The duration of idol bias can vary widely, from moments to years. In my personal experience, the shortest time frame I was dedicated to a k-pop idol was K in I-land. Despite his initial charm and the older brother-like relationship with his trainees, he gradually drifted away from the persona that initially captivated my interest.

Short-Term Bias and Why People Lose Interest

The shortest time I was into an idol was K in I-land. Initially, he stood out for his charming demeanor and the older brother-like relationship he had with the younger trainees. His attempt to debut in an industry dominated by teenagers was admirable. However, he soon began to lose this positive image, which is common in the ever-evolving k-pop fandom.

Reasons for Losing Interest in an Idol

There are several reasons why people can lose interest in an idol over time:

Change in Personas: As individuals mature, their interests shift, often leading to a change in music tastes and the desire to explore new idols. For instance, a former army member might start a fandom in 2017, and watch as BTS members transform from their youthful personas to more mature ones, which could result in a loss of interest. Actions and Behavior: Instances where idols act in a way that goes against their image or fails to meet the expectations of their fanbase can lead to a loss of interest. For K in I-land, his behavior towards trainees and a lack of consideration for his responsibilities as a center led to disappointments. Media Influence: Negative articles, videos, or news reports can subtly influence fan opinions, even if they don't intend to. For example, reading an article about an idol or watching a video that contradicts the idol's image can influence how fans perceive them.

Arrogance and Perception

Idols like K in I-land can sometimes be perceived as arrogant, especially when their actions don't align with the image they project. Changes in behavior can significantly impact fan perception. K, for example, started to rub fans the wrong way after incidents where he was perceived as being overly harsh or inconsiderate. These actions make idols seem less relatable and less endearing to their fanbase.

The Role of Media Companies

It's important to recognize that the media companies behind k-pop idols can heavily influence public perception. While some fans understand that events might be edited to present a certain image, there are instances where behavior reflects genuine personality traits. Mnet, for example, has been known for editing episodes to portray idols in certain ways, which can sometimes distort the truth.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the duration of idol bias is highly personal and can vary greatly. Fans might lose interest as their interests change, idols' actions don't align with expectations, or media reports challenge their perceptions. While some fans remain fiercely loyal, others might shift their focus to new idols as they mature and discover different interests. The dynamic nature of k-pop fandom ensures that there is always a spectrum of preferences and allegiances.