Featured above is “Candy,” one of the representative songs by H.O.T, a first-generation KPOP idol group.
KPOP is not only about catchy songs and powerful performances—it is also about the fans who make this industry thrive. The history of KPOP fandom shows how a local music movement in South Korea grew into a worldwide cultural phenomenon. From the early days of H.O.T. to today’s massive international fanbases like ARMY and BLINK, the story of fandom is the story of KPOP itself.
The First Generation: H.O.T. and the Birth of Idol Fandom
In the late 1990s, the boy group H.O.T. (High-five Of Teenagers) became the first true KPOP idol group to create a massive fan culture. Their fans, known as White Angels, carried white balloons during concerts, creating a unified “ocean” of support. This marked the beginning of official fandom colors and symbols in KPOP. H.O.T. also pioneered the concept of organized fan clubs, with hundreds of thousands of registered members—a groundbreaking phenomenon at the time.
H.O.T.’s success showed the power of collective fan identity. For many, supporting an idol group became more than enjoying music; it was about belonging to a community.
The Second Generation: Expansion Through Fan Clubs (2000s)
The 2000s saw the rise of groups like TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, and BIGBANG. Fandom culture expanded rapidly, with official fan clubs and designated colors for each group. Online communities and fan cafés became central meeting points, allowing fans to organize events, share news, and strengthen loyalty.
This period established the structure of modern KPOP fandoms: official names, chants, and a sense of belonging that extended beyond concerts.
The Third Generation: Social Media and Global Reach (2010s)
The 2010s marked a turning point. Platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram helped spread KPOP beyond South Korea. EXO, BTS, and Blackpink built massive international fanbases. Fans could now communicate directly with idols via live streams and social media updates.
BTS’s ARMY is a prime example of a fandom that turned online support into global impact, organizing charity projects, streaming campaigns, and international fan events.
Fourth and Fifth Generations: The Globalization of Fandom (2020s–Now)
Today’s groups, such as Stray Kids, ATEEZ, NewJeans, and IVE, debut with international audiences already in mind. Their fandoms are global from day one, with fans streaming new releases worldwide within hours of release.
KPOP fandom is no longer just about Korea—it’s a worldwide network of fans who contribute to trends, organize support projects, and drive KPOP’s place in global pop culture.
Conclusion: From H.O.T. to Global Fandom
The history of KPOP fandom is a journey of innovation, passion, and community. From H.O.T.’s white balloons to today’s digital fan campaigns, fans have always been at the center of KPOP’s success. As new generations of artists emerge, one thing is clear: the story of KPOP fandom will continue to grow, connecting people around the world through music and shared love.
