Fans inside the K-pop community are all full of passion, and while some fandoms have a blend of good and bad, everyone can agree that the majority can be too passionate sometimes due to the fierce love they have for their faves.
From discourse, fanwars, to threads, various terms have sprouted with K-pop and social media's development through the years. The purposes of these terms may differ from one another, as they can be used to protect, refer, or drag down, depending on the user.
However, due to the cultural factors of K-pop fandoms, whether domestically or internationally, these terms eventually became overused, leading fans to grow tired of seeing and hearing them.
Here are 15 overused terms or phrases that K-pop fans find annoying!
1. 'Paved the Way'
Starting with everyone's all-time favorite, "paved the way" would always be at the top when it comes to daily exposure.
The history of "paved the way" goes way back, as the term is consistently (and painfully) used whenever a record has been broken or achieved. It's also used in the context of how an artist managed to "pave" the path to success.
While this phrase's roots can be done in a positive light, "paved the way" can also be used to arrogantly brag or disprove other artists' achievements.
2. 'Nugu'
"Nugu" (Korean term for 'Nobody' or 'who') was first used by K-netz, who utilized it as an insult for K-pop groups with little-to-no feedback and exposure.
However, as K-pop reached a boiling point internationally, "Nugu" became thrown around like it was nothing and it's now being used on less-popular but overall successful K-pop groups who have fewer breakthroughs across international areas.
3. 'STAN LOONA'
There was a time not so long ago when "STAN LOONA" was seen everywhere like posters. Everyone was annoyed because of how it was stamped on posts and content that had nothing to do with LOONA or K-pop.
4. 'Fandom Cleanse'
Every fandom has a bad portion and with this, everyone thought that the term "Fandom Cleanse" would do the trick. While admittedly patriotic since it aims to "remove" toxic fans, this isn't entirely possible as long as K-pop's going big. Like, ever.
5. 'Payola'
"Payola" is one of the newest words touted in K-pop nowadays. While harmless in sight, the term's context is quite brutal, especially for the "Big 4" artists. It works in the same way as "Media Play," but shorter, and is usually thrown against groups under big agencies.
If used, netizens will drag a company for "paying" for their artist's success, whether in award show trophies, album sales, YouTube views, and endorsement deals.
6. 'Noise Music'
"Noise Music" is used when referring to songs that exhibit slightly amped EDM, which pretty much upsets fans when seeing it in random comments and posts.
7. 'Self-Producing Group'
Some fans drag other K-pop artists who don't create their own music. Other than that, they push their unsolicited agenda of how self-producing artists are considered "superior."
This doesn't just generate more negativity in the community but it invalidates everyone's experiences in the industry as well.
8. 'Speak English'
In livestreams, you'll see that one comment that says, "speak English" on it. While this is a good tactic in getting your fave to notice you, it does seem repetitive.
9. 'Big 3/4 Privilege'
It was originally "Big 3," but it became "4" when HYBE saw immense success as a leading K-pop company. This phrase is used when someone expresses contempt towards artists under SM, JYP, YG, and HYBE.
10. 'We Need to Stream...'
Streaming is good, and with the rise of social media, it can also help our faves get recognition and feats. However, only a few would have the first impression of enjoying the actual song in the comments section.
11. 'Rigged'
Without a doubt, there are rigged cases in survival programs. Yet, the term "rigged" can get annoying when it's repeatedly used during year-end award shows or nominations.
12. 'Educate'
As time progresses, our society is also learning about new norms, and our willingness to correct someone, even our idols, is commendable since we strive for daily improvement. But on social media, the word "educate" can also make you roll your eyes.
13. 'Organic'
This isn't the cafeteria, but this list included "organic" since fans mostly use it to describe a K-pop group's "gradual growth to success" without going viral.
14. 'Flop'
"Flop" used to remind people of flip flops. Nowadays, even outside of K-pop, it's now an offensive noun fired towards groups during fanwars. In fact, it's the most notable hate word in the K-pop community.
15. 'Problematic'
Saving the best for last, but there are no words for how overused this is.
Which overused phrases or words in K-pop annoy you the most? Do you have any other terms in mind? Let us know in the comments!
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