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. Chels is the next fan to answer our questions. She is from the Philippines and is a fan of TREASURE, and particularly of JunKyu. 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? Hi my name is Chels (I’m more comfortable with it than my real name) and I’m from the Philippines. How and when did you enter the fandom? I knew them since YGTB (“YG TREASURE BOX”). I saw it in an article first but my friend is really the one who influence me to watch it and that’s how it started. I voted for my my faves and watch every stage of the boys. I also remember how I cried for the final stage. What are the reasons why you love your favorite group? I love them because they are TREASURE- 12 boys who are all rounders, good in variety skills, and they make your day brighter when you received an update from them through Weverse, Twitter or any social media platform. In simple terms, the 12 boys are TREASURE MAKERs’ protector hehehe. Who caught your attention at first and why? Actually two members caught my attention first during YGTB- JunKyu and Haruto because of YGTB episode 2. JunKyu (my sunshine^^) caught my attention the moment he started singing. I remember how nervous I was that time because he was nervous too. But wow, the moment he opened his mouth to sing, I was mesmerized already and got drawn to him. His aura and stunning visual that could make you fall over and over again is also the reason why he caught my attention. Haruto, gosh, his rap during episode 2 is mind blowing and not to mention he is just one year older than me but he’s already proving how talented he is (actually he is my friend’s bias that time hehehe). Also, let’s not forget how handsome he is. Who is your bias, and why? You know this question is illegal because I always swerved to other members, and I love all of them, but my main bias is JunKyu or as I call him sometimes, my KyuKyu or Meow Meow. Why? There are many things to say why JunKyu is my bias. First, his voice, it’s like the heavens open the gates the moment he sings, especially if the song is ballad. Gosh, you will be drawn to him and can’t stop listening to his amazing voice. Second, his personality, the way he cared for the people around him is truly my ideal. Third, the way he appreciate things around him, may it be big or small things. Fifth, he is passionate in sharing his ideas and creating songs. Lastly, because he is JunKyu, just his existence is already my reason for him to be my bias. Can you recommend a title track and a B-side track for new fans? Just listen to all of their songs and then suddenly you’ll realize that you are a fan already hehehe! But for a title track, I recommend ‘I Love You’ and ‘Beautiful’ (for Japanese fans or anime lovers because it is for an anime called Black Clover). For B-side, I recommend ‘Orange’ and ‘Darari’. These songs were composed by the members - Asahi and Haruto (‘Orange’), Yoshi (‘Beautiful’), and YeDam (‘Darari’). Also Haruto, HyunSuk, and Yoshi participated in writing the lyrics. Can you recommend a fancam, V Live, cover video, cover dance, or individual content video of your bias to our readers? All of JunKyu’s song covers are good but I would personally recommend ‘Really Really’ (during “TRACE” concert), ‘Beautiful’ during YGTB and ‘Latch’ song cover.
Can you also do the same type of recommendation for the group? All stages of TREASURE is my favorite but my personal favorite is ‘Darari’ during “TRACE” concert, and when they covered ‘Bang Bang Bang’ by BIGBANG. Can you share with us one of your favorite lyrics? The chorus of ‘MY TREASURE’ is just pure serotonin boost or could make you smile ^^. “Don’t worry Smile at me warmly once more With passion! You’re prettier when you smile Cheer up We will eventually shine light Open your eyes You’re the only one, treasure If it doesn’t work out who cares just start over Don’t cry anymore When tomorrow comes your existence will shine light You’re the only one, treasure” Are there any words from the members you would like to share? “Your existence alone is happiness to me. You’re so beautiful, pretty, and dazzling.” -JunKyu “I can’t do everything well. I’m a human too. I’m not an angel. I’m a human. A person, an ordinary person.” -Haruto “If you have hard moments, please say it because keeping it just by yourself is difficult.” -HyunSuk What is your favorite group/bias’ influence on your daily life? They motivate me to do well in everything I do because like what Haruto said “Don’t just dream but make it happen”. Also, they became one of my reason to look forward for a better tomorrow. They became my “pahinga” or a rest place where you can’t think of anything but simply “You did well today and it was enough”. Can you describe your bias in only one word? For me, my bias is “Home”. Name one quality in your bias that you wish you had. All-Rounder. If your bias were to collab with another idol, who do you think would be best? NCT’s JaeMin (He’s my bias in NCT). What is your favorite side of fangirling/fanboying? My favorite side is that you can meet friends through K-Pop, and they can serve as your role model. Some people have this assumptions or mindset that being a fangirl/fanboy is a waste of time or could be a destruction, but for me it depends on how the person could control his or herself from being a fan. We should know the limitations because it’s a phase, but a beautiful phase that we once used as an escape. 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)? Well, TREASURE proved everyone how talented and versatile they are, so there’s no misunderstanding now~. Chels’ message to JunKyu: Dearest JunKyu, There are many things I want to say to you, but first I want to ask, how are you? Are you doing well? Getting enough rest? I wish you are doing things that you truly love and enjoy… Your happiness matters the most~ JunKyu yah, do you know how I much I hold onto you?? Hehehe! You became my safe place that I want to protect from things that will hurt you. I don’t want you to cry just because you feel you are not enough. I want you to cry from happiness because you did your very best and I want to see your precious smile always. I love you so much JunKyu! Your voice is my favorite thing to listen when things get rough ❤️. My JunKyu who shines bright like the star just like his name, thank you for existing and inspiring a lot of us. We love you so much and we will always support you all the way. Kim JunKyu, you are my last K-Pop. Thank you for answering our questions, Chels. Note: Kpopmap Fan Interview includes some of the interviewed fan’s favorite pictures. 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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