They can be the center of the group, get the most screen time, have an official “main” position, and yet, many of us think our KPOP bias is too underrated, underappreciated, and unrecognised.
We want them to have more lines, dance breaks, and killing parts. We wish they’re given more importance because we feel people aren’t acknowledging and praising their skills enough.
Often, it’s true. Perhaps your bias is always hidden at the back, barely gets lines, and has a blink-and-miss screen time.
For example, when I watched the KPOP group Seventeen, I was surprised (and heartbroken) to know that Dino was the official main dancer.
Generally, he has the least lines and screen time in the their title tracks. This is understandable as the main vocalists, visuals, and popular members are prioritized for such things.
But I was baffled to see he has very few dance breaks, chorus parts, or solo highlights during special performances like award shows and concerts. His center time usually lasts less than 10 seconds in a 3-5 minute song.
A part of this comes from being in a huge group (13 members), but it makes me wonder why he’s included and given an official main dancer position just to be tucked away in the back.
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I don’t want this to turn into a rant about how his potential is being wasted in the dark corners of neglect. This is just to say: I get it. I’ve been mad, sad, indifferent, the whole spectrum of emotions.
After spending time in multiple fan communities, I’ve realized this is a common experience. Not just Dino, but many people feel their KPOP bias is underrated and perhaps mistreated.
We’ve all been there and will likely continue to run into some variation of that sentiment, as it’s simply impossible for each member of every group to be the most popular and fairly evaluated.
Instead of letting it frustrate me and kill my love for KPOP, here’s how I have learned to deal with it.
KPOP is an entertainment industry
Understand that KPOP is an entertainment industry. It’s not a fair competition. There are many idols who showcase no skills whatsoever and top the popularity charts because they look cute or receive fancy styling.
Things like doing “aegyo” or being a “mom” of the group will attract fans even if the idol can’t sing, dance, or rap at all.
If not this, they appeal to the hormones!
I used to wonder why a mediocre fancam has record-breaking views until I scrolled through the comments and realized the idol’s shirt rode up when he jumped or the camera was too close when he moved his hips.
It’s the most disappointing when someone gives a genuinely fantastic performance, and the only thing talked about is the size of their thighs or how pretty they looked in the ending pose.
It makes me wonder if the idols see this and feel like they put in so much effort for nothing. They might as well have stood around in a crop top or winked with a flirty smile and called it a day. Why bother with the difficult choreography and artistic contribution?
Most of the audience enjoys stuff like this: abs, hip thrusts, sticking the tongue out, tearing off their clothes on stage, and such. These parts are often the most replayed and talked about, drawing more attention to members who do it frequently, compared to others who may show better technique but act “tamer.”
Is it fair? No. But it is what it is.
That’s just how the industry works.
People get attached to the personality idols showcase instead of just technical skills. That often means people who adopt a fun or caring persona or do a lot of “hot” stuff get the most attention, irrespective of whether they’re good at their job.
Well, I’d say, these things are a part of their job as a KPOP idol. Their job is to attract fans, and if this is what’s reeling them in, then they’re succeeding even if they’re lacking compared to more talented members.
Once you understand what drives the industry, it becomes easier to accept that proficiency is not enough for your bias to receive recognition.
They can genuinely be best at the artistic skills we often talk about (singing, rapping, dancing, producing, composing, etc.), but if they don’t appeal to people through stuff like visuals and variety shows, they’ll probably never reach the same popularity as the members who do.
Ruining the fun of KPOP
The more time I spent worrying about how my bias is underrated, the harder it became to enjoy any content at all. At some point, it defeats the purpose of watching KPOP, which is supposed to entertain and comfort you.
That’s why, one of the biggest reminders I hope you cherish in your heart is that: KPOP is fun. It’s something you enjoy.
If you find yourself taking it too seriously, where you’re genuinely hurt or angry because your KPOP bias feels underrated and neglected by the company and fans, you need to touch grass!
Whatever reason drew you to KPOP, I hope you can continue seeing it as a positive experience. It’s not worth affecting your mental health, draining your spirits, and impacting your ability to enjoy things that you like.
Enjoy
This is supposed to be fun and entertaining so actually enjoy it. It sounds simple and obvious, but it’s very easy to forget!
When my bias would come on stage, I’d keep thinking about how he has so few lines, so little screen time, and so on. But amidst this, I couldn’t really enjoy what he presented.
I kept complaining that I don’t get to see him much, but when he showed up, I wasn’t watching him at all. I was in my head, thinking how he’s not there enough.
To change that mindset, ask yourself:
Even if he has only one line in the song, can you appreciate and enjoy it?
Even if he has only one dance break in their entire discography, can you find pleasure in watching it?
Or would you keep saying stuff like, ‘See, he’s so good. He deserves better. He’s always underappreciated!’
You probably can’t change what parts they get, but can you at least genuinely enjoy them?
Appreciate
Unless you have some authority in the company, you probably can’t change what kind of treatment any member receives. But there are still some things you can do as a fan.
If you feel like your bias is underappreciated, well, appreciate him!
Talk about his skills in the fandom. Write about it, make videos, do what you do best. Spread the word. Say it louder for people in the back.
Instead of complaining about what disappoints you, spend more time appreciating what thrills you.
It’s like, ‘No one’s talking about my bias’ skills.’
Well, are you? Do more of it!
Show people why you think they’re the best.
Not only will this help more people notice their skills, but it’ll also reframe your perspective from being critical of things to learning how to appreciate what you most enjoy.
Take action
This is not something I do because I view KPOP as something for fun and inspiration. But if you want to get more serious about it, there are several campaigns where fans write letters, sign petitions, trend hashtags, and do other stuff to make their concerns reach the company, hoping for a change.
Does this work? Honestly, I can’t say.
But if that might give you a sense of meaning and channel some frustration more productively, go for it.
At the end of the day, I just hope you find a sense of joy in watching your bias, not discomfort and anger. The problem with thinking your bias is too underappreciated is that you fail to appreciate him too.
Now, every time I catch myself ruminating on how much he doesn’t get the attention he deserves, I remind myself to give him mine.
I seek out his fancams, performances, solos, variety appearances, and whatever I can find to appreciate.
When he inspires me, I use the fuel to keep the creative cycle going. I make long, detailed posts highlighting what touched me the most about his work. Instead of being mad at people who don’t appreciate him, I let them discover the good things about him through my admiration of his craft.
People have reached out saying that my analysis inspired them to write their own. Some turned their favorite parts into poems, paintings, or tattoos. Some started making music and taking dance lessons. Some found healing in the lyrics or joy in the performance.
They may or may not have ended up biasing my favorite idols and groups, but when I think nobody is appreciating my KPOP bias, I make sure I do. In that process, not just his talents, but the spirit of artistry itself reaches people and we all can go from frustration to creation.
If you’ve made it this far and enjoyed my work, consider supporting me to make more of it! It helps keep the creative cycle going.
You come across something that touches you and changes your life, so you create beautiful art reflecting that. It inspires someone else and the cycle of creativity continues. Be a part of it!
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