K-Pop, originating from South Korea, has become a global sensation with its massive following. Numerous K-Pop groups have garnered an enormous fanbase across the world, largely owing their international fame to these dedicated fandoms. While there are several K-Pop fandoms, some have gained prominence due to the sheer size of their fan population.
A K-Pop fandom refers to the passionate supporters of a specific K-Pop group, typically forming soon after the group's debut. Upon the establishment of a fandom, the management of the K-Pop group unveils details such as the fandom's name and its significance. Each fandom also possesses its unique official color and lightstick, which serve as distinctive symbols of unity and identification among its members.
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Among the multitude of K-pop groups, certain ones have managed to captivate global audiences and stand out due to their immense fan base.
BTS - ARMY
The world-renowned fandom known as ARMY has gained widespread acclaim as the most famous fandom globally, primarily associated with the K-pop group BTS. Its name is an acronym for 'Adorable Representative MC for Youth' and was established in July 2013. With a staggering fan base of over 40 million supporters worldwide, the influence of the ARMY became particularly evident in 2017 when BTS secured the prestigious Billboard's Top Social Artist award with an astonishing tally of over 300 million votes.
The symbol of the ARMY is the highly sought-after Army Bomb, the official lightstick of the fandom. Due to its immense popularity, the Army Bomb often sells out swiftly, making it a challenging item to find online.
BLACKPINK- Blinks
Blinks, the official fandom for BLACKPINK, holds the distinction of being the second-largest fandom worldwide. The name of the fandom is derived from the combination of the first two letters and the last three letters of the K-pop group's name. It was established on January 14, 2017.
Since its inception, Blinks has experienced consistent growth in its fan base. Presently, the membership of this dedicated fandom is estimated to exceed 38 million individuals. Thanks to the unwavering support of Blinks, BLACKPINK has emerged as one of the most renowned and beloved K-pop groups on the global stage.
EXO - EXO-L
EXO-L, one of the top K-pop fandoms, is the official fandom for EXO. The 'L' in the fandom's name symbolizes love. With a fan base of over 10 million followers, EXO-L has gained immense popularity since its establishment on August 5, 2014. Despite EXO's relative inactivity in recent years, they have successfully maintained a strong connection with their fans through social media. The passion and dedication of EXO-Ls were evident when they orchestrated a breathtaking fan-choreographed light show during a stadium concert, spelling out 'EXO WE ARE ONE'. This remarkable display stands as one of the most impressive showcases of fandom support in history.
Red Velvet - ReVeluv
ReVeluv, the official fandom of the K-pop girl group Red Velvet, is one of the world's most renowned fandoms. Derived from the group's name, 'ReVe' signifies the deep connection between Red Velvet and their dedicated fans, known as luvies. Established on April 26, 2017, three years after the group's debut, ReVeluv has witnessed consistent membership growth. Red Velvet has amassed a massive following on social media, boasting over 12 million Instagram followers alone. The passionate support of luvies has played a pivotal role in the group's global success and popularity.
Twice - ONCE
ONCE, the fandom of the popular K-pop group Twice holds a special meaning. It represents the group's promise to reciprocate love with double the affection if fans love them even once. Twice strives to capture hearts with their performances, aiming to make fans fall in love with them Twice. The candy bomb serves as their official lightstick, creating mesmerizing visuals at Twice concerts. In Korea, fans are known as ONCE Candy, while fans outside Korea are referred to as ONCE Jelly. The years 2021 and 2022 were significant for Twice, and anticipation grows for what they have in store for 2023. The estimated ONCE membership exceeds 4 million.
