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.
Elena is the next fan to answer our questions. She is from Serbia and lives in Austria. Elena is a fan of WEi and more particularly of SeokHwa! 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! I am Elena, a RUi from Serbia currently living in Austria.
How and when did you enter the fandom?
Many times, you see new groups debut and decide they are the groups you will stan. When it comes to WEi, things are different for me. I knew the members from their survival shows, and I’ve been following some of them for 5 years. Entering a fandom was not even an option; I already adored all six of them, and it was surreal that they would all make their debut together, so I can say that I have been following WEi since their pre-debut days (and earned a title of fossil RUi xD ).
What are the reasons why you love your favorite group?
If I listed all of the reasons why I adore WEi, this interview would be much longer. There are so many reasons why I love them, and I am grateful they debuted as a group. First and foremost, their passion and commitment to achieving their goals inspire me to strive even harder to achieve mine. We all have ups and downs in life, but each member gave it their all, and their dedication is now paying off as they get to experience all the new and exciting things as WEi. Second, their affection for each other is truly one-of-a-kind. They were already close even before the debut, and seeing them radiate family-like energy is both heart-warming and refreshing. Last but not least, I feel appreciated as a fan, and they show us all the time how much they are happy and grateful that we are following their journey as artists since their early days.
Who caught your attention at first and why?
They are not the typical group, as I said before. I had the opportunity to know all the members long before they were revealed as WEi members, so all I could think about when they finally debuted together was how much they improved since my first contact with them.
Who is your bias, and why?
I have to say that choosing your “favorite” member in a group of your favorite trainees was the most difficult thing I’ve had to do in a long time. I don’t think I consciously chose a bias, it happened very naturally. SeokHwas unique and bright personality drew me in, and well, here I am 2 years later. There are no words to describe how much I love and appreciate SeokHwa. Every day, he fascinates me with his stunning vocals and his love for his members and fans. SeokHwa is also a very humble and down-to-earth person, which is why his words always feel like a friendly comfort to me. When he's with his members and fans, SeokHwas eyes always sparkle with joy and passion, and his big smile can melt anyone’s heart.
Can you recommend a title track and a B-side track for new fans?
All 4 title tracks have different and unique vibes. As I know many fans love energetic upbeat songs, I would recommend them to watch their 2nd mini albums title track 'All Or Nothing' (Prod. JANG DAEHYEON). It is the first, but hopefully not the last, title track produced by WEis leader DaeHyeon and it showed how WEi can pull off every concept well.
‘Winter, Flower’, ‘Timeless’, and ‘Fuze’ are my favorite B-side tracks. I enjoy the lyrics of all three songs because they tell the story of the members as well as the fans. Reading and understanding those sweet lyrics made me fall in love with these songs even more than I did when I first heard them.
Can you recommend a fan cam, V Live, cover video, cover dance, or individual content video of your bias to our readers?
It will sound nostalgic, but I still watch a lot of SeokHwa`s fancams from his trainee days. One I especially love is fancam from his ‘Twit’ performance on “Produce X 101”.
In the past, SeokHwa often made a “Seokcountdown”, V-lives which were so much fun. I hope in the future when he has more time, he can make more V-lives of that kind. The one that stayed the most memorable to me was the one he did on my birthday. Since we were in strict lockdown I could not celebrate my birthday, but I got to enjoy it with over a 2-hour-long “Seokcountdown”.
Lastly, the individual content video I’d like to share is SeokHwa’s self-makeup video. I’m not particularly skilled or interested in makeup, but seeing how much he enjoys it and how well he can explain his makeup routine has inspired me to start doing my makeup more frequently. Hopefully, one day I’ll be as skilled as him. Can you also do the same type of recommendation for the group? I love the V-lives when members are doing unboxings and decorating things. The most recent one with them decorating the lightsticks is V-live I watched numerous times because so many funny moments happened (you need to watch it to find out).
The video I would recommend to everyone that wants to feel their bond is “OUI GO UP3” EP.14. OGU is a funny and entertaining reality show, but they always show how much members care for each other and I have to admit some of the stories from the past made me tear up. But my the ABSOLUTELY most favorite video is their ‘Winter, Flower’ performance on “유희열의 스케치북” (“You Heeyeol’s Sketchbook”). When I watch this video, I feel like I am wrapped up, as in a hug. Their vocals are shining bright on this stage and everyone I showed to this video is amazed at how their live performance is as good and stable as the recorded song. Can you share with us one of your favorite lyrics? “고마워요 내 맘을 알아줘서 나를 빛내준 날을 Huh 잊지 않고 기억 할게요” - ‘RUi (16번째 별)’ What is your favorite group/bias’ influence on your daily life? The past 2 years were very hard for me. But because of WEi, I think I was able to gain a lot of energy. Whenever I see a notification about a new post or video from WEi, my day gets a bit better. Also, because of them, I met a lot of other RUis from all over the world that are sharing all the good and bad moments with me and I am enjoying being part of the community. It is hard to find as good and lovely fandom as RUi! What is your biggest dream for your favorite group/bias aside from being Happy and Healthy? I wish them everything they want to achieve. The things that would make me the happiest are for them to perform solo concerts in large venues (or stadiums), as well as for them to win awards and participate in major award ceremonies in Korea (and later abroad). If you go to only one, would you go to a concert, fan meeting, or fan sign? It’s extremely difficult to pick just one. I had the opportunity to meet the members via video call fan signs, and talking with them was an unforgettable experience, but I believe fan meetings are the most fun for the members because they can interact with more fans, play different games, and discuss various topics. I adore WEi’s dynamic, and I’m sure their fanmeeting would be hours of non-stop laughter. If you have a chance to cook for the group, what will you cook for them? I am not an excellent cook, but I would love members to try some dishes from my home country cuisine, as they are very different from what they tried before. If you can spend a day with your bias, where will you go, and what will you do? I’m curious to know what SeokHwa enjoys doing in his spare time. But something I think is nice is taking Cookie (his dog) for a walk and playing with him, as well as trying some nice street food he eats when he goes out. Going to a Noraebang with the group’s main vocalist would feel like a mini-concert, so that can be on the list too. Can you recall a moment where you cried/laughed with your bias? I swear I’m not a crybaby, but I remember crying a lot because of SeokHwa and WEi. The most memorable, however, is their first concert, which took place a few weeks ago. Seeing members cry set off a flood of tears in my eyes. Knowing their rough journey and how everything is gradually falling into the right place for all six of them is an emotional thing for every RUi. What about your bias do you relate to the most? People who you relate to a lot are said to be your biases. I am a very extroverted person who enjoys meeting new people, so seeing SeokHwa with many acquaintances and friends is something to which I can relate. Also, we have similar music tastes and follow a lot of the same groups. What do you think is the most underrated song by your favorite idol group/soloist? I think we don’t give ‘Hug You’ and ‘Breathing’ the attention these songs deserve. They are very warm and calming songs with beautiful lyrics. Everyone, please check them out! What is your 2022 prediction for your favorite idol? I believe that in 2022, many people will get to know WEi. From their debut to the present, we can see how large their fandom has grown. As more people learn about them, I believe they will have more individual and group schedules, as well as appearances on various variety shows and concerts/festivals. Would you like to see your bias group in variety shows? What type of variety show would you like them to do? (Camping, Travelling, Survival in Island, Military, Food Program). I think shows like “Let’s Eat Dinner Together”, “4 Wheeled Restaurant”, “Amazing Saturday”, “Hometown Flex” and “Knowing Bros” are shows members would show their skills and personalities the most. Elena’s message to SeokHwa: Kang SeokHwa, hi! It’s been a while since I last wrote you a letter. I am sorry for that. By the time this is out, you will already be back from your first overseas trip. I am quite sure you spent an amazing time in Japan and I can’t wait to hear more about it. As I told you before, it is really hard for me to convey my thoughts and feelings, but I hope you know I am very very grateful for you becoming an idol and giving me a chance to be your fan. I know you worry a lot about how you can return the love RUis give to you, but I think just your existence itself is enough for us. You just need to be you, that is all we need. They say you should stay close to people who feel like sunshine. For me, you are one. Seeing you being happy gives me a lot of energy to work hard every day. Please take some rest and I am looking forward to seeing more amazing things coming from you in the following months. I hope soon I will be able to see you perform in person as well. Lots of love from Europe! Elena Thank you for answering our questions, Elena. 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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