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. Khai is the next fan to answer our questions. She is from Qatar and is a fan of THE BOYZ, and particularly of SangYeon! 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! My name is Khai, from Qatar. How and when did you enter the fandom?I wanted to check out THE BOYZ debut after listening to their pre-debut song, and I immediately fell in love with their debut track, ‘Boy’! They definitely stood out to me as rookie monsters and I have been a fan of them for nearly five years now. What are the reasons why you love your favorite group?Firstly, it would have to be THE BOYZ’s teamwork. Being an 11-member group is not easy. They are bound to have disagreements or clashes in opinions, and that may affect the team dynamics. However, they solve these issues maturely by having group sessions where they talk out their feelings and be honest with the team. This healthy relationship is also shown in their work ethics and performance. Even when one member is missing, they try their hardest to fill up the stage. THE BOYZ has that group chemistry and natural bond, which is hard to fake. Secondly, I really love their personality and humour. Their V Lives always go viral because of their funny moments, and I always end up laughing whilst watching their reality shows, particularly their “Come on THE BOYZ” series! All of them have likeable and unique personalities, so it is hard not to bias all of them at least once. Lastly, it’s their versatile discography and concepts. Even as an old fan, I could never predict what concepts or songs they will go for for their next comeback. It’s a thrill and I anticipate their comeback every time. I really hope for a pop-rock genre for TBZ next! Who caught your attention at first and why?I watched “Flower Snack” to get to know THE BOYZ better, and YoungHoon caught my eyes because of his cute and easygoing personality. I could not resist his irresistible charms. (How can you not fall in love with him?) Who is your bias, and why?SangYeon! He was working alongside YoungHoon in “Flower Snack” and I admired his leadership. He’s the one and only K-Pop idol who has a business license and operated a restaurant, and he did all of that before debut! I was adamant to get to know him more, and the more I did, the more I fell in love with his loving personality and dad jokes. Not to mention, SangYeon is also a versatile vocalist. His voice fits any genre. Ballad? Trot? SangYeon can do it all. Once you acknowledge the way he looks at the members with so much love and adoration, you have been bewitched by his charms. Can you recommend a title track and a B-side track for new fans?The title track I would like to recommend is ‘No Air’! Listening to it would surely take your breath away ;). As for the B-side track, I recommend ‘Merry Bad Ending’, which they did a live performance of. You can hear their harmonies and unmatched vocals in this performance, truly a fan’s favourite! Can you recommend a fancam, V Live, cover video, cover dance, or individual content video of your bias to our readers?I would have to recommend his first released song, ‘Day Off’. When his song first dropped, I was overwhelmed with emotions. I have been patiently waiting for songs produced by SangYeon, as he often talked about how much he loves writing and producing songs, which is shown by the fact that he is the only member that has his own solo studio. It’s a perfect song to study with or relax on a rainy day 🌧. Can you also do the same type of recommendation for the group?I would like to recommend their cover of ‘Danger’, from the show “Road to Kingdom” (which they won!). This is a performance you would not want to miss! Honestly, it is hard to choose a favourite performance of theirs because all of their cover stages are never disappointing; they always give their 1206%. Therefore, I recommend non-THE Bs to watch all their performances, especially the ones on “Road to Kingdom” and “KINGDOM: LEGENDARY WAR”! I will not spoil much but SangYeon on the table serving vocals was chef kiss. Can you share with us one of your favorite lyrics?“오늘 또 하루도 그렇게 버텨내기를 기도해” English Translation: “Hope that you can endure through today, Just like it’s another day” I really enjoy the chorus of the song ‘Brighter’, from their Japanese album. It is an uplifting song, for anyone who is going through a rough time, through the daily stresses of life, to remind them to just keep on going. You should always reach out to someone if you are going through a rough time as it is not a sign of weakness. You are never alone, and that someone is always willing to lend their shoulders. What is your favorite group/bias’ influence on your daily life?Their strive to be who they truly are and work hard for what they want to achieve really inspires me. To be fearless in your actions and not care about what others say. I really appreciate their honesty, and their genuineness is also shown through their performances. Their recent comeback, ‘Maverick’, talks about the importance of finding your own colour that makes you feel special, even if it goes beyond the boundaries set by others. Personally, I really love the messages conveyed in their “Be Your Own King” video; to love who you love, to express yourself freely whether it is ridiculous by people’s standards or not. For you, what is your bias’ best stage outfits until now? Please share a picture or fan cam.My favourite outfit of SangYeon would have to be their ‘Monster’ (EXO) stage on “KINGDON: LEGENDARY WAR”! He looked very handsome and it was also a fans favourite. It was also a memorable stage for me because SangYeon suddenly cried happy tears after performing and it made me cry too. What is your first comment on a live broadcast of your favorite idol?I remember watching their special Christmas V Live and they asked the fans to recommend some potential fan names so I suggested “The Stanz”. Now that I looked back at it, I’m glad THE B became our fandom name. Do you have a dream subunit/unit?I would like to see SangYeon with SeungYoun (WOODZ) and Chan (VICTON) in a band together. They trained as a band for a short period of time, when they were trainees at MBK, so I would like to see a special reunion stage by the 96z at an end of year show 🙏🏼. Would you like to see your bias group in variety shows? What type of variety show would you like them to do?I would like to see an island survival show with the whole group, like SEVENTEEN’s “One Fine Day - 13 Castaway Boys”. It would be interesting to see how they would survive on an island, without any help or guidance from the filming crew. SangYeon has done a short travel/food program with HakNyeon (called “Thumping Travel”) and THE BOYZ has done a lot of reality shows but this concept will be different from their other reality shows. What is your favorite side of fangirling?Meeting like-minded people through THE BOYZ fandom. I have made friends all around the world, and despite our differences, we get to have fun together and share our love for THE BOYZ. I have connected with and met so many THE B friends through THE BOYZ cupsleeve events, which encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone. Fangirling also serves as a distraction from the stress of the real world, especially when I get to share pictures and videos of SangYeon with other fans. Hearing from a fellow THE B that I have made them a fan of THE BOYZ/SangYeon is a mood booster for me! 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)?THE BOYZ are well known for their great performances on stage but their vocals are often underappreciated. There are many vocal performances by THE BOYZ but I would like to recommend one of my favourite cover of TBZ’s vocal line, ‘함께 (Together)’ by Noel. Their melancholic tone and angelic harmonisation paired with the live orchestra gave me goosebumps. Definitely one of the underrated covers amongst THE Bs too~ Khai’s message to SangYeon and THE BOYZ:Firstly, I would like to send wishes to THE BOYZ, who are currently going on their world tour right now. I hope the members recover from COVID-19 soon and the rest of the members to be of the bestest health throughout their journey. To SangYeon, do not be afraid to lean on the other members for help and you are doing great as always. Thank you for making us laugh and being our number one husband! Lastly, thank you Kpopmap for giving me this platform to spread my love of SangYeon and THE BOYZ. I hope there are non-TBZ fans reading this who would like to get to know them better :).Thank you for answering our questions, Khai. Note: Kpopmap Fan Interview included some of the interviewed fan’s favorite pictures.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 British ARMY Talks About Her Favorite Group BTS & Her Bias JiMin by FANS|Jun 15, 2022 Kpopmap Fan Interview: A Filipino CARAT Talks About Her Favorite Group SEVENTEEN & Her Bias MinGyu by FANS|Jun 12, 2022 Kpopmap Fan Interview: Two Indian MINOZs Talk About Their Favorite Actor Lee MinHo & The Reasons Why They Love Him by FANS|Jun 11, 2022 Kpopmap Fan Interview: A Filipino NOW Talks About Her Favorite Group MIRAE And Her Bias Son DongPyo by FANS|Jun 9, 2022
