My J journey: How the First Member and Song Impact My Bias

Beyond the catchy tunes and dance routines, the journey of fandom can be deeply personal. It can begin with a single member or song that captures our hearts, shaping our biases over time. In this article, we explore two fan journeys: one through the lens of BTS and another with BLACKPINK. How do the first members you notice and the first songs you hear influence your biases, and do they change over time?

BTS: The Jimin Bias

Choosing a favorite member in a group like BTS can be a rollercoaster, especially when there are as many talented individuals as there are in the group. For many fans, the journey begins with noticing a single member. For me, it started with Jimin. He was the first member I recognized, and he stayed my core bias for a very long time. However, as my fandom evolved, my biases changed almost every week.

Following the weekly roster:

Monday: Namjoon (RM) Tuesday: Jin Wednesday: Yoongi (SUGA) Thursday: Hobi (JUNGKook) Friday: Jimin Saturday: Taehyung (V) Sunday: Jungkook (JIN)

Today happens to be Friday, making Jimin my bias for the day. Even though I've been fangirling over Namjoon since morning, today is dedicated to Jimin. It’s interesting to see how the first member I noticed influences not just the beginning, but also the journey of biases.

The first song I listened to in BTS is ‘Run BTS’ and it remains my favorite. The lyrics and melody truly resonate with these words: 'I wish you would love me again. No, I don't want anyone else.'

‘I love what you hate’, indeed, is a sentiment echoed in the journey of fandom. The first member and the first song can often be the starting point, but biases can shift and evolve with time.

BLACKPINK: From Hate to Love

For another fan journey, let's look at BLACKPINK. The group had a significant impact on the K-pop landscape, and the rollercoaster of emotions and biases can be fascinating to explore. When I first encountered BLACKPINK, I was particularly drawn to Jennie. That was around the time when she was facing a lot of criticism and even a dating scandal, which added to the hyper-hate train surrounding her.

Despite the initial backlash, I found her cool and her concept photos were truly outstanding. That period marked the beginning of my love for her, but it eventually did not shape my ultimate bias. The decision to support Rose was more about seeing her potential and resilience, amidst the rumors of not having interest in idol life.

Now, years later, I still hold Rose in high regard. Her dedication to music and performing, and her cover of 'Someone You Loved', deeply resonated with me. The group's talent, especially with their iconic song 'DDU-DDU-DU', cannot be overstated. This journey has not only connected me to BLACKPINK but also to the world of K-pop beyond the fame and scandal.

DDU-DDU-DU first captured my attention with its catchy tune and dynamic choreography. It was this song that also introduced me to Jennie, and the following song, 'Whistle', solidified her place as a standout member. Listening to these songs now, which brings back nostalgic memories, is always a sweet experience.

Ultimately, my journey with both BTS and BLACKPINK has not only shaped my musical tastes but also my understanding of idols and the complex beauty of K-pop fandom.

Conclusion

The first member and song can indeed be pivotal in the journey of a fan. Jimin and 'Run BTS' in BTS, and Jennie and 'DDU-DDU-DU' in BLACKPINK, were the starting points for these journeys. These elements may change with time, but they always hold a special place in the heart of a fan. The biases, whether changed or kept, are a testament to the evolving nature of fandom.