What Does a Black Ocean Mean in K-Pop?

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As a dedicated K-pop fan with years of experience attending concerts and being part of various fandoms, I have witnessed the power of light sticks in creating a magical atmosphere during live performances. However, the concept of Black Ocean is a dark reality that no fan wants to encounter.

As a devoted fan of K-pop, I’ve come to understand that the term “Black Ocean” refers to the darker side of our community. We fans hold immense power in shaping the success or struggles of our beloved idols. The harsh realities of the entertainment industry can lead us to engage in criticism and even conflicts with other fanbases, creating a tumultuous wave that can make or break an idol’s career. It’s a responsibility and a challenge we carry with us as passionate members of this vibrant culture.

The Black Ocean refers to the antithesis of a sea of light. Admirers of K-pop acts manifest their devotion and admiration towards their beloved bands by waving light sticks, notably during live performances. Every fanbase possesses an unique light stick symbolizing their preferred group. As the artists take the stage, fans illuminate their sticks in unison to express their solidarity. However, what transpires when the entire stadium plunges into darkness?

1. Disgruntled fans express their dissatisfaction by turning off their glow sticks, a phenomenon commonly referred to as “Black Ocean.”

Black Ocean meaning in K-pop explored

In the realm of K-pop, the concept of Black Ocean holds great importance for fan communities. This term refers to a sea of fans from different groups who fiercely support their favorite artists. It can significantly impact a band’s success and popularity. However, it can also lead to intense rivalries and demoralizing situations, particularly during concerts where multiple bands perform. These passionate fans may engage in harsh acts towards rival groups, potentially causing distress for the band members involved.

1. During joint concerts, fans of a K-pop group often turn off their lightsticks during performances by other groups. This could also occur when fans of the same group argue about who is the solo star. Historically, several Korean pop acts have experienced such conflicts. [Paraphrased]

In the year 2008, Girls’ Generation was still new to the K-pop scene, with Wonder Girls and Super Junior being more established acts. At that year’s Dream Concert, the girl group encountered a challenging 10-minute performance segment dubbed as “Black Ocean.” However, they have since grown in popularity and are now beloved by many fans.

In 2016, during the Golden Disc Awards and Melon Music Awards, both famous South Korean K-pop groups BTS and EXO went through similar experiences. Fans of EXO instigated a conflict, dubbed “Black Ocean,” in the online community. Despite this incident, BTS’ popularity was already well-established and remained unaffected by it.

At the 2015 MAMA Awards, Seventeen and other groups like Lovelyz encountered similar problems during the Pepsi Concert, and T-ARA experienced difficulties at the World Conservation Congress K-Pop Nature 2012 and Dream Concert in 2015.)

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2024-07-30 10:11