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. Xiomara is the next fan to answer our questions. She is from the US and is a fan of ATEEZ and more particularly of YeoSang! 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? My name is Xiomara Pineda and I’m from NYC. I became an ATINY in mid 2019. How and when did you enter the fandom? It was KCON LA. All these amazing artists were performing but out of all of them one group stood out to me the most - it was ATEEZ. They were performing ‘Hala Hala’. Immediately, I was captivated by their intense choreography and incredible facial expressions. That’s how I became an ATINY. What are the reasons why you love your favorite group? Where to even start… the reason why I love them is because they inspire me. ATEEZ is a group that doesn’t give up. They’re hardworking. Their performances aren’t just performances, they’re experiences. They make you want to do the same. They make you feel like you can accomplish anything. Lastly, they’re ATINY’s best friends. They always involve their fans in almost everything they do. It’s heartwarming to see and to be a part of. They’re my biggest motivation. Who caught your attention at first and why? JongHo and San. JongHo’s amazing high note in ‘Hala Hala’ followed by San’s incredible facial expressions during his performance is just something to truly witness. The absolute immersion is phenomenal. Who is your bias, and why? My bias is Kang YeoSang because he’s so hardworking and is constantly finding ways to challenge himself to become a better artist. I’ve never seen someone with so much pure ambition that keeps going and still manages to put others before him in any given situation possible. He’s so forgiving and loving that it’s hard to imagine that someone like him can be so humble. He also has one of the most unique voices I’ve heard in a long time. Can you recommend a title track and a B-side track for new fans? The title track I recommend is ‘Answer’! The B-side track I recommend is ‘Blue Summer’. It’s a Japanese track but it’s one of my favorites. A perfect song to listen to after a long day or a beautiful spring morning. Can you recommend a fancam, V Live, cover video, cover dance, or individual content video of your bias to our readers? One of the most beautiful things about YeoSang is how much confidence he’s gained in himself. YeoSang has always been an amazing performer but when an artist realizes how much potential they have, they become a force to be reckoned with. He’s incredibly fast but sharp with every one of his moves yet he hits every single beat effortlessly. I recommend ‘Inception’, ‘Horizon’, ‘Answer’, ‘Deja Vu’, and ‘Fireworks’ fancams. I also recommend the cover of ‘Me After You’ by Paul Kim ! Can you also do the same type of recommendation for the group? Most of ATEEZ’s performances are amazing and unique but I definitely recommend ‘Hala Hala’, ‘Wonderland’, ‘Wave’, ‘Win’, and ‘Eternal Sunshine’ in terms of performances. Each one of these performances has complex choreographies that really define who and what ATEEZ stand for and why they are known for their intense performances. I would like to point out that despite ‘Eternal Sunshine’ being a bright song, the choreography is so intricate! Can you share with us one of your favorite lyrics? “Don’t be afraid Dreams are everywhere 그냥 가던 대로 가 이게 my way Don’t be afraid Dreams are everywhere 그냥 가던 대로 가 이게 my way” - ‘My Way’ by ATEEZ These lyrics really made me realize that it’s okay to be a little lost. Taking things slow, going at your own pace is okay, you’ll get there. Dreams are everywhere. Are there any words from the members you would like to share? “It might be scary not having a dream or not knowing what you want to do in the future but if you continue to live the way you’re going now, eventually you’ll find something that you want to do passionately. Keep going the way you are now. " - Kang YeoSang “There are moments that you think you know them but at the same time you really don’t. Sometimes everything hurts you so badly in the world. But sometimes we are happy as if we have the world. I think that we are the youth who feel everything above” - Park SeongHwa What is your favorite group/bias’ influence on your daily life? Bringing me happiness when I’m down and reminding me to take one day at a time. ATEEZ’s passion is my motivation. What is your favorite side of fangirling/fanboying? My favorite thing is togetherness. When you have a group of people that share the same thoughts and ideas as you, sharing moments together becomes more than just a fandom type of thing but rather a sense of a real community. 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)? When it comes to ATEEZ, there are a lot of times that people believe they are the same as every other boy group. Every group has their individuality and every group has their own color. This applies to ATEEZ as well. I only wish that those that thought this way would try to listen to at least two songs before judging them as that. You can also add a message/letter to your bias or show it on a message scrapbook. To my wonderful Doberman Kang YeoSang 👑 Thank you for always being my happiness and motivation. Without you, my life would be so dull. Your smile brings me so much happiness. I wish nothing but the world for you. I’m so happy to have found you. Thank you for always working so hard. Thank you for being a part of my life and ATINY’s life. We’ll always be here for you and we’ll always love you ❤️. Thank you for answering our questions, Xiomara. If you are interested in joining Kpopmap Fan Interview Project, please get in touch with us at [email protected] Everyone is welcome to participate.
Kpopmap Fan Interview: A THE B From The UK Talks About Her Favorite Group, Role Models, And “Big Brothers”, THE BOYZ by FANS|Mar 24, 2022 Kpopmap Fan Interview: A Colombian ATINY Talks About Her Favorite Group ATEEZ & Her Bias SeongHwa by FANS|Mar 23, 2022 Kpopmap Fan Interview: A FINE From The U.S. Talks About Her Favorite Group BDC by FANS|Mar 22, 2022 Kpopmap Fan Interview: An Indian AROHA Talks About Her Favorite Group ASTRO & Her Bias JinJin by FANS|Mar 21, 2022 Kpopmap Fan Interview: An Indian STAY Talks About Her Favorite Group Stray Kids & Her Bias Bang Chan by FANS|Mar 18, 2022 Kpopmap Fan Interview: A Mexican N.Fia Talks About N.Flying And Her Bias Cha Hun by FANS|Mar 16, 2022 Kpopmap Fan Interview: An Argentinian CHOICE Talks About Her Favorite Group A.C.E & Explains Why She Is A Fan by FANS|Mar 15, 2022 Kpopmap Fan Interview: A Filipino MOODZ Talks About Her Favorite Artist WOODZ & The Reasons Why She Loves Him by FANS|Mar 11, 2022
