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. Shruti is the next fan to answer our questions. She is from India and is a fan of Stray Kids and more particularly of Bang Chan! 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? Hello! I am Shruti (Instagram: @shrusthetic), an 18 year old STAY from West Bengal, India. How and when did you enter the fandom? Although I knew Stray Kids from ‘God’s Menu’ it was in 2021 during ‘Thunderous’ era that I joined the fandom. I started stanning them after watching a “Chan’s room” V Live. What are the reasons why you love your favorite group? Stray Kids is undeniably one of the best 4th Gen K-Pop groups. Their relatable lyrics, beautiful melodies and addictive choreographies is beyond impressive. They are one of the very few K-Pop groups who write and produce their own music. Bang Chan, their leader is the most credited artist on KOMCA followed by ChangBin and Han. Their creativity, self-produced discography and the ability to deliver the unexpected and unconventional is what makes them special to me. Who caught your attention at first and why? Who is your bias, and why? Bang Chan is the first member to catch my attention. I remember scrolling through reels on Instagram when a video of Chan talking about menstruation comes up. I was pleasantly surprised to see a male K-Pop idol talking openly about periods. It’s not everyday that you see a man talk about something that’s a hush-hush topic, much less a K-Pop idol. But he did. Fearlessly. This prompted me to search him up on Google and ever since then, there’s been no looking back. Who is your bias, and why? Needless to say, Chan is my bias. Not only is he an excellent leader but an all rounder with a heart of gold. His genius and talent never cease to amaze me. I don’t think I will ever be able to pinpoint a reason as to why he is my bias because he is perfect in every aspect. Can you recommend a title track and a B-side track for new fans? A title track I would like to recommend is ‘Back Door’ from their album “In Life”. The song is written and composed by the group’s producing team 3RACHA, consisting of Bang Chan, ChangBin and Han. As for a B-side, the perfect song to recommend would be ‘Mixtape #3’ from the “I am YOU” album. Since a large part of the STAY fandom consists of young people, especially students, this will act as a comfort song for many and give them the motivation to work hard and achieve their goals. Can you recommend a fancam, V-Live, cover video, cover dance, or individual content video of your bias to our readers? I would highly recommend everyone to listen to Bang Chan’s solo song, ‘I Hate To Admit’. It is written, composed, produced and sung by Chan himself. The song is criminally underrated and I can guarantee that everyone will be blown away by his stellar vocals. Can you also do the same type of recommendation for the group? I would recommend the readers to watch Stray Kids’ BTS ‘Dionysus’ cover. As a STAY ARMY it was an absolute delight to watch one of my ult groups covering another ult’s song. The precision and perfection in this cover is everything and more. Can you share with us one of your favorite lyrics? My favourite lyrics would be from the song ‘SSICK’- “Oh yeah I know, that I don’t have anything special; But yeah did you know? That I myself am really special yeah yeah” Are there any words from the members you would like to share? “Wherever you guys are, I’ll be right there next to you”, Bang Chan in one of his V Lives. What is your favorite group/bias’ influence on your daily life? For me Stray Kids feels like “HOME” and Bang Chan, a friend, a comfort place. His weekly V Lives are such a serotinin boost. After a hectic week, his lives are like a warm hug and give me the much needed motivation to start the new week afresh. Their authenticity as artists and their passionate music gives me the confidence and strength to endure through hardships. If I had to name one thing that I learned from Chan then that would be kindness. The way he cares about every single individual around him and puts them before himself shows his compassionate nature. “Be proud of the little demon inside you”, one thing Chan said that will always stick with me. What is your favorite side of fangirling/fanboying? Honestly, I love everything about fangirling! Getting exposed to new music, learning more about different cultures and discovering new artists and their music through “Chan’s room” recommendations are the best part. In addition to that, Stray Kids spoil us with various content like “SKZ Player”, “SKZ Code, 2 Kids Room” and the list goes on! 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)? The group has often faced criticism for their “noise music”. Yet they have time and again delivered top notch performances on songs which are a mix of hip-hop, EDM and their signature spit fire rap. The K-media has credited them as the creators and pioneers of the “Mala taste” genre for their creative and fun way of writing lyrics after ‘God’s Menu’’s success. Their courage to experiment with different genres is what sets them apart and I hope more people start seeing the beauty in their music. You can also add a message to your bias or show it on a message scrapbook. Message to bias- Hey, Chan! No matter how shy you get, we STAYS are always going to call you our “Best Leader”. Thank you for being so dedicated and taking good care of the boys. And most importantly, thank you for being our personal Olaf. I would be lying if I say I don’t wait for the weekends for those “big hugs”. I hope you know that your mere existence gives us a reason to smile, live and maybe love life a little more. Next time you take a Buzzfeed quiz, I really hope the answer to “Do you love yourself?” would be a genuine yes accompanied by that dimpled smile. Sending you lots of warm hugs and caramel filled chocolates. “TILL THE LAST STEP OUT!” From: Shruti ([email protected]), India Thank you for answering our questions, Shruti. 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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