Idols
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| An Yujin - One-reeler Act IV Concept Photo |
There’s something strange about idols. Whether it’s a pop star on stage, a YouTuber who posts daily, or an athlete you watched as a kid, people often form some sort of attachment to those they admire. In J-pop and K-pop especially, idols are extremely polished, trained to perform not just music and dance but an entire persona. It’s easy to see why fans feel connected: idols are visible examples of skill, dedication, and an idealized life.
Parasociality
A lot of this connection feels parasocial in nature. Parasocial relationships are one-way bonds, you feel like you know someone well but they don’t know you exist. You follow their content and cheer for them the way you would a friend. That can be strange to admit, but it’s also surprisingly normal. Humans crave connection and stories, and idols give us both in a concentrated form. In industries like K-pop, companies create trainees, comebacks, and variety show moments that make fans feel involved in an ongoing story. It’s comforting and exciting at the same time.
But Idols aren’t just manufactured fantasies or perfect beings. They can inspire discipline, creativity, and community. Watching someone pour years into their craft can motivate a fan to practice piano, learn a language, or wake up earlier. Idols also build communities: fans find each other online and offline, and they share experiences together. For many, an idol is a source of emotional support during hard times, a reminder that someone else is working hard, smiling, and moving forward.
Risk
Of course, there are risks. Parasocial attachments can become unhealthy if they replace real relationships or if fans measure their own worth against a polished image. The idol industry itself can be exploitative, demanding near-perfect appearances and punishing even the slightest of mistakes. It’s important to keep a healthy perspective: admiration is fine and obsession is harmful. No public persona contains the whole person, and there’s so much in an idol’s personal life that no fan knows about.
Balance
So how should we relate to idols? Maybe we could appreciate them or learn from them. But also remember to keep your life rooted in relationships that give and receive care. Foster and cultivate friendships with people who genuinely value you and care about you. Let idols be inspiration, not a benchmark for your self-worth. They can push us forward, yes, but only if we let them be part of a larger, more balanced life.
Life Update!
How is it possible for one to be this overwhelmed? I feel horrible, swamped with tasks, and my sleep schedule has been horrible. It’s a depressing feeling. You feel hopeless, you feel that you just don’t have enough time to do everything you need to do. You feel like the tasks just stack higher and higher. I’m sure I’ll get over it soon. I’m sure in a week or two, everything will be fine. But it just feels despondent, and it’s just placing constant stress on my mind.
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