Just a little, yeah. I think it’s easier now in some ways, people today have access to so much more than I did growing up. It seems like they can learn more, do more, and see more, all from an earlier age. You can go to college online now, even attend really good universities from home. I’m honestly happy for them. I didn’t have internet for a long time, and I had to physically go to college while working full time, which was tough. There were some online options back then, but nowhere near the opportunities people have now. So while I might feel a twinge of envy sometimes, I’m more glad they don’t have to go through the same struggles.
Just a little, yeah. I think it’s easier now in some ways, people today have access to so much more than I did growing up. It seems like they can learn more, do more, and see more, all from an earlier age. You can go to college online now, even attend really good universities from home. I’m honestly happy for them. I didn’t have internet for a long time, and I had to physically go to college while working full time, which was tough. There were some online options back then, but nowhere near the opportunities people have now. So while I might feel a twinge of envy sometimes, I’m more glad they don’t have to go through the same struggles.
I agree with you, it was a lot different even 10-15 years ago.
I am a little jealous but not in a bad way. I haven't completely wasted my teenage years and followed my passions, but sometimes I wish I did more, so maybe my life would go a different way.
But then some people have big achievements in their 20s, 30s, 40s, at any age really. So I think it's good to remember that it's not too late to try if someone wants to do something. A lot of things really are easier and more approachable now with the internet and social media.
Display MoreI agree with you, it was a lot different even 10-15 years ago.
I am a little jealous but not in a bad way. I haven't completely wasted my teenage years and followed my passions, but sometimes I wish I did more, so maybe my life would go a different way.
But then some people have big achievements in their 20s, 30s, 40s, at any age really. So I think it's good to remember that it's not to late to try if someone wants to do something. A lot of things really are easier and more approachable now with the internet and socjal media.
Yeah, I totally get that. I think a lot of us feel that way sometimes, like, "what if I’d done more back then?" But honestly, life just kind of moves in weird, unexpected ways. And yeah, it’s actually kind of nice that we can still do stuff now. I try not to dwell too much on what I missed and focus more on what I can still do. Glad I'm not the only one who thinks about this stuff, though.
Yeah, I totally get that. I think a lot of us feel that way sometimes, like, "what if I’d done more back then?" But honestly, life just kind of moves in weird, unexpected ways. And yeah, it’s actually kind of nice that we can still do stuff now. I try not to dwell too much on what I missed and focus more on what I can still do. Glad I'm not the only one who thinks about this stuff, though.
I have a bad tendency to think about it, making up "what if" scenarios in my head, especially about some things that I regret not doing differently. So I try to remind myself that the past is on the past and I can still try to achieve some goals now, even if they are different. And besides, even if we did more in the past, it's impossible to predict what would our lives look like.
But yeah, I think about this or similar things from time to time. I'm an introvert and there's a lot of thoughts going on in my head, sometimes too many.
I have a bad tendency to think about it, making up "what if" scenarios in my head, especially about some things that I regret not doing differently. So I try to remind myself that the past is on the past and I can still try to achieve some goals now, even if they are different. And besides, even if we did more in the past, it's impossible to predict what would our lives look like.
But yeah, I think about this or similar things from time to time. I'm an introvert and there's a lot of thoughts going on in my head, sometimes too many.
I'm definitely an introvert as well and I always run those "what if" scenarios for so many different things. What if i didn't do this, what if i did this, maybe things would be different, maybe they'd be worst. But as we know we can't change the past, only learn from it and try to do better. Unfortunately i have reached an age where i just dgaf. lol I'd rather be a single crazy cat lady then deal with relationships. I'd rather be an introvert who never leaves my house then worry if the next "friend" i meet is going to backstab me in some way shape or form.
But it's not worth the stress of wondering how things would be if we did something differently.
I'm definitely an introvert as well and I always run those "what if" scenarios for so many different things. What if i didn't do this, what if i did this, maybe things would be different, maybe they'd be worst. But as we know we can't change the past, only learn from it and try to do better. Unfortunately i have reached an age where i just dgaf. lol I'd rather be a single crazy cat lady then deal with relationships. I'd rather be an introvert who never leaves my house then worry if the next "friend" i meet is going to backstab me in some way shape or form.
But it's not worth the stress of wondering how things would be if we did something differently.
I really love your approach. I think I'm somewhere in the middle, because there are still things that I care about too much and that affect me and make me feel a little guilty. But for the rest, I learned to not care too and just do my thing.
It's amazing how with age some people finally start to feel free to live their life the way they want to and don't care for anyone's expectations of them. I feel like in my teens and early 20s I cared too much about this and tried to fit into the mold, but now I just want to be comfortable with myself and I'm not going to make myself do something just because other people or society thinks I should.
I really love your approach. I think I'm somewhere in the middle, because there are still things that I care about too much and that affect me and make me feel a little guilty. But for the rest, I learned to not care too and just do my thing.
It's amazing how with age some people finally start to feel free to live their life the way they want to and don't care for anyone's expectations of them. I feel like in my teens and early 20s I cared too much about this and tried to fit into the mold, but now I just want to be comfortable with myself and I'm not going to make myself do something just because other people or society thinks I should.
Exactly. It’s refreshing to connect with others who bring a bit more life experience and perspective. I’m always hesitant to say too much about myself, since it tends to invite unwanted reactions...but I really appreciate your thoughtful views!
Exactly. It’s refreshing to connect with others who bring a bit more life experience and perspective. I’m always hesitant to say too much about myself, since it tends to invite unwanted reactions...but I really appreciate your thoughtful views!
I'm sorry for such a late reply, I've been busy and couldn't come here.
I know what you mean, I'm always hesitant and careful too. Even in our discussion, I talked in more general terms yet still trying to explain what I meant. It was really nice to chat with you and meet someone with a similar pov on those things. Usually kpop fans that I meet online are younger and want to purely talk about the idols or music.
I'm sorry for such a late reply, I've been busy and couldn't come here.
I know what you mean, I'm always hesitant and careful too. Even in our discussion, I talked in more general terms yet still trying to explain what I meant. It was really nice to chat with you and meet someone with a similar pov on those things. Usually kpop fans that I meet online are younger and want to purely talk about the idols or music.
yeah the younger generation won't understand lol
adulting is hard, i understand being busy haha.
yeah the younger generation won't understand lol
adulting is hard, i understand being busy haha.
Sometimes I don't even tell people my age, cause I've seen opinions that kpop should only be for teens haha, and I'm around the age of 2nd gen idols (though I personally don't think there's anything wrong with kpop fans being any age, it's a music genre after all). I see it often on kpop collecting instagram, people can be really weird there.
Thanks, yes it often gets in the way 
But I still enjoy coming here, even if not every day.
Sometimes I don't even tell people my age, cause I've seen opinions that kpop should only be for teens haha, and I'm around the age of 2nd gen idols (though I personally don't think there's anything wrong with kpop fans being any age, it's a music genre after all). I see it often on kpop collecting instagram, people can be really weird there.
Thanks, yes it often gets in the way
Oh god same i've been accused of so much crap just for liking kpop at my age...there is way too much ageism in kpop. And the kids harass you as if you're doing something wrong for liking music and stanning groups. I'm an 80's baby.
Oh god same i've been accused of so much crap just for liking kpop at my age...there is way too much ageism in kpop. And the kids harass you as if you're doing something wrong for liking music and stanning groups. I'm an 80's baby.
Yeah, that's why now I try to keep low and just don't get personal with anyone. It's a funny thing though, that in the collecting world it's the older people who can afford more, so I don't get why the teens are so entitled sometimes. I'm similar, I was born in the late 80s and became a fan during the 2nd gen. Back then being around the same age as the idols felt normal. Now the age gap gets bigger with younger groups, but I'm not some creep lol, I just enjoy the music, so I don't see why we shouldn't be allowed to do it like everyone else.
Yeah, that's why now I try to keep low and just don't get personal with anyone. It's a funny thing though, that in the collecting world it's the older people who can afford more, so I don't get why the teens are so entitled sometimes. I'm similar, I was born in the late 80s and became a fan during the 2nd gen. Back then being around the same age as the idols felt normal. Now the age gap gets bigger with younger groups, but I'm not some creep lol, I just enjoy the music, so I don't see why we shouldn't be allowed to do it like everyone else.
Exactly. I won't stan any group who's made up of minors or majority minors. if 90% of the group is over 21 I will listen to their music and possibly follow them if it's good. I always enjoy seeing groups debut with older people like late 20's to 30's it makes it feel more relaxing seeing older idols doing music. but as you said they are getting younger and younger. i got into kpop in the 4th gen in 2020. but it took a year or two for me to discover 3rd gen, 2nd gen and like 1 or 2 1st gen groups. Now i follow mostly soloists in kpop and ventured over to jpop. I used to never see such an issue with liking music and groups especially in the 90's with all the boy bands popping up. but in kpop it's like some huge problem and I don't get it myself lol.
Not anymore but used to. It took me a long time to realize that each person has their own unique journey. We all go through different things in our lives that either become barriers or give people advantages. I believe that we all have the power to do the things we want, eventually. We just need to work towards them however that may be. It is more difficult when systemic barriers are the thing preventing people
Exactly. I won't stan any group who's made up of minors or majority minors. if 90% of the group is over 21 I will listen to their music and possibly follow them if it's good. I always enjoy seeing groups debut with older people like late 20's to 30's it makes it feel more relaxing seeing older idols doing music. but as you said they are getting younger and younger. i got into kpop in the 4th gen in 2020. but it took a year or two for me to discover 3rd gen, 2nd gen and like 1 or 2 1st gen groups. Now i follow mostly soloists in kpop and ventured over to jpop. I used to never see such an issue with liking music and groups especially in the 90's with all the boy bands popping up. but in kpop it's like some huge problem and I don't get it myself lol.
I do follow some younger groups, but I am not really one of the fans who would be obsessed with idols, follow their every step etc. I mostly listen to the music and if I really like a group, I will also check out their variety and keep up with the news. I found that I naturally gravitate towards older members anyway, when thinking of a bias or a favourite members, which is good.
I always have mixed feelings about companies debuting very young idols. For example I started following IVE in 2022 and they're now one of my favourite groups, but I was really against them debuting the youngest member Leeseo, who was only 14. I mean, some of the members from my other favourite groups like f(x) or Red Velvet also debuted super young, but I didn't pay that much attention to it then, because I was also younger.
Oh, it's great that you went back and discovered older groups! I personally couldn't really get into gen 1, so I only know groups from gen 2. Could you recommend any female soloists from jpop that are good? I've been meaning to give jpop a try, but I only follow ggs and female artists, so I don't know if you know any.
Yes, I feel like in the west the age of the fans is not really an issue? I never met anyone who liked music saying that this or that western group/soloist is only for the teens or adults. Unless it's music made solely for children, I don't see a problem. Or maybe it's not as big as in kpop. But I believe the parasocial relationship between the artists and fans is the most prominent in kpop, so maybe that's why.
I do follow some younger groups, but I am not really one of the fans who would be obsessed with idols, follow their every step etc. I mostly listen to the music and if I really like a group, I will also check out their variety and keep up with the news. I found that I naturally gravitate towards older members anyway, when thinking of a bias or a favourite members, which is good.
I always have mixed feelings about companies debuting very young idols. For example I started following IVE in 2022 and they're now one of my favourite groups, but I was really against them debuting the youngest member Leeseo, who was only 14. I mean, some of the members from my other favourite groups like f(x) or Red Velvet also debuted super young, but I didn't pay that much attention to it then, because I was also younger.
Same, since I only follow male soloists/bg's there have been a few who debuted super young, but since they are already older now that I discovered them I really don't focus on it. But i definitely think now they are getting younger, sure i can slightly understand for companies with male artists since they have to enlist at some point. but for females i don't understand the need for them to be so young.
Oh, it's great that you went back and discovered older groups! I personally couldn't really get into gen 1, so I only know groups from gen 2. Could you recommend any female soloists from jpop that are good? I've been meaning to give jpop a try, but I only follow ggs and female artists, so I don't know if you know any.
I don't follow females but the ones i hear about a lot is crystal kay and LiSA (not to be confused with bp's lisa)
There's a few females from exile tribe which is the the only company where i stan a majority of my j-pop groups I don't know much about the above artists but they are all associated with LDH Japan and i just LOVE the exile tribe and LDH artists. Actually this is the first time i've ever heard LiSA and that song is really damn good.
crystalblues may have more reccomendations!
Yes, I feel like in the west the age of the fans is not really an issue? I never met anyone who liked music saying that this or that western group/soloist is only for the teens or adults. Unless it's music made solely for children, I don't see a problem. Or maybe it's not as big as in kpop. But I believe the parasocial relationship between the artists and fans is the most prominent in kpop, so maybe that's why.
I wonder if it's a conservative issue for south korea? but then with so many fans being international i still don't understand why its such a big issue. If the music isn't specifically tailored to children what is the issue? enjoying music should for sure be for everyone! I do wish I was more talented and had been able to do something that I enjoy but i never found "That hobby" that i ever tried to do lol.
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