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. Hajeong from the Philippines is the next fan to answer our questions. She is a fan of ASTRO and her bias is Rocky. 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?Hello! I’m Hajeong, an AROHA from the Philippines! How and when did you enter the fandom?I’ve known one of their members, Cha EunWoo, since “My ID is Gangnam Beauty”. Although I already knew he was a K-Pop idol, I didn’t really look much into ASTRO because I wasn’t really into K-Pop then. Not until about May 2021, I decided to check the group out cause why not? I would love to write more details about how I got into ASTRO but I’ll just skip to the part on how and when I entered the fandom. It was on June 25 when I first watched their ‘Blue Flame’ MV. What are the reasons why you love your favorite group?There are so many reasons. But I guess the main reasons why I love them is because of their authenticity. They are not afraid of looking and acting ‘weird’ in front of the camera. They are just being themselves and they don’t try to hide it. I often say this whenever I watch their videos, “idol image who?”. Also, they always show how much they love AROHA (their fandom). You can see that almost if not every music video they make, they always include AROHA in the credits. ASTRO even made the Rise Up album and its dedicated specially to us AROHAs! They never forget to mention us, and it just makes us feel so special. Who caught your attention at first and why?Just like what I mentioned earlier, I first knew Cha EunWoo because of “My ID is Gangnam Beauty”. Who is your bias, and why?Rocky, aka Park MinHyuk. He’s a full package. Period. ^^ Can you recommend a title track and a B-side track for new fans?Title track: ‘Knock’, cause it’s my favorite MV. ^^ B-side: ‘CPR’ by Rocky. I mean who wouldn’t want to hear a rapper sing?? I swear Rocky’s vocals here is chef’s kiss. Can you recommend a fancam, V Live, cover video, cover dance, or individual content video of your bias to our readers?I have no comment. Just watch and be mesmerized. Our main dancer, lead rapper, choreographer, and director Rocky, everyone. ^^ Can you share with us one of your favorite lyrics?“Even if time passes and you change, I will always be here. Even if you are shaken by a lot of pain, I’ll protect you from behind” - ASTRO – ‘By Your Side’ Are there any words from the members you would like to share?“We can’t be normal. We are not seeking to be normal.” - ASTRO. What is your favorite group/bias’ influence on your daily life?I guess it’s learning Korean, and planning to become a famous person? I want to learn Korean so that when we meet, I will be able to talk to them and understand them. I plan to become a famous person too because I thought the chance to meet them will be higher if I am known hehe. For you, what is your bias’ best stage outfits until now? Please share a picture or fan cam.This one. What is your biggest dream for your favorite group/bias aside from being Happy and Healthy?I really really really want them to make and release at least one full English song!! If you go to only one, would you go to a concert, fan meeting, or fan sign?It was a really tough decision, but I chose fan sign. I want to be able to be up-close with all six of the ASTRO members because with the other two choices, you aren’t sure if you would even be able to be near the stage. I also want to be able to talk and interact with them. That’s my dream. If you have a chance to cook for the group, what will you cook for them?Besides Korean food, ASTRO really loves fried chicken and pizza, so that’s what I would cook for them ^^ Maybe I might let them try authentic Filipino food too. If you can spend a day with your bias, where will you go and what will you do?I think Rocky is the kind of person who would enjoy camping outdoors, so maybe that’s what we’ll do. Go somewhere out of town and enjoy nature by the lake and just talk about life. Describe them in 5 words.Talented, Loving, Handsome, Humble, and Funny. Can you recall a moment where you cried/laughed with your bias?When I watched this compilation ^^ What about your bias do you relate to the most?The way he eats a LOT HAHAHAHAHA same Rocky, food is just too good! 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)?ASTRO loves EunWoo very much. There are actually people who say that they dislike EunWoo because he is more popular than them. But this is totally wrong. In every video they create, ddoca or play, you can actually see how much they love and care for EunWoo. Also, they even support him a lot! If you search in YouTube, you will definitely see a lot of compilations showing how much ASTRO loves EunWoo. ^^ Hajeong’s message to Rocky:To Rocky: Rockyyyy!!! I hope this letter reaches you. I just want to tell you that you inspire me so much. Did you know that I am learning how to dance just in case I meet you in some dance class? I do it so that won’t embarrass myself in front of you hahaha. I want to tell you so many things, but I actually don’t know where to start. For now, I’ll just thank you for existing. Thank you for being part of ASTRO. I hope you know that you are a joy to watch and listen to. I wish that I’ll be able to meet you and the others soon. But you know what, your health and happiness come first. Take care of yourself, okay? I know you always do your best, but don’t pressure yourself too much. We, AROHAs, will always be proud of you no matter what. I love you to the moon and back, Rocky! <3Thank you for answering our questions, Hajeong. 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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