K-Pop Fandom: Obsession, Misogyny, and the Unhealthy Side of Online Fan Culture

Ireland-based K-pop fan Orla Cordial (@orlacordial) recently sparked debate within the online K-pop community with her video discussing unpopular opinions about fandom. Cordial argues that excessive obsession with K-pop idols is not only unhealthy but also reflects underlying misogyny. "It's not normal to be so obsessed over random people to a point where it consumes your whole being," she states in her video. She contrasts the often-negative societal perception of female fans' intense devotion with the generally more accepted enthusiasm of male fans in areas like sports. Cordial's video, which has garnered 2649 views and 293 likes as of June 9th, 2025, has prompted discussions about the nature of fandom and the double standards faced by female fans.