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. Mrai from the U.S. is the next fan to answer our questions. She is a fan of ASTRO! 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? Annyeong KpopMappers, I’m Mrai @AROHA_NUNA. I’m from Southern California. How and when did you enter the fandom? I entered the fandom January 2021. I watched “True Beauty” and of course I needed to know more about Cha EunWoo. The rest is history. What are the reasons why you love your favorite group? Individually they are each so amazing. But together… There is some kind of magic that happens. Their chemistry and personalities meld together so seamlessly. In a group where one member is by far more famous than the group as a whole, there is nothing but positivity, support and encouragement for each other… And that famous one member never fails to put ASTRO and AROHA first and foremost. They are visual kings. Their synchronization is insane. Their voices! They just feel wholesome. K-Pop has always been on my radar but I never listened or sought it out until ASTRO came into my life. Safe to say I am a fully devoted fan. Who caught your attention at first and why? Cha EunWoo of course. Have you seen what he looks like? And then you come to learn he is multitalented, athletic, smart, fun, respectful, AND humble? Talk about the whole package. He’ll always be King. Who is your bias, and why? I am honestly in awe of all six of them. Every day I seem to waver between them. So OT6 is my bias! All is right in my world when they are together. Can you recommend a title track and a B-side track for new fans? Title track - ‘After Midnight’ is definitely a fun feel good song that will make you happy and want to jam. Takes me back to that epic summer they released it. B-Side track - ‘Stay with Me’ from their “Rise Up” album is my top 5 favorite ASTRO song and is so underrated. Hoping they’ll add it to a set list someday. Also I want to note that ‘Like Stars’ and ‘24 hours’ from their new album “Drive to the Starry Road” are so addicting. Can you recommend a fancam, V Live, cover video, cover dance, or individual content video of your bias to our readers? MJ’s “King of The Masked Singer” performance of Buzz’s ‘Thorn’ is a must watch (on max volume). He is our powerhouse vocal. MoonBin’s dance cover of ITZY’s ‘Wannabe’ is something you can’t turn away from. He is our Stage genius. Can you also do the same type of recommendation for the group? ASTRO has two suit dances which are quite amazing. Everyone does these whisper challenges but this one was particularly funny. Can you share with us one of your favorite lyrics? “Like star light Even if it’s dark, if we’re together, be all right. You occupy more than half in my life You & me, who will walk the same road together for the rest of our lives… " From: ‘Like Stars’, “Drive to the Starry Road” album. Are there any words from the members you would like to share? MJ has this positive mentality that I really admire. He said, “if you let go of your fear, then it all works out well.” What is your favorite group/bias’ influence on your daily life? I am learning Korean so I can better understand them. International AROHA are definitely fangirling in the dark 50% of the time and that is such a bummer. Thank you to all the translators and subs out there! I dyed my hair purple (for the first time in a long time) in honor of MJ’s latest hair before shaving it off for his military enlistment. Also I make ASTRO merch because I’m tired of not seeing any in K-Pop shops in the states. This consumes a lot of my time. What is your favorite side of fangirling/fanboying? Finding such a great community with like minded people… AROHA are so kind. And together we simp and laugh over ASTRO! It’s a lot of fun. Do you feel there are any misunderstandings, things that are not well known, or any prejudices about your favorite group from other fans (non-fans)? I feel anti fans hate on EunWoo a lot because he is so popular and they think all he’s riding on are his visuals. Could not be further from the truth. ASTRO and AROHA know. There is a reason he is a household name and it’s not just because of his pretty face. Can you share with readers the first ever picture you’ve saved of your bias on your phone? This one: If you could spend the day with them, what would you want to do together? My ultimate ASTRO fantasy is norebang and the club with OT6. I think their energy would be so crazy and fun. Definitely mukbang after. Name 1 quality in your bias that you wish you had. Those smooth moves and dance skills. The body control that they have is insane. Wow! Mrai’s projects she would love to see ASTRO in: Side projects I would love to see from ASTRO in the future: More leading man roles for Bin, SanHa and Rocky. Villain role with EunWoo. Even more producing from JinJin. Neverending music from MJ. And facial hair. Break the mold ASTRO! You always do. Mrai’s message to ASTRO: Dearest ASTRO, We met recently at Gate 6 AAF 2022. It ended with news no fan ever wants to hear but we appreciate so much hearing it directly from you first. It’s been a while, and it will be even longer still. Please know we are not going anywhere… the purple sea will only get bigger. AROHA’s love is endless and unconditional. We eagerly await you always. MJ Saranghae! OT5 : Fighting!! Love, Aroha_Nuna Thank you for answering our questions, Mrai. Note: Kpopmap Fan Interview includes some of the interviewed fan’s favorite pictures. 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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