Fangirling also led Khoo to discover new sides to herself. “I’ve started dressing up in styles inspired by Taemin’s different concepts in his music videos. And wanting to ‘match his energy’, I’ve also started working out, in pursuit of becoming a better version of me. I have since lost almost 10kg.”
But that’s not all. Watching Taemin play the piano also gave Khoo the push to finally sign up for lessons – something she has wanted to do for years.
Likewise, Lim May San, 42, a tech professional, told CNA Women that the groups she likes, such as Day6 (her favourite is bassist-vocalist Young K), have a public image of being hardworking and humble, which inspires her to emulate their values. “It reminds me to be a better person for society, as much as I can.”
Lee from The Psychology Practice said: “This form of inspiration and motivation may serve as a catalyst for change and can be empowering.”
FINDING THEIR FANGIRLING COMMUNITY
Thanks to social media platforms and online forums, finding fan communities and like-minded friends has become much easier. That has, in turn, helped older fangirls feel more comfortable about sharing their fangirling journey with others.
Among my WhatsApp group chats, the one I have with my fellow K-pop loving friends is the most active. If we’re not sending memes, photos and videos of our favourite idols, then we’re discussing the best ways to camp out for tickets for the next concert. And one of my newest Exo-L (the name of Exo’s fandom) friends is an American in her 20s whom I met in Seoul at Kai’s solo concert in May.
