A Love Letter to K-pop

Diem Nguyen – Program Coordinator at the Wheeler Centre 

Loving K-pop is a gift that keeps on giving. It has done more than soothe and entertain, it has brought many different friendships into my life – the brief fan-friendship interactions that occur only in queues in front of arenas, the internet friendships that swiftly move offline, and the existing friendships that have deepened due to our shared affection for these beautiful and talented people.  

I get obsessed with everything, which means becoming a K-pop stan was inevitable. One of the many things I love about K-pop is that there is a song for every occasion. For instance, when I want to listen to noise that drowns out the world, when I want a warm song that envelopes me in a hug, or when I need a confidence boost. 

I cannot sing, cannot dance, cannot draw, cannot write poetry or call myself a BTS scholar…But I am a literary programmer, and producing this event is my love letter to K-pop. It’s a thank you to the idols who have given me hours of comfort and support. But mostly it’s a shout-out to this community of passionate fans. I see you and I salute you!

Sophia Cai – Curator and Arts Writer 

Loving BTS as a fan has transformed my life in ways I didn’t expect – personally, professionally and creatively. BTS has inspired me to undertake new creative pursuits, and have motivated me to chase goals that didn’t seem possible before. I carry their music and their message very close to my heart. 

Erin Kim – Digital Artist

Being born and raised in Australia, I have always struggled to come to terms with my identity. Music and K-pop has directly influenced my art to have themes and ideas which resonate with people like me

Anita Solak – Poet, writer and editor 

K-pop showed me a way back to my friends and the world. I find it difficult to be present for others and myself, but seeing the artistry, struggles and passion of these idols motivates me to nurture my practice and my relationships. The daily little moments of happiness I gain from K-pop counteract the overwhelming pressures of the world.

Join us for an evening of readings, art and performances celebrating the world of K-pop at Fanchants and Fingerhearts: A Night of K-Pop Stanning on Thursday, 13 July.