There are K-Pop fans across the globe who share the same passion. But on online platforms, it is hard to know about each other’ stories and K-Pop life. Even if we are in the same fandom, it is hard to get to know each other. So at Kpopmap, we started the Kpopmap Fan Interview Project to get to know more about K-Pop fans from different countries: more about their K-Pop life and tastes and to give them the opportunity to share with our readers about their favorite group(s) and bias. Alina is the next fan to answer our questions. She is from Russia and is a fan of ASTRO and her bias is Yoon SanHa. Check out how she entered the fandom, the songs and content she advises to new fans, and much more! Can you introduce yourself? Where are you from? Hello to everyone who decided to read this interview. My name is Alina (@ddanabutt on twitter) and I am from Russia. How and when did you enter the fandom? Most recently (March 12) I was celebrating the year I became AROHA. I don’t even know what exactly prompted me to watch the drama “True Beauty”, because I wasn’t interested in K-Drama before… but fate, or maybe a bright poster, led me to this series and ASTRO. I liked Cha EunWoo, so I did a little investigation, found out that he also sings… That’s how I got into this wonderful rabbit hole. What are the reasons why you love your favorite group? I have not been able to even love one percent of any other group… ASTRO became special to me, they became my second family. And literally everyone around will definitely hear at least something about them from me. It doesn’t matter if I’m at work, at home, or in some non-K-Pop chat. I was captivated by their infinite talent and sincerity. They don’t hesitate to be themselves. They are subject to any genres. Their jokes and antics sometimes make my stomach hurt with laughter. I admire their bond. ASTRO is a support. They support AROHA in difficult moments and support each other. They appeared in a difficult year of my life, exactly at the right moment. ASTRO means “star”. And they lit up my path when I found them. Who caught your attention at first and why? You won’t believe it, but it was the best PR man ASTRO - Cha EunWoo 🙂 His visual is amazing. But at the same time he turned out to be a talented actor. I saw a lot of criticism of his acting while watching “True Beauty”, but I didn’t agree. There was a lot of emotion in his eyes and it hooked me. Then I got to know his kind and funny side in ASTRO. Who is your bias, and why? Yoon SanHa stole me in promo ‘ONE’. Bam! And it happened. I think if I want to, I can talk about him forever. The more I get to know him, the more I realize that our personalities are similar and to some extent the choice of bias because of this seems magical to me. Well, or I’m just a huge romantic. I fell in love with his look, his infectious laugh and cheeky character. SanHa literally the cutest person in the world. He’s the only person whose aegyo never annoys me - he looks so natural in it, it’s Captain Ddana’s superpower, Ppuppu. He will always make me smile even if I’m in a bad mood. Maknae on top: savage and hilarious, but at the same he is caring and kind. And his voice… He’s so flexible, honey. Sometimes his singing seems to envelop and warm you. This is especially noticeable in his guitar covers. SanHa loves ballads and in them he reveals himself in a special way. He lives every sung word and the playful baby is replaced by a guy focused on his favorite thing. That’s what I admire so much - his passion for singing and playing the guitar. It’s worth adding that even though he’s not part of the dance line, he’s an amazing dancer! SanHa also makes me proud of his acting talent, not only on stage, but also taking steps in the acting profession. He’s like a sponge - he’s absorbed the best of all the members. ASTRO’s Pride and Secret Weapon! Can you recommend a title track and a B-side track for new fans? I won’t think long and just name the first song that dragged me into the fandom - ‘Blue Flame’. This song just blows my mind every time! I consider this an underrated bop. I can’t help but advise you to get acquainted with my favorite song ‘Always You’. I think this song is special, not only for those who were with ASTRO all the time, during that difficult period for them, but also for all AROHA, and for me. It is full of pain and at the same time hope. The sound is special. When I listen to it, I always miss them and mentally answer that I will never leave them. As a B-side track I will recommend ‘Heart Brew Love’ - the sound always makes me feel like a soaring bird somewhere in the clouds, I can’t explain it, but for some reason, I feel freedom when I listen to it. Can you recommend a fancam, V Live, cover video, cover dance, or individual content video of your bias to our readers? ‘When You Call My Name’. Here SanHa shows his cute side. This song suits him very well, his smile is charming. Everything is so natural. And the heart in hair is charming! ‘Bad Idea’. SanHa will show more than once that he can be different and dance great. But I like the way he behaves here so much. He’s all beaming, joking and jumping, and then in a second he switches and becomes sexy, in the image. And I can’t get past this funny video. I love the harmonious unit MoonBin & SanHa with all my heart. This is the most beloved of this era. ‘10 Reasons To Love You’. SanHa has enough covers, this one is my favorite. Touching video. Just SanHa and a bit of his world. His voice makes my heart stop every time, it’s like he’s singing just for you. Can you also do the same type of recommendation for the group? Every time I watch this V Live, I’m so happy. These are their first steps, the first mv. They’re so young, funny and hopeful. I want to immediately hug everyone and tell them how wonderful everything will be for them!
Can you share with us one of your favorite lyrics? “You come into my empty heart. Thank you for embracing me. I am you.” - ‘You’re My World’. SanHa sings these words, but it’s like it’s my reflection of feelings for him and ASTRO. What is your favorite group/bias’ influence on your daily life? ASTRO and SanHa made me love myself more and accept the real me. And I also became bolder. Now I am not shy to defend my opinion and the right to dreams. It’s not scary to be different, it’s scary to keep everything to yourself. SanHa also inspired me to write more: prose and poetry. And thanks to ASTRO, I have new friends, friends from other countries for the first time. We have a wonderful fandom. You can also add a message/letter to your bias. I just want SanHa to know that I will always be on his side, that I admire his talent and beauty inside and out, that he gives me the strength to live when my hands drop. If he inspires me, then I, too, like AROHA, will be his inspiration and support. Always believe in yourself and follow your dreams! You have already achieved a lot and I will be waiting for your new projects. Always proud. Always you. Thank you for answering our questions, Alina. If you are interested in joining Kpopmap Fan Interview Project, please get in touch with us at [email protected] Everyone is welcome to participate.
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