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. Shannon is the next fan to answer our questions. She is from Canada and is a fan of Stray Kids and more particularly of ChangBin! 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? Hi! My name is Shannon but you can call me Chaitea. I have spent more time fangirling on my YouTube channel since 2011 than, my own full-time job. On my channel (@boba with chaitea), I try my best to provide the latest content on merch, concert guides, unboxings and my idol interactions over the years. I come from one of Canada’s largest cities known for Kpop/Korean culture-based events, Toronto. How and when did you enter the fandom? I have been in love with K-Pop since the year of 2010 and spent most of my time trying to find the right person or group to bias. Over the years I’ve explored different groups and biases but I seem to have come across my current ultimate bias for the last few years. It happens to be when I became a STAY in 2017, during their official debut of ‘Hellavator’. The uniqueness about their concept and content drew me in as I wanted to know about them. At that point I had to admit, I was becoming a baby STAY. What are the reasons why you love your favorite group? Stray Kids has definitely become a group over the years that has turned many heads with their own malatang flavor of music and dynamic stages. They have claimed the crown on “KINGDOM: LEGENDARY WAR” in 2021 and has set new boundaries. But on a side note, I feel that is not the only side to the group. They have a very strong bond with each member where they are like family first before members. The ability to go from playing rock paper scissors of who’s washing the dishes to jaw dropping performers in the matter of seconds is crazy. Who caught your attention at first and why? Who is your bias, and why? Silly as this sounds, but it went from me fangirling about the music video to “Who in the world said Yoh?”. It’s not everyday that someone says “Yoh” before dropping such serious bars so fast. I have found myself always looking forward to see ChangBin’s presence on stage and off. His intimidating stare and occasional muscle flexing may scare a lot of STAY and people but he is definitely far from it. He sometimes can be found teasing the youngest members with much affection or up to no good with a few dad jokes. I often have a hard time trying not to faint over his visuals during ‘God’s Menu’. Or ChangBin’s affectionate side towards STAY in ‘24 to 25’. Come on, I think we all need a friend like ChangBin in our life who can be there to make us laugh or comfort us when we are upset. But putting aside his charms, I am in love with the fact that ChangBin is one of 3 members who contributes to Stray Kids’ music production. His deep lyrics in ‘Sorry that I like you’ or roaring intro in ‘Thunderous’, is always leaving an imprint in my mind. And if it wasn’t already obvious, ChangBin sometimes tries to challenge him self by wanting to taking on quicker beats that he has already done. I can’t wait to hear what he’s working on! Can you recommend a title track and a B-side track for new fans? A title track worth listening to is ‘Scars’ from their 2nd Japanese album, which has a lot to say in such few mins. This track delivers raw emotions through the lyrics created by Han. B-side track that I definitely love to play as a mood booster on a Monday morning or a weekend party mode has to be ‘Go Live’! The track probably might be the shortest one on their “Go Live” album but definitely worth the mood booster in the matter of few seconds. But, don’t worry the full version was actually completed on their repackaged called “The Tortoise and hare” which definitely satisfies my ears. When you hear the play on words of wanting to go fast but at the same time wanting to go slowly at your own pace to enjoy the moment is mind-blowing. This is a must baby STAY! Can you recommend a fancam, V-Live, cover video, cover dance, or individual content video of your bias to our readers? A video of ChangBin that I really hope new STAY watch if they are wanting to see the other side of ChangBin that’s serious is ‘Streetlight’. Setting aside his goal of being the fastest rapper, he puts together a song with a lot of emotions. “In the middle of the lonely night, I tried my best to smile brightly. Just like the street light” – Street light, ChangBin. I am so proud of my bias gifting STAY this song! Can you also do the same type of recommendation for the group? I recommend everyone watching ‘The View’. The fresh spring feeling from the view makes me smile a lot. It feels like we are all getting a virtual warm welcome from each member. Please give more love and views to this beautiful video! Can you share with us one of your favorite lyrics? One of my favorite lyrics happens to be from ‘24 to 25’. The song maybe seasonal but as a STAY, the lyrics made me feel warmer. like I was given a hug by all members! Let’s grab a hug and pass on it! “December 25, you’re my carol, carol 소중한 이 시간, 너랑은 언제나, yeah 24 to 25 bae, just stay with me” What is your favorite group/bias’ influence on your daily life? ChangBin’s voice and rap has given me motivation to study harder with my Korean lessons. I have been studying Korean for 3 years diligently. But, to able to be a fast rapper and keep up with his mind-blowing performances, I need to work on Korean. So, till the mean time listening to his voice while juggling work and studying helps me stay motivated. Also practice my speaking and writing. What is your favorite side of fangirling/fanboying? My favorite side of fangirling is being able to share my experience and my small glimpse of happiness with others across the world. Also, being able to attend concerts where the music come to life with my favorite artists. I hope to see Stray Kids in person one day and have more magical moments like I have with other groups. Especially cheering them on! 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 think sometimes others may feel that ChangBin doesn’t have any other talents than just working out. But he does! Our ChangBin has the ability to create music, sing, rap and dance! He’s been on two shows post debut, showing his singing and rapping abilities. “The Masked Singer” appearance consisted with a cover of ‘Tomorrow’ by TaeYang. Unfortunately, he was eliminated but a lot of people were surprised that one of Stray Kids’ rappers was such a good vocalist. In addition, his appearance on “SMTM”! It was logistical and left a lot of staying hoping to see more but unfortunately, we didn’t. But what we were given as a treat happened to be his collab with FHERO and Milli. The Thai Korean rap track left many STAY and non STAY blown away! This definitely has been my 2022 anthem. People shouldn’t underestimate a well-rounded person. You can also add a message to your bias or show it on a message scrapbook. Message to ChangBin: ChangBin!! Our charming Dawekki, thank you for always bringing a smile to my face with everything you do. Please continue to always steal my heart with you bin-suals and thunderous voice. You’re doing such a good job and I wish that you always be happy with whatever you choose. I promise to cheer you on with warm messages! Fighting! Thank you for answering our questions, Shannon. 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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