Until Their Return

How does the fandom experience shift when major groups announce comebacks?

The Hallyu Wave. The K-universe. The (K-pop) Scene. Whatever you’ve called it, 2025 will be a powerful year in the history books.

We’re due for it, too, based on my math. Look at some of the big moments (and accept that some moments had to be sourced via sites I don’t necessarily support):

• 1992 - Seo Taiji and Boys, unmistakably acknowledged as the source of the pop scene going from a ripple to a wave in South Korea, made their debut.

• 1996 - Highfive Of Teenagers aka H.O.T., widely recognized as the other pioneer of modern K-pop idoldom and oddly-English-named groups, made their debut.

• 2000 - BoA, at age 13, made her debut.

• 2007 - Girls’ Generation showed the nation that nine women could keep them enraptured for years to come, black ocean be damned.

• ~Girl Crush Era arises and no, it didn’t become prominent with the debut of Blackpink~

• 2012 - Psy’s “Gangnam Style” literally changed the way YouTube functioned and BIGBANG were unstoppable.

• ~Groups of a baker’s-dozens-or-so worth of members captivate imaginations through groups like EXO, TOPP DOGG, SEVENTEEN, WANNA ONE, NCT, I.O.I., and TWICE~

• 2017 - Bangtan Boys evolved towards being Beyond The Scene, as their presence and song “DNA” catapulted them to unimaginable heights.

• 2020 - we were left behind in the Rapture and online concerts “saved” us.

• 2022 - the beginning of first/second generation global-impact groups making comebacks, such as Wonder Girls, 2NE1, After School; and culminating to the return of G-Dragon to (possibly?) display that his reign is still formidable.

Did you take notes? If I really fleshed this list out we’d be here all day. Photo by Kaleidico on Unsplash

I’ve heard some of the G-Dragon and Blackpink hype but it’s nothing like what’s beginning to boil.

Many of these historic moments were ushered in through SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, and JYP Entertainment — you know, when we were still referring to them as The Big Three. Others came by way of the M/V Reactors’ golden era. I know for a fact that BTS’ moment abroad began in the States years before “DNA.” I’m not talking about their moment in Los Angeles that still has some divided to this day, that was 2014.

I’m talking about KCON 2013, sweating bullets in downtown Los Angeles before they ever came to America to perform for us.

So many of us heard snippets of their music pumping through the sound system at random moments and our screams, cosplay enthusiasm, and unity certainly brought them to the convention stage the next year.

And now, as we await their 12th debut anniversary, we’ve received news that they’re preparing to make a comeback for the first time as a full group.

Shhhhhhiiiiiit. I’ve heard some of the G-Dragon and Blackpink hype but it’s nothing like what’s beginning to boil. It’s been quiet since 2022, albeit they’ve dropped solo projects… but everyone, fan and foe alike, have had a break. Things are still happening (*deep breath* NCT lost a member, T.O.P. gained support he deserved, Lisa pissed people off with her crotch, Kai visited colleges, B.I. was kissed by a fan, ITZY is fully back, ATEEZ won’t take their foot off western fan’s necks, Kep1er has screamed, “Notice me, Senpai!!!” And the backlash from cultural misappropriation influenced KCON to remove a promising group *wheezes*) but nothing will matter as soon as the first teaser drops.

Do you realize that even though each member has released projects for the past three years, the battle is genuinely between G-Dragon’s Legacy and BTS’s Cultural Merit? A MOMENTOUS SEASON IS UPON US!

I’ll be seated with popcorn, headphones, and music analysis. I ain’t stupid. But I am interested in your thoughts about this. I do not condone bashing anyone nor will I tolerate heated arguments about differences of opinions. If you’re unable to be civilized in your fan experience, then withhold your comments or send them individually.

I’m not playing about this. We’ve come too far as a collective for that.

Sound off if you want!