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Yiu, Kpopmap EditorPress unlimited hearts and cheer for the artist!
K-Pop idols and dating programs are ever changing, seeing both criticism and success as the two strive to co-exist with each other.
Dyllan Mykel, Kpopmap EditorOne thing that goes hand in hand with K-Pop are variety programs. With the help of these shows, both veterans and rookies have the opportunity to become better known to the public and earn a following outside of their music. Variety programs allow these artists to showcase their unique personalities, causing fans to fall deeper in love with their favorite stars.
However, one aspect that has remained a sensitive topic for both fans and idols is dating. Even under the premise of a dating program, these idols are put under a microscope and scrutinized over anything romantic. With the boon of dating shows in the past few years and the participation of idols, perception seems to be changing.
Idols being on a dating show isn't some foreign concept, nor was it born overnight. It's gone through its fair share of changes, culminating in both success and pushback from numerous fanbases.
One of the first dating reality shows that included K-Pop idols is the famous "We Got Married". Making its premiere in spring of 2008, it paired various celebrities and had them act as married couples. Some famous idol pairings include SHINee's TaeMin and Son NaEun, BTOB's Yook SungJae and Red Velvet's Joy, along with CNBLUE's Jung YongHwa and Girls' Generation's SeoHyun.
While it was well known by audiences and participants that this was a fake relationship, many became immersed into every single moment, as if they were getting a sneak peak of what these stars would be like if they were to actually date. The pairings produced such incredible chemistry, earning nicknames like the 'Goguma Couple' (YongHwa and SeoHyun) or the 'Bbyu Couple' (SungJae and Joy).
Another dating program with idols that surfaced in 2012 is tvN's "The Romantic and Idol". For its first season, it featured second and third generation idols in JiHyun (former 4Minute), AOA's HyeJeong, Jei (former FIESTAR), SeungAh (former Rainbow), Park HyungSik (ZE:A), GOT7's Jay B, 2PM's Jun.K, and MBLAQ's Mir. The group traveled to Jeju Island where they would stay for 4 days and 3 nights, get to know each other, and hopefully walk away being chosen at the end.
Then there's "SHINee's YunHaNam", featuring the SHINee members themselves. Through the show they proceeded to go on dates with older women, showcasing their charm as fresh-faced rookies in the scene. These programs were extremely fun and romantic, but also produced countless moments that made your entire body curl upwards in secondhand embarrassment.
To become an idol, one must dedicate countless hours of their life to honing their craft. They must reach a level of astounding dancing prowess, vocal stability, and outward charm to captivate the masses and become a chart-topping artist within the K-Pop industry. Of the many things that they can and cannot do, it's to date. This is due to the image of an idol and the fan culture within the industry.
However, with the modern globalization of K-Pop, sentiments toward idols dating have slowly started to change. It's becoming more and more evident that K-Pop stars are more than the vocal and dancing geniuses that regularly grace our screen. They're human just like everyone else, with fans slowly accepting the fact that these celebrities can go around, date, and find love too.
Slowly, but surely, idols have been starting to go out on a limb and have become participants in traditional dating programs, not under the premise of a simple variety program. Rather, they become vocal and sincere in their search for love. Some names include EuiJin (former A.CIAN & UNB) and soloist Sori who appeared on different seasons of Mnet's "Somebody", as well as DaHye (former BESTie) in the most recent "Transit Love 3".
While it was surprising to see K-Pop idols participate in these dating programs and actively look for a relationship, it portrays their human desire to be loved by someone else, outside of their beloved fans.
The beginning of March marked the start of a brand new dating reality program: TREASURE's "Shining SOLO". Where the idol dating programs of the past and ones idols participated in actually focused solely on romance, the series with TREASURE takes a different approach. The members go into the program with the intent of showcasing their various charms and capturing the hearts of the young women they meet. However, it ends not in a relationship, but one member being dubbed as "Mr. TREASURE", erring more on the side of a competition show.
It takes various components from traditional dating programs, while adding on its own spin to create a unique, never-before-seen experience for both the members and audiences watching at home. Prior to its premiere, however, it's worth noting that "Shining SOLO" did not receive a favorable response from netizens.
Upon its announcement, many were left scratching their heads with numerous responses asking if it's real or if anyone would dare to watch it. Even the international K-Pop community who is at times more open were having second thoughts on whether "Shining SOLO" should be something they watch or skip due to the pure nature of dating programs.
However, all the criticism aside, the idol "dating" show became a viral hit, with its first episode being its most watched at 7.7 million views on YouTube (as of April 9, 2024). The sincerity of the TREASURE members, their chemistry with the female participants, and their genuine reactions played a huge part in the program's worldwide success.
Even non-fans have been actively tuning in, falling for TREASURE's various charms. This could very well mark a new era of dating programs for idols. If geared under this lens, there's a fair chance that other groups could follow this model. In turn, they could capture the heart of netizens with their romantic tendencies. However, there's also the possibility that this may become a one-and-done type of occurrence. "Shining SOLO" puts idols in a new light, offering TREASURE the chance to openly experience what it's like to date, while still maintaining their idol image.
Whether or not more groups/companies will create their own "dating" program remains to be seen. However, after the success of "Shining SOLO", it can be a program millions look forward to.
What are your thoughts on K-Pop idols being on dating programs? Do you think they should follow the model of "Shining SOLO"?
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Check out the ranking for the top most followed female K-Pop idols on Instagram and other idols' Instagrams with high followers.
YuJun, Kpopmap EditorWhile some idols do not have individual Instagram accounts, more and more are opening them. Some idols have also been gaining followers over the years.
Here are the most followed female K-Pop idols on Instagram and a rough ranking of other idols on Instagram. If you are not following your favorite idols' Instagram, it is time to do so.
All data was retrieved on February 22, 2024, at 1:00 PM KST. We will update regularly.
Here are more female K-Pop idols' Instagram follower numbers and accounts.
Over 7m followers
(G)I-DLE's Minnie (@min.nicha), Girls' Generation's SooYoung (@sooyoungchoi), SunMi (@miyayeah), IVE's An YuJin (@_yujin_an), LE SSERAFIM's Kazuha (@zuhazana), aespa's Winter (@imwinter)
Over 6m followers
f(x)'s Sulli (@jelly_jilli), Girls' Generation's HyoYeon (@hyoyeon_x_x), Girls' Generation's YuRi (@yulyulk), SISTAR's BoRa (@borabora_sugar), aespa's NingNing (@imnotningning), aespa's Giselle (@aerichandesu)
Over 5m followers
f(x)'s Amber (@amberliu), Girls' Generation's Sunny (@515sunnyday), T-ARA's JiYeon (@jiyeon2__), (G)I-DLE's ShuHua (@yeh.shaa_), (G)I-DLE's SoYeon (@tiny.pretty.j), LE SSERAFIM's Hong EunChae (@hhh.e_c.v), (G)I-DLE's MiYeon (@noodle.zip)
Over 4m followers
EXID's Hani (@ahnanihh), Lee Hi (@leehi_hi), BoA (@boakwon), SISTAR's Hyolyn (@xhyolynx), NaNa (@jin_a_nana), Minzy (@_minzy_mz), MAMAMOO's MoonByul (@mo_onbyul)
Over 3m followers
AOA's SeolHyun (@s2seolhyuns2), Son NaEun (@marcellasne_), f(x)'s Victoria (@victoria02_02), T-ARA's HyoMin (@hyominnn), MAMAMOO's Solar (@solarkeem), MOMOLAND's Nancy (@nancyjewel_mcdonie_), AKMU's SuHyun (@akmu_suhyun), Kim MinJu (@minn.__.ju)
Over 2m followers
Park Bom (@newharoobompark), APINK's EunJi (@artist_eunji), Jung ChaeYeon (@j_chaeyeoni), Heize (@heizeheize), DAVICHI's MinKyung (@iammingki), MAMAMOO's WheeIn (@whee_inthemood), WJSN ChengXiao (@chengxiao_0715), Choi Yena (@yena.jigumina), Kang HyeWon (@hyemhyemu), Lee ChaeYeon (@chaestival_), Kwon EunBi (@silver_rain.__), ITZY's RyuJin (@iamfinethankyouandryu)
Over 1m followers
Ailee (@aileeonline), Sorn (@sssorn_chonnasorn), EXID's SolJi (@soul.g_heo), EXID's JeongHwa (@parkjjongaa), f(x)'s Luna (@hermosavidaluna), Girl's Day's YuRa (@yura_936), Girl's Day's MinAh (@bbang_93), Weki Meki's Kim DoYeon (@lafilledhiver_), Nako (@75_yabuki), Hitomi (@10_hitomi_06), Kang MiNa (@_happiness_o), Kim SoJeong (@onedayxne), YeRin (@every__nn), VIVIZ's EunHa (@rlo.ldl), VIVIZ's SinB (@bscenez), VIVIZ's UmJi (@ummmmm_j.i), Kwon NaRa (@hv_nara), OH MY GIRL's Arin (@ye._.vely618), Jamie (@jiminxjamie), KARD's JiWoo (@_zziwooo0), YuJu (@yuuzth), Jo YuRi (@zo__glasss), KARD's SoMin (@somin_jeon0822), ITZY's YuNa (@igotyuandme), ITZY's YeJi (@yezyizhere), ITZY's Lia (@lia_loves___), ITZY's ChaeRyeong (@chaerrry0)
Did we miss anyone? Let us know in the comments.
Top 32 Most Followed Male K-Pop Idols On Instagram & Other Idols' InstagramKPOP STORIES Feb 20, 2024
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We've compiled K-Pop concerts and fanmeeting taking place in Korea this coming October! Check it out!
Eunice, Kpopmap EditorGet ready for an exciting K-Pop and Korean artists' event lineup in Korea this coming October! Enjoy amazing performances, fanmeetings, and live music experiences. Stay updated on the hottest events, venues, and dates with our monthly guide.
You may also check the shows in other regions: East Asia (except Korea), Southeast Asia, North America, Europe.
Note: This list is in chronological order and grouped by artist.
Date / Venue
October 3 (Seoul, BLUE SQUARE MasterCard Hall)
Tickets
Date / Venue
October 7 (Universal Arts Center)
Tickets
Date / Venue
October 7 (Kwangwoon University DongHae Arts Center)
Tickets
Date / Venue
October 7 (Seoul, Yearimdang Art Hall)
Tickets
Date / Venue
October 7 (Seoul, Sungshin Women's University Woonjung Green Campus)
Tickets
Date / Venue
October 7-8 (Seoul, Jamsil Indoor Stadium)
Tickets
Date / Venue
October 7-8 (Seoul, Olympic Park Olympic Hall)
Tickets
Date / Venue
October 7-8 (Seoul, BLUE SQUARE MasterCard Hall)
Tickets
Date / Venue
October 7-8 (Seoul, Shinhan PLAY Square LiveHall)
Tickets
Date / Venue
October 7-8 (Seoul, Jangchung Gymnasium)
Tickets
Date / Venue
October 8 (Seoul, Yeongdong-daero, in front of Hotel Riviera)
Tickets
Date / Venue
October 8 (Seoul, Yonsei University Main Auditorium)
Tickets
Date / Venue
October 8 (Seoul, KT&G SangsangMadang Live Hall)
Tickets
Date / Venue
October 9 (Seoul, Olympic Park Olympic Hall)
Tickets
Date / Venue
October 13-15 (Seoul, BLUE SQUARE MasterCard Hall)
Tickets
Date / Venue
October 14-15 (Seoul, Yonsei University Centennial Hall)
Tickets
Date / Venue
October 15 (Seoul, Shinhan PLAY Square Live Hall)
Tickets
Date / Venue
October 17 (Seoul, BLUE SQUARE MasterCard Hall)
Tickets
Date / Venue
October 21 (Busan, Busan Asiad Main Stadium)
Tickets
Date / Venue
October 21 (Seoul, Olympic Park Olympic Hall)
Tickets
Date / Venue
October 21-22 (YES24 Live Hall)
Tickets
Date / Venue
October 21-22 (Seoul, Gocheok Sky Dome)
Tickets
Date / Venue
October 21-22 (Seoul, Yonsei University Centennial Hall)
Tickets
Date / Venue
October 21-22 (Seoul, BLUE SQUARE MasterCard Hall)
Tickets
Date / Venue
October 26-29 (Seoul, Shinhan PLAY Square Live Hall)
Tickets
Date / Venue
October 27-29 (Seoul, KSPO DOME)
Tickets
Date / Venue
October 28 (Seogwipo, Jeju World Cup Stadium)
Tickets
Date / Venue
October 28 (SK Olympic Handball Stadium)
Tickets
Date / Venue
October 28 (Mary Hall Grand Theater at Sogang University)
Tickets
Date / Venue
October 28-29
Tickets
K-Pop Idols & Korean Artists Concerts & Fanmeetings In East Asia (October 2023)CONCERT & FANMEETING Sep 4, 2023
K-Pop Idols & Korean Artists' Concerts & Fanmeetings In Southeast Asia (October 2023)CONCERT & FANMEETING Sep 4, 2023
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