In K-pop, fancam refers to a fan-taken closeup video of a K-pop idol during a performance. While this is usually captured by the audience as mementos, its value eventually changed.
In some cases, a viral fancam video of a member leads to a surge of the team's popularity. With this, here are groups that enjoyed increased fame thanks to a member's viral fan-taken clip.
Here Are 5 K-pop Groups Who Gained Popularity After Member's Viral Fancam:
1. EXID
In 2012, EXID debuted under AB Entertainment. At that time, the group struggled a rough start, which eventually led to the company's financial crisis.
But in June 2014, they transferred to Banana Culture where they released their track, "Up & Down."
Initially, the song didn't do well, not until October of the same year came when member Hani's sexy fancam became viral.
ALSO READ: These Are The Eight Most Legendary Fancams As Chosen By Korean Netizens
Thanks to video, their song belatedly peaked at the music charts and gained them multiple gigs, eventually made their career thrive. It also saved them from potential disbandment.
Later on, EXID rose as one of the most iconic girl groups of third-generation.
2. GFriend
While GFriend's debut in 2015 was unnecessarily a "failure," the group only became known to more K-pop fans after the fancam of Yuju for "Me Gustas Tu" became famous.
Neither of her visuals nor skills became popular, but her determination and attitude.
In the viral fancam, Yuju fell on the stage about eight times during the whole dance, but the female idol repeatedly stood up and kept on dancing. Luckily, Yuju finished the performance without serious injury and left the stage with a smile.
3. AOA
AOA experienced domestic popularity upon their debut, but the group gained more members to their fandom after Hyejeong's viral fancam of "Mini Skirt."
Aside from her visuals and skills, Hyejeong also drew attention for her impressive body proportion that gained praise even from female fans.
4. Brave Girls
One of the representatives of reverse-driving popularity, Brave Girls was once a "forgotten" girl group. It was then thanks to their viral video comprised of fancam from their performance in the army that helped them rise to stardom.
Their song "Rollin'," released in 2017, shockingly topped multiple charts and became one of the most popular songs in 2021.
Amid the indefinite hiatus, which almost lead to disbandment, Brave Girls came back as a quartet and are now enjoying huge success in Korea and overseas.
5. Billlie
In February 2022, another group benefited from viral fancam, after Billlie Tsuki's "GingaMingaYo" video trended on Twitter and YouTube.
The young idol particularly attracted the attention of K-pop fans for her impeccable stage presence.
Many idols prefer to appear serious on stage, but Tsuki was different. Her various facial expressions perfectly interpreted the bizarre concept of their song.
Following her fancam, Billlie gained more fans, and now they are taking bigger steps to attain a position as a fourth-gen representative group.
READ MORE: 10 Most-Viewed Female Idol Fancams 2022: aespa Winter, IVE Wonyoung, MORE!
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Written by Eunice Dawson
