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With the thriving development of Kpop, fans and anti-fans have become commonplace terms. However, fans are also divided into various types, and a term that any Kpop enthusiast cannot overlook is the Akgae fan. So, what exactly is an Akgae fan, and what is the impact of Akgae fans? Let's explore through this article.
1. What is an Akgae fan?
Akgae fan is a term derived from the phrase 'akseong gaein paen' (악성개인팬) in Korean. In Korean, 악성 means individual (only), and 개인 means bad personality. Therefore, Akgae fans can be understood as fans with negative individual traits.
Akgae fans exclusively love only one member in the group rather than appreciating all members like normal fans. They excessively elevate their bias, always believing that their bias deserves more than being just a member in a music group, or feeling that their bias lacks rightful recognition. This leads to intense hatred and constant criticism of other members. In simple terms, Akage is the type that says, 'Because I love my bias unconditionally, I have the right to overshadow all those who dim the light of my idol, including fellow group members.'
The term 'Akage fan' is similar to 'Sasaeng fan'; both are used to describe fans with negative thoughts and actions. Do you think they are just fans who love their bias too much? If they were simply passionate about their bias and sought justice without excessively blaming any member, then they would be Fan Only. So, it's crucial to make a clear distinction.
2. Why is Akgae fan on the rise
In recent years, Akgae has been on the rise, with a continuously increasing number of individuals joining their ranks. So, what is the reason behind this growing trend?
There are numerous reasons, with some arguing that it depends on each individual Akgae fan. However, that's subjective reasoning. Objectively speaking, the first reason is the surge in survival shows for creating music groups, such as Produce 101, Idol School. These programs provide a perfect formula for breeding Akgae fans, as they operate based on fan voting to decide which contestant they want to see debut. Fans often invest time, effort, love, and even money in voting for their favorite bias.
Once their bias debuts in a music group, fans who have given their all for a specific member inevitably view that member as the best in the group, believing that others are unworthy of joining. These skewed thoughts lead them to scorn or initiate attacks on other members, with all their affection reserved solely for their bias.
A clear example is the Produce 101 Season 2 program, which gave rise to the group Wanna One. Being a survival show, ranking contestants based on public votes caused conflicts, with Akgae fans of high-ranking members feeling that their bias deserved more recognition. This intensified when trainees competed for the center position in the final lineup, driving Akgae fans to madness to secure that position for their bias.
The second reason leading to the emergence of Akgae fans is the company's promotional strategy focusing exclusively on one or a few members. While this approach has positive aspects, it also brings negative consequences. When a company heavily promotes a particular member, that member receives more public attention, leading to the emergence of Akgae fans who exclusively support that member. On the flip side, members not receiving adequate promotion may feel unjust, gradually leading to resentment towards the members getting more attention. For instance, in the group BTS, V's Akgae fans have harshly criticized Jimin, believing that Jimin is deliberately stealing the spotlight on V's television appearances, their idol.
3. Impact of Akgae Fans
Akgae fans pose a threat to the overall stability of the group
In any endeavor, the key to success is unity, and the same applies to a fandom. Internal unity within a fandom contributes to the success of a music group. Fans vote in music programs, bring home year-end awards, and spread the word, making the group's name widely known. However, if the fandom is constantly in internal disputes on forums, it will significantly harm the group's future.
Akgae fans create conflicts within the music group
In a music group, members criticized by many Akgae fans may feel insecure and turn against their own group. They might become envious of their fellow group members. On the other hand, those favored by Akgae fans may gradually develop a sense of entitlement, thinking they deserve more spotlight and attention. This leads to internal conflicts, breaking the group's unity.
Here are the insights to help you answer the question 'What is an Akgae fan?'. We hope you gain a more accurate understanding of fan dynamics to avoid unnecessary debates and disputes on forums.
