Favorite Idols: Gen 2
Though I have another page with my favorite groups and bias list, I thought it might be fun to write down my favorite idols themselves and explain why I feel more of a connection to them. This is Generation 2. Let me know your favorite idols in the comments!
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Male Idols:
Jonghyun (SHINee)
One of my top biases of all time and really what made me a bona-fide k-pop fan. I never got the chance to be his fan when he was still making music, but his voice and his incredible lyricism are always what I run to when I need cheering up.
Key (SHINee)
A fashion designer, singer, dancer, and actor, and one of the most outspoken and honest idols I’ve ever seen, who encouraged so many others to feel free to speak too.
Taemin (SHINee)
Called the “ACE of Kpop” for a reason, Taemin is a force to be reckoned with. He’s obviously a fantastic performer and a dancer in a league of his own, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention his two adorable cats and the fact that he’s just…so weird. So weird. I love him.
You know, at this point, I should probably just put the entirety of SHINee in this list.
Female Idols:
Tiffany (SNSD)
A great performer and an outspoken queer ally, who encouraged my own (admittedly terrible) Korean when she spoke about how difficult it was for her to learn. Also, she’s just so funny and I love watching her in interviews.
Sulli (f[x])
A trailblazer in the k-pop world with her outspokenness on feminism, misogyny, and the pressures of being an idol, and someone I know I’m not alone in deeply missing. We’re poorer off without her and her million dollar smile.
Lee Sunmi
My favorite soloist, who’s made a name for herself by going her own way, no matter what the industry says, speaking openly about her mental health, and winning a hard-won battle against her E.D.
Goo Hara (KARA)
Sadly, yet another idol we’ve lost too soon, who doesn’t get enough credit for all the change she made in the industry, from her court case against the man who assaulted her to her bravery during the Burning Sun investigation. I’m proud to call myself her fan.
Song Jieun
Funnily enough, I wasn’t that big a fan of most of Song Jieun’s music, besides one song or two. But through my review, I found her YouTube channel with her husband and their adorable relationship and years of advocacy, which was just lovely. I hope they’re very happy!
IU
In perhaps a league of her own when it comes to K-pop soloists, IU not only has a great voice and stage presence, but she’s also a fantastic actor in shows like My Mister and (my personal favorite) Hotel Del Luna. She grew up in poverty and has never wavered in her commitment to give back.
Let me know your thoughts!