I'm guessing this is not the first time most fans have heard this somewhat tired line.

Its usually followed by one of the following; the intense 'its story time' glare, the rolling of eyes, the enthusiastically deep intake of breath, fatigued sigh, a combination of the above or similar variation.

Although I welcome those who pose this question with genuine open-minded curiousity, its easy to spot the ones who approach the topic with the hard-wired cyncism and skepticism of anything thats not within their cultural comfort-zone.

So here are just a few quick fandom affirmations for us to celebrate;

1. The music is actually amazing (so of course this comes first)

2. These artists are TALENTED and PASSIONATE. Usually when people say 'kpop ' I'm like, 'kay bro, its not for everyones taste thats cool. do you :)  But to say they're not dedicated towards their honing their craft and talentless?! thats personal.     

3. for the most part (some minor exceptions but I've not personally witnessed this) the kpop fandom is harmonious. I mean, even if we don't particularly stan another kpop we don't s**t all over them to make our bais group seem superior, in fact I've seen a lot of Exo-L's, Shawols, Elf's, Army's, blackjack's, V.I.P'S and Igot7's supporting  each other by boosting each others views on youtube and showing support in the comments-one love guys!

4. learning about another culture through music and dramas, their language and  traditions = let the Korean wave wash over you and make you Shinee (sorry not sorry)

5. if your shy like me, it helps me overcome this when you (finally!) meet other fangirls/boys with whom you share a great love.

6. Seeing kpop concerts live is literally the best high! like omo their actually real?! - i got to see got7 and bigbang in japan in feb weeee!

7. Diversity; its not all bubblegum sweetness - which im also a fan of- but also gritty hiphop, rock, house, ballads etc

8. If your having a bad day, all you need to do is plug in your headphones and listen to the most upbeat ear candy guaranteed to have you dancing in public - for me I get over tough days with BTS bombs...( especially let's speak English!) like little bombs of happiness.

9. kpop fans are awesome, their hilarious, so creative and supportive and many are so committed to their groups they've learned/learning Korean (meee)

So there are so so so many more reasons to love kpop and our crazy fandom; but for now Imma go watch Exo's showtme yet again because Tao + haunted house is entertainment :)

P.s if your a fan who's other (hometown) friends arn't into kpop, be proud. You love something independantly and of your own accord, you're being true to you and don't let anyone else tell you otherwise just because they're not open to it. XxX