The Idaho Kpop Stans group, founded by Rocio Lopez, aims to create a welcoming space for K-pop enthusiasts in Idaho inspired by BTS's 'Magic Shop.' The organization focuses on fostering safe online and offline communities while supporting local Korean businesses. An upcoming festival in August will highlight Korean culture beyond just music.
Rocio Lopez established the Idaho Kpop Stans to realize a 'real life magic shop,' drawing from the lyrics of BTS's song 'Magic Shop.' Lopez explained, 'It's based on an idea of, like exchanging fear and pain for healing energy, and the lyrics speak about making a door inside your heart to a place that awaits for you when you want to disappear.' She added that gatherings provide an escape where participants feel understood and share a love for music.
As treasurer, Alicia De Santiago emphasized building a safe online space. The group encourages members to share stories through posts like 'What's your favorite song? Why did you join? What got you into K-pop?' This allows everyone to express their experiences freely.
Vice President Madison Park highlighted the group's role in creating inclusive environments for Idaho youth and adults. She noted, 'I feel like Idaho has not always been, you know, the most wide range community when it comes to interests in different cultures and things like that.' Park believes such groups help individuals feel accepted and not judged for their interests.
The organization supports local Korean businesses by hosting events there to raise awareness. Park stated, 'I have felt really passionate about getting the word out about Korean owned businesses here, just because I feel like in the past, a lot of them have not succeeded as well as they could have.'
Long-term, Lopez wants the group to grow in Boise while maintaining a safe space where members can positively impact each other. An Idaho Korean festival is planned for August at Julia Davis Park, focusing on broader Korean culture. Park said, 'We want to bring together the Korean community in Idaho as well as other people in the community to learn about Korean culture.' The event aims to showcase interest in Korean businesses and culture.
For more information, visit the group's website at http://699e327206e3b.site123.me, Instagram @idaho_kpopstans, or Facebook page Idaho Kpop Stans.
