You think you can keep this fabulousness from us with your new law Korea? Bitch you don't know who you're dealin' with^^
I’m sure many of you have heard about the new anti-pirating laws Korea has just put in place for media. If not, check it out here. Some people are predicting doom and gloom for international Hallyu fans, however, I wouldn’t be so quick to pull the plug just yet.
In the past, I’ve spent many a posts pondering, and out right bashing Kpop fans for their fanaticism and batshit craziery. However, I’ve come to realize that same fanatical spirit is exactly why there is an international Hallyu fandom to begin with.
Korea, for all it’s talk about spreading Hallyu, does practically nothing to cater to fans outside of Asia. Sure KBS World airs some dramas with subs, and the occasional album gets thrown up on itunes, but other than that, access to legal media for us is practically non-existent. Yet, that hasn’t stopped any of us from enjoying Korea’s best and brightest. No matter if you are a Kdrama fan or a Kpop fan or both, we’re all united by the same challenges in obtaining and understanding all the goodies Korea has to offer.
It’s easy to get distracted by the sheer shininess of Hallyu and forget that from a international perspective, Korean fandom is very much a unknown entity. If the Jonas Brothers are Goliath, then DBSK wouldn’t even be the ant stuck to David’s shoe. However, what Kpop fandom lacks in numbers, it makes up for in fanaticism and tenacity. I have never been a part of a fandom where so many are willing to sacrifice sleep, time, energy, money, or just about anything to keep other fans up-to-date with information and media.
And it’s not just about the will, but also the way. Hallyu fans are not only dedicated, but they are organized and resourceful, sometimes to a scary extent. As much as I hate the big brotheresque vibe of Soompi and other similar sites, there is no question that they are fast, and for the most part reliable. I’m no Korean netizen obviously, but I honestly don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything having to do with my favorite my idols. It seems like for the big groups at least, every bit of news if faithfully translated, and every show promptly uploaded.
Because Kpop fandom seems so organized and impressive, it’s also easy to forget that it’s very much a grass roots movement, and an often illegal one at that. I mean, some of the best sub teams and forums out there run better then small municipal governments. The levels of hierarchy are strictly defined, and rules breakers are dealt with effectively and promptly. Crediting and sourcing rules in fandom can rival that of reputable journalism establishments, and although there are no physical punishments for those who go against the grain, the sheer weight of social ostracism is enough to keep most people abiding by even the most ridiculous of guidelines. And to think, all of this just for a tv show or boyband. Shit is scary but awe inspiring, immaright???
So what’s the point? I guess what I’m trying to say is that K-entertainment fans may be a little um… insane at times, but that insanity is derived from genuine passion, and it is that same passion which fuels the resiliency and pragmatism which will allow fandom to live on.
I say, bring it on Korea. You don’t even know the crazy you’re dealing with. If fans don’t let the fact that they don’t even fucking understand the language get in the way of enjoying Kpop, you think a few measly copyright laws will? I laugh in your face Korea, I laugh in your face.
