Traditional K-Pop audiences are changing, with more fanboys than ever supporting male groups and breaking the gender mould
K-Pops gender separation has always felt distinctively pronounced, whereby male groups are primarily designed and marketed to attract female fans, while girl groups main fanbase is men. This basic theme has, for many years, coloured all that makes up the bulk of idol groups, from their styling (Lolita concepts or barely-there wardrobes for the women) through to fan service, which for men can mean dressing up as girls to be seduced by their bandmates, and doing aegyo (cute little noises and gestures that are both flirty and affectionate) that accentuates a boyfriend appeal or a sweet nature.
Audiences, however, are changing, even if the content they are consuming isnt. And while women supporting girl groups isnt unusual, men supporting male groups is.
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As K-Pop spreads further and deeper into the western mainstream, the numbers of international fanboys are surging. While there remains prejudice and racism towards K-Pop and its idols, global fanboys, who themselves range across age, race and sexuality, are openly stanning online and in real life, breaking up the traditional vision of what fans of male pop groups look like.
We talked to five international fanboys about their love for male pop groups, their fandom family, and why being a K-Pop fanboy has helped them understand themselves, and the concept of masculinity, far better.
Hassan Ou-aly, 32
Location/Nationality: Morocco / Moroccan
Fandom: BTS / ARMY
How did you get into BTS?
I got into K-Pop in 2016 because I wanted to be closer to my little sister. What I love the most about BTS is that theyre making music with personal meaning to them and I can hear my struggles, worries and hopes in their music
What is the reaction of your fandom to fanboys?
ARMY has been so supportive and I made a lots of new friends from different parts of the world. I try my best to be as active as possible and thats made me learn a lot of new things; I learned English in 2016 and its thanks to BTS and ARMY.
Why do you think men tend not to become fans (openly or otherwise) of male pop groups?
I think its because of how society looks at them and all this toxic masculinity thats in place.
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I personally dont care about what people think about me, but I understand its not an easy thing to do for a lot of people. [But] its simply music that you like or not. Thats it.
Matt Cleary, 22
Location/Nationality: USA / American
Fandom: Monsta X / Monbebe
Other groups: GOT7, VIXX, Seventeen, Nuest, Stray Kids, NCT
How did you get into K-Pop?
In 2014, I was watching Slipknot videos on YouTube when Girls Day Darling was recommended. At first I wasnt too impressed [by it], however, something made me rewatch it. I did that a few more times before downloading the song, and watching Girls Day videos 24/7.
What do you admire about Monsta X?
Monsta X are insanely underrated. They have that hardcore rap sound which I love and I like to compare to the older sound of BTS, however, done better in my opinion. The powerful vocals of Kihyun mixed with I.M and Jooheons stunning raps give Monsta X a unique sound that I love.
What have you gotten out of being an active part of a fandom?
I have a YouTube channel, called CarKpop, where I make videos on every aspect of K-Pop. Everyone expects only girls to enjoy male groups, so they usually get excited because they dont see fanboys too often.
Its like a door that men are scared to open because they dont want to lose their masculinity but, once they open it, they realise nothing has changed. It comes down to open-mindedness. I consider myself pretty masculine, the difference now is I can appreciate that 2PM can create an amazing song and dance shirtless. Im open-minded that males are sexy just like females are. Am I attracted to it in the same way? No, but Im open to the fact that it exists, and the music is really really good as well!
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Elias B. Jr., 29
Location/Nationality: USA / Mexican-American
Fandom: Monsta X / Monbebe
Other groups: DAY6, NCT, iKon, BTS, The Boyz, Wanna One, Stray Kids, Pentagon, The Rose
How and when did you get into K-Pop?
I got into K-Pop in November 2017. My best friend was already into K-Pop, but I was one of those people that complained about all the K-Pop on my Twitter timeline. I randomly clicked on the video for BTS Mic Drop remix, looked at the suggested videos and noticed one by a group called Monsta X for Dramarama. I was hooked.
What do your family and friends think about your stanning?
Some of my family still dont really understand because of the language barrier. I always let them know that one can look for translations online and that you dont have to understand the language to be able to love and admire the music.
How has stanning male groups changed your ideas around what being male means and what masculinity looks like?
Ive always been a very closed off person and felt strange when Ive had to be more open or even affectionate with others. Being able to see how free male idols are with other members or friends, and how theyre able to be really close to them, makes me want to be closer to my male friends.
Masculinity is still a very fragile thing among many men who, as soon as you show any type of emotion other than manly, will instantly see you as less than them. Its something I hope we can continue to work towards eradicating and I feel like male K-Pop groups are a positive impact on that.
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Angel, 18
Location/Nationality: USA
Fandom: BTS / ARMY
What do you admire about your group?
What I love about BTS is that they unapologetically use their platforms to raise awareness about mental health, social issues, anti-violence, and they give many of us a voice through their music. By being active in the fandom, Ive gotten a deeper understanding on many aspects like teamwork, acceptance, respect and, most importantly, how to appreciate well-crafted music.
Has stanning a male group changed your ideas around what masculinity looks like?
It hasnt changed because even before stanning BTS I have always believed that being a male means being a decent human being that respects everyone equally, it doesnt matter what gender or sexuality they are. Masculinity is whatever you want it to be, not what society tells men its supposed to be.
Cayo André, 20
Location/Nationality: Brazil/Brazilian
Fandom: Wanna One / Wannable
Others: Winner, Monsta X
What do you love about your groups?
Friendship, loyalty and passion for their fans. The groups are like a family, and its awesome. And, of course, the songs quality.
Whats your reaction to them ripping off their clothes or doing heavy fan service and skinship?
Its funny because I never liked to ship [pair] them with each other but with Wanna One, I started to like their skinship and I think its kind of cute. When they rip off their shirts, I dont feel its like a big deal – I admit that they have good bodies, but I dont feel anything about their abs.
Why do you think men tend not to stan male groups?
Some of them listen but they dont tell anyone because theres a lot of prejudice and we are afraid of the opinion of others. Ive changed some of the ways I think; music is music, people
are people, and love is love. I can love a man, it doesnt mean that I want to date them, or that I am gay. We can learn a lot by listening to and following them. Masculinity is about being yourself.
I love my boy groups, and dont feel embarrassed by it.
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