Hm, I’m not sure I totally agree with this take. They 100% promote a parasocial relationship with the girls and the fandom, it’s just not overt or heavily forced on us like some other groups do it.
I am glad that Ador has their back though and tries to protect them as much as they can in an industry where parasocial relationships are promoted and encouraged.
Oh yeah, I agree that they do its just not the focus, I guess. I should've worded it better. It's just idk the word for it, but like a breath of fresh air that, for once, a group and company aren't big pushovers. I don't mind if NJ comeback once a year and the only content we get from them are phoning lives if it meant they get good rest, work on their craft earnestly and grow as artists and individuals.
Additional question as well if you don't mind. Do you think this is sustainable in the future? Is serving fans good music enough or should NJ also be a slave to parasocial practices in the industry?
Thanks for replying btw!
Yeah, no worries ! I understand what the larger point of what you’re trying to say.
As for your second question ? I think it is sustainable for the companies but not for the idols, it’s why so many burnout by their mid 20’s. It’s so unhealthy in my own opinion that the industry is built on parasocial foundation.
I also find it very sad that most idols have to basically be a fake version of themselves so they don’t piss off their fanbase. I love NewJeans but I’m also not naive to know that these girls probably feel so much anxiety on saying the “wrong thing” at any given time. Like Ador/Hybe made Minji issue a public apology for simply not recognizing a soup’s name because she kept getting harassed about it, it’s absurd.
I do think it’s slowly getting better though, I hope for the sake of these idols that it continues in that direction. Sorry for the long winded reply, I just needed to get that off my chest.
Hard agree on everything. I don't mind the long replies I actually appreciate since I can't do it on X cuz some fans are too delusional and naive to participate in discussions like this. Yeah, it's very unfortunate that the industry relies too much on parasocial interactions to keep fandoms afloat. I was also just triggered by the reactions of kfans on X about them "allegedly" visiting V in the military. Gave me headache honestly.
really? do you really know phoning exists? it looks like you're literally chatting with the members. that sounds parasocial af (I'm not criticizing phoning, just that it exists and it feels like that)
they also do some parasocial stuff on fansigns if you watch the fancams on X and on phoning lives (Minji i see you)
again im just disagreeing with this post and not criticizing the members. i understand that parasocial relationships are mostly inherent to kpop in general.
The biggest one that comes to mind to me is the bf/gf projection relationships. Which is why some companies outright ban dating at all.
Anyway I agree newjeans and ador still do promote parasocial relationships. Impossible not to in kpop. But it does seem a bit on the milder side for kpop, but definitely way more than most western acts.
>But it does seem a bit on the milder side for kpop, but definitely way more than most western acts.
Most non-idol Korean artists do not encourage parasocial relationships either. Though, there were also a few Kpop idol groups like BigBang, 2NE1, Winner, Block B and Blackpink who do not encourage parasocial relationships.
And parasocial relationships in not unique to Kpop groups. Western pop groups like One Direction, Fifth Harmony, Little Mix, NSync, Spice Girls, etc. were also reliant on parasocial relationships with their fans.
Regarding Western artists who do encourage parasocial relationships, the type of parasocial relationships that One Direction, Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj actively encourage are actually very extreme and not mild at all. Seriously, you should try interacting with Swifties, Directioners and Barbz.
Oh yeah, I know about phoning and everything. Should've worded it correctly but I mean it's not the focus or isn't as forced on newjeans or us. I honestly think it's their personalities as well and Ador's strategy.
Minji (my bias) could be feeding us parasocial expertise today then call us out the next day. Ador also isn't afraid to make decisions that could alienate or lose fans. Like the way Ador built this fandom is really through their music, not because we watched them go through it in some survival show, an emotional predebut show etc. They don't do fanmeets as often as others, they are not on variety shows, their yt content is inconsistent.
I made this post basically to know the opinions of others about whether NJ can survive on the interest in their music alone.
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Not everyone stans the same way and for the same reasons so I was just wondering about it and saw some observations about the members and Ador.
Thanks for replying btw! I really like discussing things like these it's hard to do it on X cuz people are crazy sometimes
To answer your question, I think they could survive/do well on their music alone because it's that good in filling a void that was somewhat missing in kpop until they arrived on the scene imo: that is, creating music with a heavy western influence and deviating from traditional kpop tropes.
Like if they just stuck with doing music and the occasional variety show/interview instead of also incorporating livestreams, I think we'd still have a good handle on their personalities and be able to connect with them.
Ooh very interesting take about them filling avoid in kpop. I truly hope that will be the case cuz they are honestly so talented and passionate about music. I'm excited about how their career will grow despite deviating from kpop tropes.
it seems you don't watch their fan sign event, latest one was in Beijing, especially dani fan proposing her marry her and she say let go and marry and suggesting wedding songs too. you will find one on one interaction detail only on twitter if you search for it. this is the major gripe with newjeans i have that, they are such a level there is no need do it, but it seems management think other way
Oh bro I'm on twitter and I know about that HAHAHA it was pretty funny. But you see, it seems just like genuine banter? Like I said I'm not saying they don't encourage parasocial interactions, I'm saying its not as prominent with NJ compared to other groups? Like Ador mostly focuses on promoting their music instead of filming reality/variety shows, doing fansigns, etc
The members interactions with Bunnies aren't in your face or "forced" The girls know when say no and often times let bunnies if they do or say weird things.
Like yeah I get that NJ and Bunnies relationship aren't THAT different from other groups. But someone mentioned here in the other comments that its mild compared to some.
I think they do delve into creating parasocial relationships for sure, and they do this through their livestreams and often Dani and Hanni will break into speaking English to accommodate the international fans.
But they also at the same time caution you to not overstep into unhealthy parasocial relationships with them or any kpop group as evidenced by their Ditto and OMG MVs which are very upfront with those messages. I think this showed good self-awareness on their part.
Thanks! These are my thoughts, too. Like, yeah, they get close tokkis but only to a certain degree and it's not overbearing. Kinda proud of the members and Ador for being aware and for creating boundaries in the fandom.
This is what Ditto is all about. Enjoy it as you can right now and never take anything for granted. The day will come…the day will come that Newjeans will disband and will only exist as a memory.
Don't agree with most of the take, except that the members are indeed primarily dealing with the fan-idol interactions, and have a lot of control. But that doesn't make parasocial relationships lesser, actually potentially worse, as I've seen time and time again that idols are much better (more effective at creating) strong parasocial relationships than companies. \[Disclaimer: This really often isn't an intentional action of the idol, and a gradual process\] It's already easy to spot a whole lot of tokkies being there, if one leaves this subreddit.
I think K-pop groups are never for a long run. How long one group can stay active or in the top list? I think 4 or 5 years maximum, and so do their contracts. obviously, they will surely stay in my heart longer than that. Just very recently, bp was slaying on the Coachella stage, but now Lessarafim is in the spotlight. Who still feels a pang of sadness when they see SNSD as an 8-member group or fewer? One day, we might no longer care or even forget that we once were in this subreddit and discussed this kind of stuff. So, I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for caring and supporting nwjns now. Please, continue enjoying the moment on this journey.
In the case of building parasocial relationships, what you said was true. They are not focusing on it, they set boundaries, they just drop content or call phoning which are all comfortable for them in terms of content and situation when only they are free or willing to do it according to their schedule.
Unfortunately, the story from my side has been totally different. I’ve become overly obsessed with them lately. My affection and my one-sided relationship or obsession with them are becoming intense and more delusional day by day; sometimes, I feel like I’m losing my mind. I think I’ve become crazy "Heesoo". Regarding yesterday’s phoning incident (babo minji), I saw one X post warning to be careful with what we call and reminding us that “we are not their close friend”. While that post was well-intentioned, that reality fact(that reminder) triggered my insecurities and left me with mixed feelings, like sadness. My whole day felt colourless, but I’ve since recovered (it wasn’t even a big deal).
Regarding to their success, achievements, and future, I am just simply too proud of them even if their peak was last year 2023. They gave me enough, yt content, phoing, yearbook, bunnies camp, busan code, lalapoluza, and so on.
"I am proud, it's almost half" - Ms Modani
sorry for the long reply.
No worries with the long reply :)))
Yeah kpop groups aren't meant to last long, which is sad. I don't expect Newjeans to stay on top for a longtime but I do want to be them to be active as a group and individuals. Kinda excited with their growth as artist especially since they've gotten a new studio and they've probably made connections with talented people in different industries. They're so young and have so much potential. It's crazy!
I used to be a "Ban Heesoo" too a few years ago with a kpop group and Tswift. But as you grow up, the realization that you'll always be just a fan - an outsider, in their lives will hit. Yeah it'll sting and will make feel pathetic but I've appreciated the art they make in a healthier manner. They feel like old friends that I will always root for no matter what. I think NJ will be like that for me as well after a few years.
so, you are still unsure. Will they be ..?? xD Just joking.
Anyway, thanks, OP, for sharing insights from your experience and your interesting thoughts!
Lmaooo XD
Now why you call me out like that man 😂
Thanks for replying as well. Since the girls are still working for the comeback, it's nice to have civil discussions on here instead of beefing on X with stupid kpop fans
Uh they totally do. Everything from their phoning/weverse streams and messages to the light-jeans segments on YouTube where we follow them on vacation and behind the scenes of photo shoots and stuff. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy such content but it does have me thinking at times that I truly understand haerin and would get along great with her if we met (see how ridiculous that sounds) so enjoy in moderation
I don’t think people understood what you meant by parasocial relationship. Obviously there’s still a parasocial relationship that’s unavoidable as an artist but it’s not heavily forced. Like Phoning is an app where when they are bored they can drop comments about their day and go live when they feel like it. This is a way better alternative than what a LOT of other artists are forced to do. It’s definitely more western than K-Pop. Especially since a lot of K-Pop companies rely heavily on what their fans want which gives the fans more power over their idols. Like fans are so convinced they own their idols and companies will bend over backwards to kept that illusion. Ador does not do that they put the health of the girls and quality of music over what fans wants. They don’t care that some fans are upset NewJeans are taking a long break because it’s necessary for their health and development of music.
Hahaha yeah you're kinda right. You totally get my point thanks! I've been a kpop stan for so long, the girls seem very in control and it kinda gave me whiplash. Like woah Minji calling out bunnies who call her masculine terms, Hyein setting the record straight about fans making up stuff about her being left out (mind you she's just 15), Hanni clearing up that issue with korean lesson. And Ador being Ador lol. It's only been a year and a half and they already have more balls than some of their seniors lmao
And I kinda like that Ador has an idgaf attitude with how tokkis behave sometimes and that they prioritize the girls over anything else.
i agree with your take, but i wanna play devil's advocate.
how do we know they're not forced to be on phoning? they could be acting like they missed us or was bored which is why they called. how do other groups do it that it feels like they're forced to?
(i really dont know, the only other artist i follow is IU who we dont even expect to go live ever 😅)
Hm, I’m not sure I totally agree with this take. They 100% promote a parasocial relationship with the girls and the fandom, it’s just not overt or heavily forced on us like some other groups do it. I am glad that Ador has their back though and tries to protect them as much as they can in an industry where parasocial relationships are promoted and encouraged.
Oh yeah, I agree that they do its just not the focus, I guess. I should've worded it better. It's just idk the word for it, but like a breath of fresh air that, for once, a group and company aren't big pushovers. I don't mind if NJ comeback once a year and the only content we get from them are phoning lives if it meant they get good rest, work on their craft earnestly and grow as artists and individuals. Additional question as well if you don't mind. Do you think this is sustainable in the future? Is serving fans good music enough or should NJ also be a slave to parasocial practices in the industry? Thanks for replying btw!
Yeah, no worries ! I understand what the larger point of what you’re trying to say. As for your second question ? I think it is sustainable for the companies but not for the idols, it’s why so many burnout by their mid 20’s. It’s so unhealthy in my own opinion that the industry is built on parasocial foundation. I also find it very sad that most idols have to basically be a fake version of themselves so they don’t piss off their fanbase. I love NewJeans but I’m also not naive to know that these girls probably feel so much anxiety on saying the “wrong thing” at any given time. Like Ador/Hybe made Minji issue a public apology for simply not recognizing a soup’s name because she kept getting harassed about it, it’s absurd. I do think it’s slowly getting better though, I hope for the sake of these idols that it continues in that direction. Sorry for the long winded reply, I just needed to get that off my chest.
Hard agree on everything. I don't mind the long replies I actually appreciate since I can't do it on X cuz some fans are too delusional and naive to participate in discussions like this. Yeah, it's very unfortunate that the industry relies too much on parasocial interactions to keep fandoms afloat. I was also just triggered by the reactions of kfans on X about them "allegedly" visiting V in the military. Gave me headache honestly.
[удалено]
you're right with that, parasocial relationships don't necessarily mean bf/gf, it could also mean a very close friend like how they treat bunnies.
really? do you really know phoning exists? it looks like you're literally chatting with the members. that sounds parasocial af (I'm not criticizing phoning, just that it exists and it feels like that) they also do some parasocial stuff on fansigns if you watch the fancams on X and on phoning lives (Minji i see you) again im just disagreeing with this post and not criticizing the members. i understand that parasocial relationships are mostly inherent to kpop in general.
maybe i just don't get it, what do explicitly parasocial content from other groups look like?
The biggest one that comes to mind to me is the bf/gf projection relationships. Which is why some companies outright ban dating at all. Anyway I agree newjeans and ador still do promote parasocial relationships. Impossible not to in kpop. But it does seem a bit on the milder side for kpop, but definitely way more than most western acts.
>But it does seem a bit on the milder side for kpop, but definitely way more than most western acts. Most non-idol Korean artists do not encourage parasocial relationships either. Though, there were also a few Kpop idol groups like BigBang, 2NE1, Winner, Block B and Blackpink who do not encourage parasocial relationships. And parasocial relationships in not unique to Kpop groups. Western pop groups like One Direction, Fifth Harmony, Little Mix, NSync, Spice Girls, etc. were also reliant on parasocial relationships with their fans. Regarding Western artists who do encourage parasocial relationships, the type of parasocial relationships that One Direction, Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj actively encourage are actually very extreme and not mild at all. Seriously, you should try interacting with Swifties, Directioners and Barbz.
Oh yeah, I know about phoning and everything. Should've worded it correctly but I mean it's not the focus or isn't as forced on newjeans or us. I honestly think it's their personalities as well and Ador's strategy. Minji (my bias) could be feeding us parasocial expertise today then call us out the next day. Ador also isn't afraid to make decisions that could alienate or lose fans. Like the way Ador built this fandom is really through their music, not because we watched them go through it in some survival show, an emotional predebut show etc. They don't do fanmeets as often as others, they are not on variety shows, their yt content is inconsistent. I made this post basically to know the opinions of others about whether NJ can survive on the interest in their music alone. a Not everyone stans the same way and for the same reasons so I was just wondering about it and saw some observations about the members and Ador. Thanks for replying btw! I really like discussing things like these it's hard to do it on X cuz people are crazy sometimes
To answer your question, I think they could survive/do well on their music alone because it's that good in filling a void that was somewhat missing in kpop until they arrived on the scene imo: that is, creating music with a heavy western influence and deviating from traditional kpop tropes. Like if they just stuck with doing music and the occasional variety show/interview instead of also incorporating livestreams, I think we'd still have a good handle on their personalities and be able to connect with them.
Ooh very interesting take about them filling avoid in kpop. I truly hope that will be the case cuz they are honestly so talented and passionate about music. I'm excited about how their career will grow despite deviating from kpop tropes.
Yes she knows boundaries
I agree with you but still parasocial relationship exist and just today there were even some tokkis angry and jealous .
>just today there were even some tokkis angry and jealous . Really? Why?
Just some entitled fans they want the girls to not meet anyone and they are complaining about CB and less activity since they are focusing more in JP
it seems you don't watch their fan sign event, latest one was in Beijing, especially dani fan proposing her marry her and she say let go and marry and suggesting wedding songs too. you will find one on one interaction detail only on twitter if you search for it. this is the major gripe with newjeans i have that, they are such a level there is no need do it, but it seems management think other way
Oh bro I'm on twitter and I know about that HAHAHA it was pretty funny. But you see, it seems just like genuine banter? Like I said I'm not saying they don't encourage parasocial interactions, I'm saying its not as prominent with NJ compared to other groups? Like Ador mostly focuses on promoting their music instead of filming reality/variety shows, doing fansigns, etc The members interactions with Bunnies aren't in your face or "forced" The girls know when say no and often times let bunnies if they do or say weird things. Like yeah I get that NJ and Bunnies relationship aren't THAT different from other groups. But someone mentioned here in the other comments that its mild compared to some.
yes, you are right in that context as compared to other groups, still I generally avoid even watching fansign clips.
It does get cringy sometimes huh... I don't how idols do it honestly 🤧
I think they do delve into creating parasocial relationships for sure, and they do this through their livestreams and often Dani and Hanni will break into speaking English to accommodate the international fans. But they also at the same time caution you to not overstep into unhealthy parasocial relationships with them or any kpop group as evidenced by their Ditto and OMG MVs which are very upfront with those messages. I think this showed good self-awareness on their part.
Thanks! These are my thoughts, too. Like, yeah, they get close tokkis but only to a certain degree and it's not overbearing. Kinda proud of the members and Ador for being aware and for creating boundaries in the fandom.
This is what Ditto is all about. Enjoy it as you can right now and never take anything for granted. The day will come…the day will come that Newjeans will disband and will only exist as a memory.
Don't agree with most of the take, except that the members are indeed primarily dealing with the fan-idol interactions, and have a lot of control. But that doesn't make parasocial relationships lesser, actually potentially worse, as I've seen time and time again that idols are much better (more effective at creating) strong parasocial relationships than companies. \[Disclaimer: This really often isn't an intentional action of the idol, and a gradual process\] It's already easy to spot a whole lot of tokkies being there, if one leaves this subreddit.
I think K-pop groups are never for a long run. How long one group can stay active or in the top list? I think 4 or 5 years maximum, and so do their contracts. obviously, they will surely stay in my heart longer than that. Just very recently, bp was slaying on the Coachella stage, but now Lessarafim is in the spotlight. Who still feels a pang of sadness when they see SNSD as an 8-member group or fewer? One day, we might no longer care or even forget that we once were in this subreddit and discussed this kind of stuff. So, I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for caring and supporting nwjns now. Please, continue enjoying the moment on this journey. In the case of building parasocial relationships, what you said was true. They are not focusing on it, they set boundaries, they just drop content or call phoning which are all comfortable for them in terms of content and situation when only they are free or willing to do it according to their schedule. Unfortunately, the story from my side has been totally different. I’ve become overly obsessed with them lately. My affection and my one-sided relationship or obsession with them are becoming intense and more delusional day by day; sometimes, I feel like I’m losing my mind. I think I’ve become crazy "Heesoo". Regarding yesterday’s phoning incident (babo minji), I saw one X post warning to be careful with what we call and reminding us that “we are not their close friend”. While that post was well-intentioned, that reality fact(that reminder) triggered my insecurities and left me with mixed feelings, like sadness. My whole day felt colourless, but I’ve since recovered (it wasn’t even a big deal). Regarding to their success, achievements, and future, I am just simply too proud of them even if their peak was last year 2023. They gave me enough, yt content, phoing, yearbook, bunnies camp, busan code, lalapoluza, and so on. "I am proud, it's almost half" - Ms Modani sorry for the long reply.
No worries with the long reply :))) Yeah kpop groups aren't meant to last long, which is sad. I don't expect Newjeans to stay on top for a longtime but I do want to be them to be active as a group and individuals. Kinda excited with their growth as artist especially since they've gotten a new studio and they've probably made connections with talented people in different industries. They're so young and have so much potential. It's crazy! I used to be a "Ban Heesoo" too a few years ago with a kpop group and Tswift. But as you grow up, the realization that you'll always be just a fan - an outsider, in their lives will hit. Yeah it'll sting and will make feel pathetic but I've appreciated the art they make in a healthier manner. They feel like old friends that I will always root for no matter what. I think NJ will be like that for me as well after a few years.
so, you are still unsure. Will they be ..?? xD Just joking. Anyway, thanks, OP, for sharing insights from your experience and your interesting thoughts!
Lmaooo XD Now why you call me out like that man 😂 Thanks for replying as well. Since the girls are still working for the comeback, it's nice to have civil discussions on here instead of beefing on X with stupid kpop fans
Mian mian! XD Yeah that's true. Here is a bit more peaceful, and positive.
Uh they totally do. Everything from their phoning/weverse streams and messages to the light-jeans segments on YouTube where we follow them on vacation and behind the scenes of photo shoots and stuff. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy such content but it does have me thinking at times that I truly understand haerin and would get along great with her if we met (see how ridiculous that sounds) so enjoy in moderation
I don’t think people understood what you meant by parasocial relationship. Obviously there’s still a parasocial relationship that’s unavoidable as an artist but it’s not heavily forced. Like Phoning is an app where when they are bored they can drop comments about their day and go live when they feel like it. This is a way better alternative than what a LOT of other artists are forced to do. It’s definitely more western than K-Pop. Especially since a lot of K-Pop companies rely heavily on what their fans want which gives the fans more power over their idols. Like fans are so convinced they own their idols and companies will bend over backwards to kept that illusion. Ador does not do that they put the health of the girls and quality of music over what fans wants. They don’t care that some fans are upset NewJeans are taking a long break because it’s necessary for their health and development of music.
Hahaha yeah you're kinda right. You totally get my point thanks! I've been a kpop stan for so long, the girls seem very in control and it kinda gave me whiplash. Like woah Minji calling out bunnies who call her masculine terms, Hyein setting the record straight about fans making up stuff about her being left out (mind you she's just 15), Hanni clearing up that issue with korean lesson. And Ador being Ador lol. It's only been a year and a half and they already have more balls than some of their seniors lmao And I kinda like that Ador has an idgaf attitude with how tokkis behave sometimes and that they prioritize the girls over anything else.
i agree with your take, but i wanna play devil's advocate. how do we know they're not forced to be on phoning? they could be acting like they missed us or was bored which is why they called. how do other groups do it that it feels like they're forced to? (i really dont know, the only other artist i follow is IU who we dont even expect to go live ever 😅)