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. Sya from Brunei is the next fan to answer our questions. She is a fan of KINGDOM, and particularly of Dann! 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? My name is Sya! I’m a 19-year-old KINGMAKER from Brunei. How and when did you enter the fandom? I became a fan of KINGDOM exactly on their debut date!! I first heard of KINGDOM prior to debut through various social media sites about a new boy group debuting with a medieval concept. Their never before seen concept really caught my attention & it made me curious to check out the group. And the moment the music video for their song ‘Excalibur’ dropped, I knew I wanted to follow them on their journey and I was excited to see what they have in store in the future. What are the reasons why you love your favorite group? Aside from their unique concept, I fell in love with the boy’s charming and funny personalities. Each member is unique in their own way and they show many different sides to fans. They are not only funny but they are the sweetest boys I met. They always try to find ways to repay fans for supporting them- it could be through making handmade gifts, visiting fans often through lives, or writing fancafe letters. KINGDOM always put their love and sincerity into their gifts, no matter how small and that made me love them more than anything. Who caught your attention at first and why? When I first watched ‘Excalibur’, I was captivated by MuJin’s beautiful and stunning visuals, as well as his amazing dancing skills and vocals!! Who is your bias, and why? I actually have 2 biases, Louis and Dann but for this interview, I’ll mainly talk about Dann. He became my bias after the release of the music video for their B-side, ‘The Song Of Dann (Promise)’ which tells the tragic story of King Dann and the loss of his lover. I was impressed by Dann’s acting skills throughout the MV. He portrays his character perfectly and brings life to the story. Other than that, he has always been a great leader to the group & showed his love for both his members and his fans. Regardless of the hardships he’s been through, he always stayed strong and worked hard to make sure KINGDOM becomes successful one day. Dann also speaks both Korean and English fluently so this breaks the barrier between KINGDOM and international fans, allowing him to communicate with us so we don’t feel left out & comfort us during our hard times, creating a safe space between us and the boys. Can you recommend a B-side track for new fans? For a B-side, I recommend ‘We Are’ from their 3rd album. It’s a cute and upbeat song that is like a love story between KINGDOM and KINGMAKER, and you can definitely feel the love they are trying to convey through the song. Can you recommend a fancam, V Live, cover video, cover dance, or individual content video of your bias to our readers? This dance cover medley done by all members is my favorite! They showcased their versatile dancing skill by dancing to numerous songs. From upbeat songs like ‘Very Nice’ by SEVENTEEN to powerful ones like ‘Shoot Out’ by MONSTA X. This cover definitely shows the boy’s skills to their fullest potential!! Can you also do the same type of recommendation for the group? Their famous Halloween special which will you laugh until you can’t laugh anymore :D. Are there any words from the members you would like to share? “When you’re having a hard time, look back on the road you’ve walked for a while. How rewarding it was. Don’t forget, you are the flower with the most beautiful scent in the world.” - Ivan on fancafe What is your favorite group/bias’ influence on your daily life? Dann has taught me a lot to stay happy regardless of the hardships I will face, I should never give up on my dreams, and that I can reach new heights and achieve things I never knew I could achieve. For you, what is your bias’ best stage outfits until now? Please share a picture or fan cam. This outfit! The pink Hanbok fits him perfectly, matched with his hairstyle turning him into a handsome king! If you go to only one, would you go to a concert, fan meeting, or fan sign? Definitely a concert!! I would love to hear the boys sing live. KINGDOM also doesn’t get many opportunities to do special stages so I think a concert can be their chance to perform award-show-like stages for fans. Plus, they have many beautiful B-sides that have yet to have the spotlight. I can imagine their ballads like ‘Night Air’ or ‘Fallen Star’ being sung beautifully by KINGDOM together with an ocean of KINGMAKERS. Describe them in 5 words Talented, amazing, funny, sweet, sincere. What is one thing that you think is unique about your bias/bias group? KINGDOM is of course one of a kind. Thanks to their concept, each member is their own King, representing different cultures all around the world and connecting with fans through their storyline and music. Would you like to see your bias group in variety shows? What type of variety show would you like them to do? A travel variety show would be perfect for them ^^ KINGDOM has only visited a few countries since debut and I really want to see them travel more!! I would be happy to see them visit different places all around the world and try out all kinds of food! They can also take a break from their busy idol life, to relax and rest their bodies. I personally don’t mind what country they visit but I do hope they visit my country one day :). What is your biggest dream for your favorite group/bias aside from being happy and healthy? I wish for KINGDOM to get their 1st ever music show win. I will wait till the day Dann holds the 1st place trophy while he gives his thank-you-speech to KINGMAKERS. I know this wish will come true one day ♡. What is your favorite side of fangirling/fanboying? Watching the boys grow as a group, create new milestones and break records despite being a new group coming from a small agency. Do you feel there are any misunderstandings, things that are not well known, or any prejudices about your favorite group from other fans (non-fans)? As said by Dann “We’re not Mnet’s “KINGDOM”, we’re not Netflix’s “Kingdom”, we’re the group KINGDOM, due to their name being mistaken for the shows. However, I hope one day people will recognize KINGDOM as the powerful and unique fantasy idol group. Sya’s message for KINGDOM: To my dearest Kings, no matter what happens I hope you know KINGMAKERs will always stick by your side until the end. Even if the world turns against you, we will stand here and protect you. You boys mean the world to me and I can’t imagine life without you. I know one day, you will be recognized as the talented group who will take the throne and be the Kings of K-Pop. I love you boys so much ❤️. Thank you for answering our questions, Sya. Note: Kpopmap Fan Interview includes some of the interviewed fan’s favorite pictures. If you are interested in joining Kpopmap Fan Interview Project, please get in touch with us at [email protected] Everyone is welcome to participate.
Kpopmap Fan Interview: A Mexican ELF Talks About Her Favorite Group SUPER JUNIOR by FANS|Jul 31, 2022 Kpopmap Fan Interview: A Filipino i.ENIN Talks About Her Favorite Group NINE.i & Why She Loves Them by FANS|Jul 31, 2022 Kpopmap Fan Interview: A Filipino TREASURE MAKER Talks About Her Favorite Group TREASURE And Her Biases Haruto & Mashiho by FANS|Jul 30, 2022 Kpopmap Fan Interview: A Filipino iKONIC Talks About Her Favorite Group iKON & Her Bias Song by FANS|Jul 27, 2022