On March 30, fans and netizens debated through a Korean fan community if which fandom has the strongest mentality, in terms of issues and controversy that they have surpassed through time.
Based on the comments, here are the top fandoms that netizens answered:
1. EXO-Ls
According to non-EXO-ls, this fandom became stronger along time. Just years after EXO's successful debut, the fandom faced members' withdrawals from the group, as well as dating controversy involving Baekhyun. Recently the pre-marital pregnancy issue of Chen had already subsided; however; EXO-ls remained as strong as a wall.
A netizen claimed, "If it were another fandom, their mentality would be crushed."
2. VIPs
With a back to back controversy involving BIGBANG's members related to illegal substances, the fandom had also faced wedding news, dating controversy of the idols as well as the member withdrawal, netizen think that it would be the end for the fandom. However, BIGBANG's influence and power are too huge for a sudden breakdown, and though VIPs are experiencing a drought of the group's contents, their mind is stable and focused on giving the group a major welcome for their return.
"I can't think of any group, but BIGBANG fans should be number 1."
3. ELFs
In terms of health, Super Junior is not lucky in terms of accidents, but fortunately, members who had met a life and death situation were all given a second chance to life. Despite all, ELFs remain strong for the other members and has been supporting the group for 15 years.
4. Inner Circles
WINNER's hiatus brought difficulties to the fandom.
A fan claimed, "Not as much as other fandoms, but INNER CIRCLE had a one and a half hiatus, two years and two months' hiatus, a member withdrawal and an agency outburst. It is too hard for us." Yet, they overcome it.
5. SHAWOLs
2017 was a tough year for this fandom, though SHINee finally had a comeback after a year of hiatus and announced their concert plans, the group who has been living with no controversies and problems faced Onew's sexual harassment controversy, which is later on found groundless and not true. Despite clearing the group's leader name, on December, unfortunate news with Jonghyun came that shattered the hearts of SHINee Worlds. As netizens thought SHINee would be disbanding, the group then announced their Japan comeback and tour, lifting up the whole fandom once again.
6. SONEs
The "nation's girl group" has suffered a lot together with the fandom. Despite their success, dating controversy involving the members' spark, clashing with the other fandom. Shortly after, SONEs faced Jessica's controversy which became huge, with press claiming that the members kicked out the member and didn't withdraw on her own. It was a tough time for the fandom, experiencing an Ot8 comeback, with netizens throwing hate comments towards the members.
7. MeU
F(x) fans are tough as well, and their mentality is really strong up until now despite the unfortunate news they experience. Netizens claimed that SM Entertainment treated the group poorly, seldomly having comebacks during their 10-year career, until they announced their disbandment on September 2019. The fandoms waited for years, anticipating their comeback even if Sulli had already left the group amidst their Red light promotion. Following the disbandment the news about the late Sulli came, making it harder for the fandom yet, they have found their inspiration and some MeU were fighting against cyberbullying now.
