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’s 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. Gumball from the U.S. is the next fan to answer our questions. They are a fan of ATEEZ and more particularly of JongHo! Check out how they entered the fandom, the songs and content they advise to new fans, and much more! Can you introduce yourself? Where you are from? Hi! I’m Gumball and I’m from the U.S. How and when did you join the fandom? I became an ATINY in February of 2020, a little ways after ‘Answer’ era. I first saw a video of their first win on TikTok, then a week later I got recommended their KCON Drop the Dance video. At that point, I knew it was a sign. What are the reasons why you love your favorite group? I love ATEEZ because there’s truly no one else like them. All you have to do is watch one performance and you’ll feel like you just downed 5 energy drinks in 15 seconds. Their energy is out of this world and they’re such sweet people. You can tell they really are grateful for all the good things that have come their way. Who caught your attention at the beginning and why? The first person that caught my attention was YunHo. His blue hair during ‘WAVE’ era was so prominent and it’s hard for anyone to not notice it. He’s so stunning and his voice is literally honey in human form. Who is your bias, and why? In all honesty, my bias changes every week. As of right now, it’s JongHo. Everything about him makes me filled with immense happiness. First of all, his voice. WHEW…. I’m so glad he finally got an OST because I personally believe everyone should hear him. Second, his dancing. I can’t explain it but when he dances his movements are smooth but yet extremely sharp. It’s the perfect combo. Lastly, have you seen him? Didn’t know angels could walk but here we are. Can you recommend a title track and a B-side track for new fans? For any new fans, I reccomend ‘Say My Name’ as a title track. It perfectly showcases who ATEEZ is and it’s a classic. As for a B-side, it would be ‘If Without You’. It’s very underrated and honestly one of the best songs in their discography. It’s my dream to see it live.
Can you recommend a fancam, V Live, cover video, cover dance or individual content video of your choice to our readers? A cover video of JongHo I would reccomend is his cover of ‘One Late Night in 1994’ on “You HeeYeol’s Sketchbook”. I cry every time I listen to it. (It’s on spotify btw). Can you also make the same type of recommendation to the group? As for ATEEZ, any new fan should watch all their Hello82 content. It’s the most entertaining way to get a look into their personalities. Can you share with us one of your favorite lyrics? My favorite ATEEZ lyric is “Jikyeonaeji I’m defender, Eodumeul jamjaewo murder”. Why? The way it’s sung in the song just scratches my brain… It’s addictive. Are there any words from the members you would like to share? “Just because you gave up on your dream that doesn’t mean everything is meaningless, because your past makes you who you are today.” - SeongHwa What is your best souvenir with your favorite group until now? At the ATL concert in January 2022, I bought a tour wristband. It was the only piece of merch I could buy that day because I spent the rest of my money on pizza. I’ve worn it everyday since. If you have a chance to cook for the group, what will you cook for them? Baked mac & cheese. I’m talking about black grandma baked mac & cheese. Their lives would be changed forever. What is your favourite way of communicating with your bias? I’d like to think that the private quotes on my posts are the members on their burner accounts agreeing with me. Have you ever made a new friend because of K-Pop? Yes! I actually spent my birthday with one and met another at a concert. I’ve met so many people and and I’m grateful I’ve been able to do so. (Shout out to Mira and Chey). Can you describe your bias in only one word? Ace. Do you have a dream subunit/unit? This might be the most random pairing, but I would love to see MinGi and YeRi of Red Velvet release a song together. If you can spend a day with your bias, where will you go and what will you do? I wouldn’t just do this with my bias, but with all of ATEEZ. I want to take them to waffle house at 12 am. I will not further explain because if you know, you know. What is the influence of your favorite group/bias on your daily life? ATEEZ’s influence on me daily is that whenever I’m feeling down, I can turn to them. Not in a literal sense because obviously, I don’t have YeoSang on speed dial. I mean it as, if I had a rough day, I can turn on their content and instantly have a smile on my face. Their lyrics are also very motivational so I can listen to their music whenever I need the push to do something. What is your favorite side of fangirling/fanboying? My favorite part about being a fan is interacting with other fans. I saw ATEEZ live in January 2022 and I met so many new people. It was such an amazing experience. 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 think a common misconception is that ATEEZ doesn’t have variety in their music which is astounding to me. One google search and you can see the difference between ‘Illusion’ and ‘Guerrilla’. Their music is so versatile and you can find a song in almost every genre. Need music for a birthday party? They got it. Need a song for your wedding? They got it. Funeral on Tuesday? Said and DONE. Gumball’s message for ATEEZ: I’m not sure if you’ll ever see this, but if you do, I want to thank you for making such a huge impact on my life. Whenever I need a boost of energy, I can head to Spotify and play whatever song I’m in the mood for. There were points where I was at my lowest. I’m talking LOW. School and work was stressing me out, drama with friends, just a hot mess. Despite all of that, y’all helped me get through it. By listening to your encouraging words in interviews, it gave me the strength to keep going. Having the oppurtunity to see y’all live was a dream come true. I just want to thank y’all and no matter what obstacles come your way, you’ll get through it. (Also please perform ‘If Without You’ live again please please please). Thank you for answering our questions, Gumball. 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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