The thing about K-pop is that it wasn't just about the music. You could build such a strong, sometimes almost obsessive, parasocial relationship with the members because of the nature of the content that came with their music promotions. They would often appear on variety shows to promote their music which often had some amount of fanservice involved, asking their guests to perform aegyo (acting cute) directed towards the camera (i.e. viewer). But these shows were also ways you could learn more about your favourite members, and feel connected to them. They were often funny, healing and took your mind off daily stresses.
+The thing about K-pop is that it wasn't just about the music. You could build such a strong, sometimes almost obsessive, parasocial relationship with the members because of the nature of the content that came with their music promotions. They would often appear on variety shows to promote their music which often had some amount of fanservice involved, asking their guests to perform aegyo (acting cute) directed towards the camera (i.e. viewer). But these shows were also ways you could learn more about your favourite members, and feel connected to them. They were often funny, healing and took your mind off daily stressors.
On top of variety shows, the members could also host livestreams on specific platforms for Korean stars. They could take you on a trip to the bingsu store, have karaoke sessions, or just talk to you through the night. And although I was actively listening to them and watching their music show stages, I actually didn't religiously keep up with all their variety show appearances or Vlives. In part because I was a student who couldn't commit all my time to watching them, but also in part because I couldn't fully understand Korean.
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