100 People Gathered to Watch Live Idols on Chuseok... Their Hangawi Wish is 'Growth'

People Gathered at Hapjeong Venue... Waving Glow Sticks and Fans in Sync with the Songs
The Live Idol Market Grown During COVID-19... "Demand That Could Have Gone to Japan Stays Domestic"
Most Profits Used to Prepare Next Performances
"Hope for Encouragement Rather Than Prejudice"

On the afternoon of the 11th, about 100 people gathered at an underground performance venue near Hapjeong Station in Seoul during Chuseok. They wore hanbok in accordance with the dress code to meet the so-called 'live idols.' While waiting for the stage, people were either looking at Twitter, the social networking service (SNS) where live idols mainly communicate, or chatting with friends about the idols. Around 2:30 p.m., the lights in the venue went off, and the live idol group 'Korewa Koreda' took the stage with lively music. As they danced to choreographed moves and sang in Japanese, the audience gathered in front of the stage, enthusiastically enjoying the performance while waving their glow sticks and fans they had brought.

Five groups of live idols participated in the performance that day. They either performed songs from Japanese idol groups or sang Korean songs they had created themselves. Each group could perform three songs. While singing and dancing, they also acted as hosts. They bowed to the audience, saying, "Thank you for coming during Chuseok." About 100 audience members returned the bow. The idols introduced their schedule to the audience, mentioning that they would perform again on the 18th at a venue near Hongik University in Seoul.

Live idols, also known as 'underground idols,' originated in Japan. Unlike Korean idols who debut through large agencies, Japanese idols start their careers gradually by performing in small venues, which has led to the development of the live idol market. It is known that about 10,000 live idols are currently active in Japan. In Japanese provinces, it is common to see unknown idol groups performing on the streets with fans following and waving support sticks.

A unique 'live idol' culture with close communication with fans... Fans support 'growth' even when mistakes happen

Korean live idol fans basically enjoy the culture imported from Japan. First is the cheering culture. During songs, fans shout Japanese chants called 'mix,' which match the lyrics and rhythm but have little meaning. However, the audience shouts loudly to synchronize with the singers. Moreover, fans sometimes perform a separate dance in the middle of the audience seats to cheer the idols while they sing. This is a group dance called 'furikopi,' a kind of support for their favorite idols. That day, the audience formed a circle and performed furikopi while turning around like in the traditional Korean circle dance Ganggangsullae.

The communication between singers and fans is also unique. After the performance, live idols and the audience hold a 'special event,' also known as 'mulpan (merchandise sales).' This is a time for private conversations or taking memorable photos together. Fans hold 'special tickets' that allow them to participate in mulpan and meet the idols. They then give gifts they brought or have casual conversations for about three minutes. Fans say this communication is the main reason they come to see live idols. Fans sometimes wait in line for more than 30 minutes to talk with the idols. Ryu Hyun-kyung (24, pseudonym), who visited the venue that day, said, "Even general idols communicate with fans, but not as much as live idols. I like that you can talk closely and share feelings like friends."

As they get closer, fans focus more on the idols' 'growth' rather than their mistakes. Even if the lyrics or choreography are wrong, fans do not criticize but find good points and cheer the singers. Lee Ji-yeon (23, pseudonym), a fan of live idols, said, "Fans recognize that the singers are amateurs and come to the venue with that in mind. Watching the singers I am close to grow little by little makes me feel proud together."

Domestic live idol market grew during the COVID-19 era... "We also feel a change in perception"

The domestic live idol market has grown during the COVID-19 era, supported by fans' love. According to the industry, the number of domestic live idol groups, which was less than 10 in 2019, has increased to about 30 this year. In the past, they had to bring Japanese live idols to perform, but now they can organize performances with domestic idols alone. 'Tae' (pseudonym), a staff member working for live idol performances, said, "Due to COVID-19, demand that could not go to Japan seems to have shifted domestically. Until 2020, we held performances about once a month, but now we do them weekly."

Live idols must invest a lot of time and effort to repay fans' love. Unlike established idols whose agencies handle many tasks, live idols do everything themselves. They manage makeup, costume production, venue booking, transportation, song production, choreography, and even stage cleaning. Considering that most domestic live idols are college students, office workers, or part-timers with other jobs, they suffer from overwork. 'Soha,' a member of the domestic live idol group 'Nekiru,' said, "I am a senior in college and have to care about my grades, but live idols have become my main job as I practice five days a week."

As the market grows, domestic live idols say they also feel a change in perception. The prejudice that there would be sexual harassment, excessive contact, and stalking just because the culture was imported from Japan is gradually disappearing. At the performance venue observed by the reporter that day, singers and fans did not have excessive contact during mulpan but rather asked about each other's recent lives or shared worries like friends. Staff member Tae said, "In the past, when booking venues, we had to endure negative perceptions like 'these are strange performers.' But as we continue performing, more people recognize us and willingly provide venues."

Profitability still close to 'zero'... Idols and fans both hope for further market growth

However, one should not expect profits. Deficits are common rather than surpluses. Most ticket fees go toward venue rental costs, and income from mulpan such as Polaroid photo shoots and album sales is used for future song production, costumes, and makeup expenses. Soha explained, "The Japanese live idol market is vast, so pursuing profitability is possible, but the domestic market is not at that level yet. You can start live idols for self-realization, but you should not expect to make money."

The ultimate goal of domestic live idols and fans is steady growth of this market. They want to spread a culture that people can enjoy together while supporting each other. Soha said, "Not only the singers but also the fans take pride in the live idol culture. Since domestic live idols work hard to create songs in Korean, I hope people encourage them rather than hold prejudices."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.