Let's Hear It: Real name or Stage name?

I've noticed that it seems to be becoming less likely in the 4th gen for idols to adopt stage names. Would you prefer KPOP idols to go by their real names or stage names? Do stage names add anything? Are there any examples of KPOP idols that go by stage names where you think their real name is preferable?

Quote from Charmed123

well hobi is from jhope so it’s a nickname of stage name not real one

I get your point, but I mean since it's used in real life. a nickname is still more "real" than a stage name you made up only for stage, right?

Quote from tetetete

yoongi is definitely creating his own brand with the PROD SUGA credits

its remarkable

Yea, Prod Suga is a thing. Both RM and Suga also had "stage names" in the rap underground scene even before BTS

Quote from MY-Kwangya

I prefer real names, more authentic.

Do you call groups by their stage names or real names?

Quote from tetetete

SUGA>>>>Gloss

RM>>>>>runch randa >>>>> rap monster lol

HARD AGREE, LMAO

Quote from caratnotcarrot

i think stage names are fine, more than half of svt has a stage name and i like it. i personally dont like the discourse abt how if u call ur idol by their stage name rather than, you're less of a fan or anything bc its just weird

I think you mean "rather than their real name", right? I don't think so either, you kind of get comfortable referring to them as the rest of the fandom does. Like we've already brought up with Hobi - it's a nickname from his stage name - ARMY doesn't say Hoseok.

Quote from tetetete

so basically i like stage names only when they sound cooler/cuter than their real names

I think Joon is cuter than RM, but yea for Namjoon, lol.

Quote from tetetete

i feel like my parasocial relationship has reached new highs whenever i call namjoon joon

It's just a name! We still don't know them. I use what the fandom uses cause you just see it that way all the time. I'll refer to Jimin as Chim and Suga as Meow Meow - I know they aren't my best friends or anything though, lol.

Quote from carrot-juice

I prefer Korean names because they're more authentic and they simply sound nicer

Especially if the idol has some corny ass stage name like T.O or X.O od R2-D2 or F-Art like...just keep your real name please.

Rap Monster

Quote from carrot-juice

F-Art

Yo, who has this?!!!!

Quote from carrot-juice

The only thing that bothers me about BTS' stage names is that they have a Suga but they don't have a Peppa

Useless Trivia: Suga is actually short for shooting guard, his favorite position in basketball.

Quote from Jichu

If I had to pick one, then real names.

Stage names are fine by me if it's similar to their real name or at least aren't westernized because those are cringe af.

I guess I won't name names, LOL. Is there a stage name you like?

Quote from kingkook

It really depends. Especially if I don't stan the group, then I will only be using stage names.

Do Mys call Aespa by their real names? I usually see them referred to by their stage names.

Quote from tetetete

chounim will love this conversation hehe

I feel like I should be afraid

Quote from kingkook

Also sometimes multiple idols tend to have the same real name, so it's better to go with stage name.

For example, Karina's real name is also Jimin but that would just make it more confusing for people to understand who I'm refering to. I mean people already mix up AOA's Jimin and BTS Jimin from time to time.

Yea, good point - I saw a mix up between AOA Mina and TWICE mMina earlier in the Karen thread

Quote from BunnyLipChickpoo

Whatever they feel comfortable with tbh, I understand people don't like to reveal their real names as for I do it too, but if they want to be known by their real name it's on them

Seeing as you stan BP, Rosé is an interesting case because even though her Korean name is Chaeyoung, she is called Roseanne in English right?