[VIDEO] A day spent with a Korean underground idol

Everybody is aware of Ok-pop idols, however few are conscious of an alternate idol tradition thriving in Korea. Often known as „underground idols,“ these performers take the stage in intimate venues in venues round Sinchon, Hongdae and Hapjeong, removed from the glitz and glamour of mainstream media. Regardless of their decrease profiles, they’ve cultivated devoted followings. Some underground idols are former Ok-pop trainees who’ve chosen a distinct creative path, whereas others are drawn purely by their ardour for efficiency.

„We earn sufficient to make a dwelling with out the backing of a serious company,“ Niko, a member of Sekakomo, one in all Korea’s most outstanding underground idol teams, advised the Howdy Korea workforce forward of a gaggle efficiency. In Korea, an estimated 100 underground idol teams exist — a notable determine given the roughly 300 Ok-pop teams at present lively. Performing as many as 20 occasions a month, most underground idols are pushed by their deep love for music and stage presence, in keeping with Moya, one other member of Sekakomo.

Amongst Sekakomo’s most enigmatic figures is Z:KAN, a male member who stands silently alongside his two feminine bandmates. Cloaked in white robes and a cape, he exudes an aura. Nevertheless, it’s his full-face helmet, obscuring his id, that pulls essentially the most consideration. All through our interview, he remained silent, prompting curiosity and hypothesis. His bandmates assured us that even that they had by no means heard his voice. Z:KAN, who serves because the group’s DJ, has intentionally chosen to stay nameless. His resolution underscores the liberty and creative autonomy that underground idols take pleasure in, in stark distinction to the extremely managed picture of mainstream Ok-pop idols.

„I used to be involved in DJing and located a possibility to carry out at underground idol venues,“ Z:KAN communicated by means of his iPad, his major technique of interplay. „I realized DJing as a part of Sekakomo, and although my resolution to remain silent was initially difficult, I’ve come to embrace it. I do that for my ardour for music.“

Later that night, the HowdyKorea workforce adopted Sekakomo to Octavarium, an underground efficiency area within the coronary heart of Hapjeong. Followers lined the slim staircase resulting in the venue, their anticipation undeterred by the chilly climate. The environment buzzed with pleasure.

„I solely found underground idols six months in the past,“ one fan mentioned earlier than the efficiency, „however I’ve memorized all their songs and most of their dance strikes.“

Opposite to the stereotype that underground idol fanatics match the everyday „otaku“ mould, she defied expectations. In her early 20s, she sported platinum blonde hair and a saggy T-shirt bought from Z:KAN’s birthday occasion.

When requested to reveal her information of dance strikes, her preliminary shyness disappeared. Because the music began, she moved in flawless synchronization with the idols‘ choreography. This degree of engagement is widespread amongst underground idol followers. Not like Ok-pop concert events, which function a single group performing an prolonged setlist, underground idol occasions tackle a festival-like environment, with a number of teams taking the stage one after one other. Followers don’t merely watch; they actively take part, singing, dancing, and executing synchronized „combine calls“—a type of cheering paying homage to mosh pits at rock concert events.

Following the high-energy efficiency, the idol teams gathered for „Mulpan,“ an intimate merchandise sale and fan assembly. For roughly 30,000 received per member, followers may take a Polaroid picture with their favourite idol. Because the members signal and beautify the picture, followers have the chance to interact in roughly two minutes of dialog with the members.

The environment throughout Mulpan was intimate but vigorous, with followers exchanging heat phrases with the idols, who responded with acquainted camaraderie. Frequent interactions have fostered sturdy connections between idols and their followers — one thing not often attainable in mainstream Ok-pop, the place interactions usually require vital monetary funding.

When requested about their most memorable fan encounters, Niko’s face lit up.

„We toured Japan just a few months in the past, and a few followers even boarded the identical flight as us simply to assist our exhibits. It gave me a lot energy and encouragement.“

Moya chimed in, „One fan didn’t communicate Japanese and acquired misplaced, wandering the streets for hours. However they nonetheless made it to our efficiency, and it meant the world to us. We even flew again to Korea collectively.“

Whereas underground idols could lack the worldwide visibility of their mainstream counterparts, their unwavering dedication and deeply engaged fan group set them aside. Because the underground idol motion continues to develop, it gives a compelling different to the polished, extremely commercialized world of Ok-pop — proving that authenticity and keenness resonate simply as powerfully as fame and fortune.