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’s 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. Reanna is the next fan to answer our questions. She is from the U.S. and is a fan of BLANK2Y, and particularly of Louis and YoungBin. 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, my name is Reanna! I am a K2YWE from the USA. How and when did you enter the fandom? I entered the fandom before debut back in December 2021. I was interested in the pre-debut group because of the hints and rumors Lee YoungBin from “I-LAND” would be debuting in this group (then called Keystone Boyz). He was one of my top picks during the show and I was waiting patiently for his debut! I knew whatever group he would land in, I would want to become a fan of them. Coincidentally, after YoungBin was officially announced as a member, I realized my ult bias from 1THE9, TaeWoo (stage name now Louis), was also rumored/hinted to debut in the same group as YoungBin. It was hard to believe at first because I thought he was going to pursue other things such as acting (and he had my full support!) but it ended up being true and he was making his re-debut as an idol. I couldn’t be happier for him! It is still so crazy to me that Louis and YoungBin have debuted together! I have been a fan ever since these two were announced as members and knew I would love this group for a long time. What are the reasons why this rookie group is your favorite group? BLANK2Y is so unique. All the members worked so hard on different paths to finally come together and debut in this group. While I have liked other groups for years, I find BLANK2Y to be the one that makes me the happiest! I love their group dynamics and teamwork. Each member is so special on and off stage. These boys are so incredible, I love them so much. I want to do my best to support them for a long time! What do you think differentiates this rookie group from the others? One thing about BLANK2Y that sticks out from other rookie groups is that since their debut, they have released a dedicated fan song for their fans, K2YWE, in each album. I feel this is such a sweet gesture that connects every K2YWE to BLANK2Y musically. As we admire them, they also cherish us. Another differentiating trait that BLANK2Y has compared to other rookies is that there are also currently no fixed positions in BLANK2Y, which is rare for other rookie groups right now. All members are capable of being a center, a lead dancer, a rapper, and/or a vocalist for any song depending on the concept. This also gives the members room for growth of skills and even adapting new ones. For the readers who are completely new to the group and members, can you introduce them with your own words? BLANK2Y is a global group of nine members who debuted on May 24th, 2022 with the album “K2Y I: Confidence [Thumbs Up]” featuring the title track called, “Thumbs Up”. Their first comeback was on August 24th, 2022 with the album titled “K2Y II: Passion [FUEGO]” featuring the title track called, “FUEGO (Burn It Up)”. While both albums feature title tracks with stronger concepts, each album also has b-sides with different vibes and styles! BLANK2Y can do many concepts well. They are so impressive! Here is my fanmade introduction of each member: DK is the eldest member of BLANK2Y. He is handsome, kind, and an amazing dancer with a pretty voice that can easily capture your heart! Louis is a vocalist who has a deep speaking voice and is “in charge of sexiness” (his words!). He is always charismatic and confident on stage. He will tease members and fans a lot but has a soft/sweet side. He also has the cutest eye smile when he laughs which you can’t miss! DongHyuk is a cutie and mood maker of the group. He is a great vocalist who can speak English very well. He is always making fans laugh. He is someone who always brings positive energy to fans and the group as a whole! SiWoo is like the fake maknae of the group. He is a bit mischievous and will joke a lot but also has a kind side with fans and the younger members. He is a rapper who has a unique tone and is very good at doing dance covers/TikTok trends from both boy and girl groups. Mikey is a Japanese member who looks so cute (and is!) but will surprise you with his deep and cool rap tone when performing! He has a good style and is a gifted dancer. YoungBin is a member full of “unexpected charms”. He can be both handsome and cute. He has a great stage presence no matter the concept. He also has the brightest smile with the cutest dimples that will melt your heart! U is a Chinese member with a sweet voice and a warm smile. He may come off as shy at first glance but definitely has a playful side. He has dynamic dance skills and great facial expressions on stage! SungJun is a member who is very cool, very cute, and very handsome. He may seem more introverted at first but I think he is also one of the kindest and funniest members. He is also like a hidden ace in my opinion; he can sing, rap, and dance incredibly well! SoDam is the cute maknae of the group who will wow you with his vocals! He is unbelievably talented. He is also one of the sweetest boys ever. Potential fans should check out their first reality show called, “BLANKY’S” (pronounced as BLANK-KISS) to see the members become closer and also get to know each of their individual personalities more. K2YWE are waiting patiently for season two! Who caught your attention at first and why? Did you know any members prior to their debut? I knew Louis, DongHyuk, and YoungBin before debut/Keystone Boyz. Louis and YoungBin were my top picks in their respective survival shows, “Under Nineteen” and “I-LAND”. So of course, those 2 had my attention first. I was a Wonderland (1THE9 fan) from debut until their disbandment and ulted Louis (TaeWoo then). After watching “I-LAND”, I was awaiting YoungBin’s debut since I liked him so much on the show. While I was a casual fan of ENOi during the time they were active, I also knew of DongHyuk pre-debut! It honestly felt like me becoming a fan of this group was fated because of being a fan of these members already. I knew I would have to give them and the other member s all my love and support! Do you have a bias yet? If yes, tell us why. Yes. My top 2 ult biases are Louis and YoungBin. Both are caring, passionate, handsome, charming, and extremely talented. Louis is like my destiny~ I have been his fan since late 2018 and have always been by his side for nearly 4 years. He makes everything bright and can make me laugh no matter my mood. YoungBin who is so dear to me; he is my shining yellow. He is so kindhearted and his perfect smile will never fail to make my heart full. I love hearing their amazing vocals in BLANK2Y’s songs and seeing them on stage living their dreams. I’m so proud of them. Louis and YoungBin were worth waiting for and I’m so fortunate I can support them both in the same group! Special mention to SungJun, who more recently, has become a bias wrecker! He stole my heart during the latest comeback and is definitely part of my bias line now. All of BLANK2Y are so lovable! Can you recommend a title track and a B-side track for new fans? A title track I will recommend for new and potential fans is ‘FUEGO (Burn It Up)’, the song is fun, catchy, and gives good energy. The dance break goes crazy! One B-side I want to recommend is called, ‘Touch’. It is the most refreshing song BLANK2Y has and is my favorite from them. Even my friend who is not a K2YWE (yet) liked it so much she went to watch every performance of it! Can you recommend a fancam, V Live, cover video, cover dance, or other from your favorite group or bias? My favorite bias cover video is Louis and YoungBin’s duet of ‘지금처럼만 (Be There For You)’ by NCT DREAM. Both the boys’ vocals are incredible and they harmonized so well together considering this was pre-debut! My favorite group dance cover is ‘Pretty Girl (이뻐 이뻐)’ from Produce x 101. They performed the song for their first fanmeeting and you can see how they did the cute concept so well!
— ً (@kimstaewoo) September 25, 2022 Another group dance cover I love to watch from BLANK2Y is their special cover of ‘TOUCH’ by NCT 127. While we know BLANK2Y can do strong concepts well, I love the refreshing and fun vibe they have going on here. You can also see just how in sync the boys are even before debuting, so impressive! What are the things you are looking for in their future activities? I am so excited for BLANK2Y and their future! I am looking forward to new music, new covers (group and solo), variety show appearances during promotions, and maybe even acting opportunities for some members in the future. I also hope to see them have a tour here in the USA one day (specifically LA hehe). Are there any words from the members you would like to share? From Louis, I will share his uplifting words for K2YWE: “K2YWE who I cherish and love more than anyone else, I hope you have happy days without getting hurt. I will be your pillar when you are having a hard time, so don’t be sick alone and look forward to it. It’s okay to rest for a while if you’re tired, but don’t give up. After time passes, you will be a better K2YWE.” Here is BLANK2Y’s message for fans and combined special words from members (Mikey, SoDam, and DongHyuk) from their Billboard Korea interview: “We want our fans to know that our love for them is super special and that we are progressing every day! We love you K2YWE and thank you so so so much for always being the best energizer and support. We are grateful for your love and will try our best to never let you guys down! K2YWE, please stay safe and healthy and let’s always be each other’s best supporters and comfort.” What type of concept do you prefer: cute, dark, sexy, etc? My favorite concepts are usually refreshing, cute, or sexy. What is your best souvenir with your favorite group until now? My favorite souvenir would probably be meeting BLANK2Y through my video calls. Even though I sometimes embarrass myself cause of my nerves, I have a lot of happy moments! Here was the first time I met Louis and YoungBin. I got to show Louis that I had his 1THE9 picket and YoungBin that I owned the limited CD for his pre-debut single, ‘Yellow’. Their reactions were so cute~.Another special souvenir would be when Louis and DongHyuk replied to me on Twitter during a menpa (Mention Party) during ‘Thumbs Up’ era! Can you share with readers the first ever picture you’ve saved of your biases on your phone? November 2018:June 2020: For me, my biases are… My destiny, loves, and inspirations! Can you recommend a cute or funny video of your bias to our readers? This video makes me laugh so much! Louis was doing aegyo at the start then called SungJun his one pick (favorite) then got exposed by both SungJun and SiWoo for always changing who his favorite member is. So cute and funny!
— reanna (@bIank2y) November 3, 2022 You can watch the whole K2YHIND video here: Reanna’s message for BLANK2Y: I want to thank you for being you. I am so proud to be your fan. You guys make me so happy and I have been lucky to tell all of you that through video calls. You guys and your music brings me so much joy and energy even on my hardest days so I cannot thank you enough. I want to also let you know me and other international K2YWE appreciate your hard work to communicate with us despite a language barrier and your efforts do not go unnoticed. You all are the best, genuinely. You all are doing so well. All your hard work will pay off one day and K2YWE will always be here for you. I will always cheer for you, my boys forever! Thank you for answering our questions, Reanna. If you are interested in joining Kpopmap Fan Interview Project, please get in touch with us at [email protected] Everyone is welcome to participate.
Kpopmap Fan Interview: A Filipino CARAT Talks About Her Favorite Group SEVENTEEN & Her Bias Hoshi by FANS|Oct 30, 2022 Kpopmap Fan Interview: A European TRUE Talks About Her Favorite Group TRI.BE & Her Bias Mire by FANS|Oct 29, 2022 Kpopmap Fan Interview: A K2YWE From Poland Talks About Her Favorite Group BLANK2Y And Her Bias U by FANS|Oct 27, 2022
