MADANGWhat makes a K-pop crowd sing along
Fan chants, light sticks and the rituals that turn an audience into a community.
If you have been to a K-pop concert, you know the audience is part of the performance. Fans learn the chants, bring the light sticks and know exactly when to shout each member’s name.
Fan chants
Many K-pop songs come with an official fan chant (???) — the names, lines and shouts the crowd adds between the lyrics. Fans practise them before the show so the whole room can join in.
Light sticks
Most groups have an official light stick in their colours. In a dark hall, thousands of them turn the audience into a single field of light.
I came for the concert and stayed for the people.
K Madang member
That shared ritual is what K Madang events are built around: a stage, and a courtyard full of people who belong there.
Stories on Korean music, food and culture from the K Madang team in the Pacific Northwest.
