling Center” videos on VLIVE are my fave.
Can you share with us one of your favorite lyrics? My favourite lyrics is from ‘She’s In The Rain’ song- “It’s better to be held than holding on”. Then from ‘I. L. Y.’, “I love you, our love is true”. Are there any words from the members you would like to share? WooSung once said in his “WooSung Psychological Counseling Center” V Live, “From small to big things if you look for happiness, there’s a lot to find”. For me, happiness shouldn’t be measured, just enjoy it and appreciate it. Can you describe your bias in only one word? Aesthetic! Can you share a fun episode that only fans from your fandom know to readers? Oh, there’s one episode of “WooSung Psychological Counseling Center” in V Live, where he was telling a story about his dream- that there was a ghost and he imitated himself running and shouting “Halmoni” (grandmother). I found it hilarious, and it was a cute side of him. If you have a chance to cook for the group, what will you cook for them? Shrimp sour soup with Tamarind (“Sinigang sa Sampalok”) first came to my mind but I have allergies with seafood, sorry boys😩. So I’ll go for Filipino Native Chicken Soup (“Tinola”) with native papaya fruit and wild chili leaves. Please look for this food once you visit Philippines again. If you can spend a day with your bias, where will you go and what will you do? A day with WooSung? The scenery would be like this, lake or waterfalls, surrounded with greens. There’s a tree to rest and cover us from sun’s rays. There would be a basket of food and drinks for a day, a picnic blanket to lay down. We will just spend the whole day there, appreciating the nature and the silence. I guess WooSung will need that. Name a variety show/content show that you would love to see your bias on? Tell us why. I would love to see them in “Men on a Mission” or “Running Man”. Why? Because many do watch these shows. They need to know The Rose exists and they can showcase their talents and crazy sides in these shows, if ever. What do you have in common with your favourite idol? Same with WooSung, we both like to stay at home, we love the company of ourselves 😂. Funny, but I think I can’t live life not eating rice even for a day. WooSung loves to eat rice. If you could write a book about your bias, what would the first and last lines be? The first line would be: “I’m lost in crowd, heard that soothing voice, meet that monolid eyes who speaks through heart …” The last line would be: … “I can be the last pack, I can be the last petals, up to last beat of this heart… I’ll be your wolfpack, I’ll be your Black Rose.” What is your favorite group/bias’ influence on your daily life? Well, The Rose’s music accompany me from the day I discovered them up to now, because I’ve been away home for almost 5 years because of pandemic, but I’m still here. What is your favorite side of fangirling/fanboying? As a Black Rose, and as I have a fan account in IG and Twitter (@iheartwoosung25), I’m happy if they notice me and they really do, especially WooSung, many times. I really wish to attend their concert one day.🥰 Have you ever made a new friend because of K-Pop? YES, I’m so grateful knowing them, ITALY SQUAD, I have few BRoses (Black Roses) with me, where we stream together when it’s needed the most. SHOUT OUT to my WOLFPACKS GC😂 and to Black Rose Garden Facebook group admins and members, and to those I chat with, especially KBroses (Korean Black Roses), it’s me, @iheartwoosung25. I am happy to get in touch with y’all… I Rose Y’all! Let’s walk same path with The Rose and be their last petals … 🥰❤️🖤🥀 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)? Luckily, The Rose are active now, doing things they want, not holding back like before. They’re free. I am happy for the fandom which is one of the peaceful fandom that exists in K-Pop world. The KBRoses (Korean Black Rose) that I get in touch with are kind and friendly. Arlyn’s message to WooSung: To WooSung… You said, JUST WAIT… and I’LL DO WAIT for y’all. I survived the hiatus era with your music. I’ve been saying this for so many times… PLEASE KNOW THAT Y’ALL ARE LOVED, AND THAT YOUR BLACK ROSES ARE HERE TO LOVE AND SUPPORT, ALWAYS. Can’t wait for the healing from a comeback album. I ROSE Y’ALL ❤️🥀🖤. Thank you for answering our questions, Arlyn. 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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