Fan CultureMatt

FANDOM: A quiet contemplation space for Korean K-Pop fans

Fan CultureMatt
FANDOM: A quiet contemplation space for Korean K-Pop fans

“The fans are very supportive of each other, and they are always there to help each other out. I think that's what makes the ARMY culture so special.”

The Banji Basement Cafe is nestled within the heart of Seoul, down a side street full of small cafes and shops. Unassuming at first, the portraits of BTS group members plastered on the window offer a tell-tale sign of the cafe’s connection to K-Pop fandom culture.

With the group’s music playing softly in the background, patrons idly scroll through their phone or take time to look through pictures of their favorite band members. The Banji Basement Cafe is one of the many existing spots for dedicated BTS fans wishing to convene and show support for their favorite idol group. For a fandom widely known for its energetic and intense devotion, the eerie serenity of the cafe is a chance to uncover a new side to the fans of K-Pop’s biggest act.

K-Pop has taken the world by storm. Groups like TWICE and BLACKPINK have reached international recognition, way beyond its base in South Korea. BTS is at the forefront of this surge, and recognized by some as one of the most influential idol groups to exist. 

Formed in 2010, BTS (short for Bangtan Boys) have reached an astounding amount of success and popularity. They’ve amassed a staggering number of followers and supporters (including 60.5 million on instagram), giving birth to one of the most significant fandoms globally. Fans call themselves the ARMY, or “Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth,” and are dedicated to the careers of each member of the idol group.

While fan cafes are not a rare occurrence in Seoul, most K-pop fans are known through their strong presence online. Whether creating fancams, maintaining blogs, or simply swarming Twitter with content, BTS ARMY’s online presence is a force to be reckoned with. These online communities foster friendships, new meetings, and a strong sense of belonging amongst the fandom.

“I’ve been able to find so many friends and such within the community just from liking BTS.”

So where do fan cafe’s fit in this scene? If twitter communities, blogs, and fanpages represent the online portion of BTS fandoms, most would assume it’s the live concerts that represent the physical nature of fan culture – and this is by no means incorrect. BTS concerts have a massive pull, bringing people together from across the globe, who often pay extraordinary prices to attend. So if live concerts offer unique, infrequent and expensive experiences in which fans can prove their devotion to their idols, fan cafes are where fans can authentically relax and build their community offline.

“It’s really good for fans, because it’s the only time we have to be in a place where we have things that we like, have the time to listen to music and also meet other people with a similar interest regardless of the nationality or age of the person, so it’s really nice to have these kinds of spaces.”

The Banji Basement Cafe has been tied to BTS from its very conception. The cafe’s owner is a BTS ARMY member. Having turned their very profession into a method of serving the fandom (figuratively and literally), the owner puts special thought into building a quiet respite for fans to convene, relax and bask in their mutual love of BTS. With the location shared throughout social media, it is an accessible meeting place for friends and new acquaintances alike who are looking to go beyond the constraints of online communication.

“I usually find out about events and things like that on Twitter. I follow other ARMYS on Twitter, and I also search for events and things like that.”

The cafe also serves as a great space for fans to celebrate special occasions, such as Suga’s new solo album release, or for Jin’s (Seok-Jin) birthday. Advertised online with special drinks and deals, people will join and celebrate as a way of showing their support towards BTS. By far the most interesting aspect of this cafe, however, is the material culture that resides within it.

During special events, the cafe advertises deals connected to specific idol members, as a way to entice customers, including printed cup holders, memorabilia, and even photo cards. These photo cards are key to K-Pop culture. Similar to NBA, MLB and Pokemon cards, photo cards have become a staple of K-Pop culture. Fans convene in locations like the Banji Basement Cafe to barter and exchange (or even just admire each other's collections).

“When I'm struggling or feeling down, this becomes the last thing left that keeps me going. It's similar to staying alive. Instead of using the basic things I have—my family, friends, and all—I find solace in the music of the musicians I like. ”

To understand K-Pop fandom culture  is an endless endeavor. For many it is a daunting and ambiguous space, an ouroboros of fan culture and community. If you find yourself in Seoul, take the time to visit a fan-cafe. Enjoy a drink, explore the space, and see what it’s about! While many chase the bright lights and the excitement of fandoms at their peak, there is no better place to understand a BTS fan than where they can relax and just be authentically themself.