There are K-Pop fans across the globe who share the same passion. But on online platforms, it is hard to know about each other’ stories and K-Pop life. Even if we are in the same fandom, it is hard to get to know each other. So at Kpopmap, we started the Kpopmap Fan Interview Project to get to know more about K-Pop fans from different countries: more about their K-Pop life and tastes and to give them the opportunity to share with our readers about their favorite group(s) and bias. Admin Cy of the EXO fanbase called EXO-L YouTube Team, is the next fan to answer our questions. She is a fan of EXO, and particularly of D.O. and Kai. Check out how she entered the fandom, the songs and content she advises to new fans, and much more! Can you introduce yourself? Where are you from? I’m Admin Cy. I’m from the Philippines and I’ve been an EXO-L since 2019. How and when did you enter the fandom? When they debuted, they became a huge hit in my country. Everywhere I went, I heard the name EXO. When I finally decided to look them up, I found that they covered one of the most popular songs in my country which also happened to be my favorite song at that time. It was called ‘Hawak Kamay’ which translates to “Holding Hands.” I was in awe of their talent and the accuracy of their pronunciations, especially BaekHyun. He sounded like he was born a Filipino. What are the reasons why you love your favorite artist? I could make a list of reasons as to why I love EXO, but I’ll give three. One of the main ones would be the fact that each member has a distinct niche that they specialise in, everyone is good at something, however when it needs to, this niche adapts to the needs of the group and allows each member to take on any position required. This ability of the members is what makes EXO one of a kind to me. Another one would be the fact that each member has a specific tone to their voices. When you hear an EXO song, you can tell who’s singing that part. This, to me, is what makes EXO songs so beautiful and unique. Lastly, EXO is versatile. There is no genre that they cannot do. Who caught your attention at first and why? Kai did. He had a certain appeal to him that I cannot fathom to this day. He stands out during performances. Who is your bias, and why? I have five and I love them all equally, but Kai and D.O. are my top biases. They both share a spot. Kai is my bias because his humor matches mine and he’s just insanely talented. And while all of EXO has great vocals, D.O. to me has the most remarkable voice and I could never get tired of listening to him singing. Which song by them caught your attention at first and why? As I ventured through their discography, I found a fancam from the first “EXO Planet” concert in which they sang so happily and danced around the stage as if no one else was watching them. Just the song and the members vibing. I loved that. Carefree and lovely. The song was ‘XOXO’. Can you recommend a title track and a B-side track for new fans? For title track, I recommend ‘Love Me Right’. For B-side track, I suggest listening to ‘Forever’. Can you recommend a fancam, V Live, cover video, cover dance, or individual content video of your bias to our readers? For D.O., I recommend the ‘For Life’ fancam from “EXO Planet #4: The EℓyXiOn dot”. As for Kai, I recommend any ‘Mmmh’ fancam! Can you also do the same type of recommendation for the group? “EXO Planet #4 – The EℓyXiOn” intro, and if you have time, then just watch the whole concert. Can you share with us one of your favorite lyrics? “Your future depends on your imagination.” - ‘Power’ Are there any quotes by your favourite artist that you would like to share? “Always fight. I will cheer for you.” – BaekHyun What kind of influence has your favourite artist had on your daily life? Each of them have their own influence on me because of that. Some members make me want to be better at certain things, some members make me want to try out new things. Point is, they all make me want to change the way I live my life, the way I look at life. For you, what is your bias’ best stage outfits until now? Please share a picture or fan cam. One of the best, if not the best, stage outfits EXO has ever worn was during their ‘Obsession’ Era, when they went on the 6 Underground premiere which can be seen in the following video by Newsen: Another one have to be their outfits for ‘Tempo’ which could be seen in this stage for “Music Bank”. I always wished that both sets of outfits were worn by all nine of them. They rock these two aesthetics as a group. What is your biggest dream for your favorite group/bias aside from being happy and healthy? My biggest wish for EXO is for each member to be comfortable pursuing what they truly love as individuals. I wish that they all feel content with the life that they live and would never have to worry about or hesitate in pursuing the path that they really want to take, no matter what it is, so that they can unleash their full potential as an individual artist. I hope they know that their fans will continue to support them no matter what. EXO is not EXO without all nine members, but each member is still a well-established and an accomplished individual without EXO. If you go to only one, would you go to a concert, fan meeting, or fan sign? While all three are desirable, nothing would ever top the experience of being in a concert with the people that you support EXO with. Concerts are always one for the books. Describe them in 5 words. Phenomenal. Awe-inspiring. Humorous. Accomplished. Exquisite. Would you like to see your bias group in variety shows? What type of variety show would you like them to do? EXO members are perfect for any type of variety show. I say this because each of them have their own personalities that somehow blend so well in any setting. Imagine if there was a TV show where each cast member would showcase what they’re good at, no matter what it is (e.g. cooking, playing a certain sport, etc.), where each episode is about one cast member and the rest would be trying to engage in the activity even if they suck at it. That type of TV show. That’s what I want to see my boys do. I’m trying to say that they should have their own variety show. Just for EXO. But if you want a more specific and shorter answer, then I would like a documentary-type variety show. I would also like a show where the members would take care of kids just like “Little Forest". What is your favorite side of fangirling/fanboying? I always love meeting new people and trying out new things. What I love about fangirling is the fact that I get to meet all these amazing people even though they are thousands of miles away from me, and most importantly, these people make me experience new exciting things. The anticipation for the new comeback is also one of my favorite moments with these people that I meet online. Also, as a new admin (of EXO-L YouTube Team), it is very nice to anticipate what the fanbase has to create for the fans and how the fans would react to them. Do you feel there are any misunderstandings, things that are not well known, or any prejudices about your favorite artist from other fans (non-fans)? To me the biggest misconception people have over EXO is that they’re “just ballads and R&B.” That’s untrue. Yes, they do a great job in that genre; however, this shows the lack of experience with their discography. If one takes time to listen to all of it, then you’ll know how versatile this group is. Admin Cy’s message for EXO: Words cannot describe the amount of adoration and gratitude I have for you. Please continue to do what you love for as long as you’re happy, and know that no matter what happens, we will always cheer for you and support your future endeavours. Keep owning the stage. I love you nine, always and forever. Thank you for answering our questions, Admin Cy. If you are interested in joining Kpopmap Fan Interview Project, please get in touch with us at [email protected] Everyone is welcome to participate.
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