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. Anja is the next fan to answer our questions. She is from Slovenia. She is a fan of TXT (TOMORROW X TOGETHER) and more particularly of SooBin! 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, my name is Anja (anya__86 on Twitter) and I am MOA, TOMORROW X TOGETHER fan from Slovenia (Slovenia is country in Europe). How and when did you enter the fandom? In 2018 I’ve heard news about Bighit debuting new group, however I forgot about it soon. In beginning of January 2019 I’ve heard about it again and I was determined to follow them. Friends have said: “But you haven’t heard any song or seen music video. How can you be so sure you’ll like them?” I started following a day after YeonJun’s introduction video and I still remember everyone being fascinated with him. Something was telling me TOMORROW X TOGETHER are going to be big. I haven’t hesitated in creating fan accounts on different platforms and here I am, 3 years later. What are the reasons why you love your favorite group? They are brilliant, young men, aren’t they? 😉 I believe we as humans need social interactions and TOMORROW X TOGETHER are always here for MOA. Reading their diaries, scrolling through photos, watching music shows, videos, V Lives … always lifts our spirit. I personally have quite a difficult time since pandemic, but with TOMORROW X TOGETHER I feel like I can overcome anything, I feel loved and at home. Who caught your attention at first and why? It was YeonJun, he looked so cool in the introduction video. Who is your bias and why? SooBin. He is kind-hearted, humble, hardworking and you can see everyone loves him. He’s my inspiration. I personally never thought to be “a leader person” at work, but some time ago I had to face with precisely that. I doubted myself, hesitated and wasn’t sure if I can lead properly. I was afraid of responsibilty. So one afternoon as I was pondering I looked at one of SooBin’s photo and said to him:“I can do this, right? I can do anything I put my mind into it!” I closed my eyes and visualised his encouraging words. He gives me this much strength. I accepted work offer next day. Can you recommend a title track and a B-side track for new fans? Title track: ‘0X1=LOVESONG’, B-side: ‘Fairy of Shampoo’. Can you recommend a fancam, V Live, cover dance or individual content video of your bias to our readers? SooBin was an MC for “MUSIC BANK” show, so I’ll recommend his ‘Dolphin’ fancam. Can you also do the same type of recommendation for the group? TXT’s ‘Youngblood’ cover (original 5 seconds of ‘Summer’) on “You Hee-Yeol’s Sketchbook”. Can you share with us one of your favorite lyrics? “It feels like everyone’s happy but me It hurts more when I smile than when I cry Though I try to hold it back every day, though I try to hang in there But it’s not working so well Right now, what I need is your hand.” - Run Away Are there any words from the members you would like to share? “It’s okay to cry, it’s okay if you don’t hold it in. It’s okay to not be good sometimes. I am cheering you on.”- TaeHyun What type of concept do you prefer? I like both cute and dark. What is your best souvenir with your favorite group until now? Until now we international fans connected with TXT concerts online. Members can see those comments and I love how they are always thankful for MOA’s presence in their homeland and worldwide. Words of gratitude means a lot and are comforting. Can you describe your bias in only one word? For me, SooBin is my pride. What’s your favourite 2022 moment involving your bias? I can’t name one, every day is my favorite moment. Maybe when SooBin updates Odi’s photos and speaks so fondly of him (Odi is SooBin’s hedgehog pet). Can you recall a moment where you cried/laughed with your bias? There was once a fan call event and one MOA dedicated SooBin the warmest message I’ve heard in my 3 years of being a MOA. Words touched SooBin and I cried alongside him. Thank you MOA for loving SooBin and TXT members! What is your favorite group/bias’ influence on your daily life? TOMORROW X TOGETHER and I are from different generations. They are Gen-Z and I am millennial. In the beginning I was told of being too old for following them. Too old for listening music and admiring them? I laughed and brushed those thoughts aside. I love their funny side, kind heart, how honest and friendly they are. They bring out the best in me and make my days brighter. I laugh more because of them. Their music is my medicine. What is your favorite side of fangirling/fanboying? Meeting new MOA and exchanging experiences. I hope we can create memories on concerts or fanlives as well. 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)? I’ve heard a remark about language from non-fans, more than once: “How do you listen to music and not understand?” We live in 2022 where almost everything is being translated. People have so much to say, but they don’t even follow their growth. Beside, TOMORROW X TOGETHER inspired me to start learning Korean. You can also add a message/letter to your bias or show it on a message scrapbook. This is for all five members of TOMORROW X TOGETHER: thank you for being born and working so hard. I am always grateful for your presence and music. You&I, different but together, we explore one dream. 😉 Thank you for answering our questions, Anja. 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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