Fan Devotion Illuminated: Unraveling the Symbolism of K-Pop Lightsticks

As the sun sets, a different kind of brightness takes over K-Pop concerts. It is known in the Hallyu community that these aren't just simple lightsticks. This sea of radiant colors reflects loyalty and unity, echoing the spirit of the group and its fans.

But do all lightsticks share the same meaning, or does the one you so proudly wave have a more profound purpose behind it? Join us here at The Daebak Company as we explore the rich symbolism behind some of the most popular K-Pop lightsticks. Keep reading, and prepare to be enlightened!

In the amazing K-Pop Universe, most groups wield a unique lightstick–a shining identification of our belonging to our beloved fandoms. And as fans, you and I know that these aren't just ordinary flashlights we wave during concerts. These are badges of honor, telling a story of commitment to our idols.
 

While many groups opt for the classic maraca-shaped design, there are now plenty of unique lightsticks of different shapes and sizes, showing the distinctiveness of their bands. But have you ever wondered about the origins of this trend? How did these sticks become as unique and fascinating as the groups they represent?

Well, it was in 2006 when it all started. Thanks to G-Dragon, leader of BIGBANG. He decided their fans should have a light to support them on stage.

But why? G-Dragon designed a yellow, crown-shaped golden lightstick named BangBong specifically to make their V.I.P.s distinguishable in a crowd. And indeed, they were noticeable!

Their K-pop lightstick was the first that fans kept as a treasure. 

So, how did fans support their idols before that? 

Initially, Korean fans would buy colorful balloons, t-shirts, and different products with the representative color of their favorite K-pop group. From those glow sticks, Big Bang realized K-pop fans needed something else: merchandise their followers could collect.

In most concerts, people are used to cheering and, as much, we have a glow stick in each hand. But the K-Pop community has a different way of letting their audience enjoy their show.

After all, it isn't just a concert, it is an experience. And lightsticks are absolutely a part of it.

Mamamoo is a 4-member girl group from RBW Entertainment that debuted in 2014. The members, Solar, Hwasa, Wheein, and Moonbyul, have achieved more than 7.8 million followers on Instagram.

It's not a secret that Mamamoo has always been a group that stands out, not just for their incredible talent but also their ability to spark conversations. One such revolves around the unique choice of lightsick they released in 2015: a radish. Yes, you read that right, a radish! 

This unusual choice does have a reason. Mamamoo's fanbase is called MOOMOO, which phonetically resembles the Korean pronunciation of radish: mu (무). That totally makes sense, right?

But did you know that Mamamoo's lightstick is made to break down barriers and include everyone with the vibration of their K-pop lightstick?

In 2017, the group released a second version of their lightstick–the MooMooBong. This device has an uncommon 'vibration motor,' which can be remotely controlled to send out cheering prompts. It's specifically designed to aid fans with visual impairments or hearing difficulties to participate in the cheering.

So, in this case, not only is the Mamamoo lightstick a complement to having a whole live concert experience, but it is also helpful for people with disabilities. We just love inclusive queens!

Bl-ping-bong is the official name for BLACKPINK lightstick; this time, it follows the shape of a hammer. In an episode of Idol Room, BLACKPINK revealed that there's an entertaining story behind the unique design of their newly introduced K-Pop lightstick. 

Jennie shared an interesting backstory involving their appearance on 'Weekly Idol.' She recalled being struck on the head with a toy hammer during the show.

This memory continually resurfaced when they were in the process of creating their BLACKPINK lightstick design. And voila! Blinks now have access to the Bl-ping-bong. 

A hilarious fact about this K-pop lightstick is that you can hear a funny, squeaky noise when you use it to hit something. The handle is black, while the area that illuminates is pink.
 

When it is turned on, it shines very brightly. And when it shines, you already know BLACKPINK's in your area. 

NCT–just three letters for a massive boy group under SM Entertainment. This KPop group is multiplying faster than rabbits in springtime, proving there's strength in numbers. I'm not going to doubt that one day, they'd have more members than a United Nations summit, hailing from every corner of the globe.

But hey, it's not just their model-worthy looks and synchronized dance moves that mesmerized their fans. They've also got their official lightstick!
 

Best known to Hallyu fans as Meumwonbong, this box-shaped lightstick glows a brilliant green light. You can read the group's name brightly in the lightstick when it's on, which is perfect for their fandom.

Koreaboo explained that the term for lightstick in Korean is "eungwonbong." The first part, "eung," starts and ends with the circular Korean character "ㅇ". However, NCT's lightstick is famous for its unique cube-like shape.

So, they replaced the circular character "ㅇ" with the square-shaped character "ㅁ,"—which corresponds to the English letter "m." Consequently, "eung" was transformed into "meum." Therefore, we call it Meumwonbong. Genius, right?

If anyone ever questions the durability of the NCT lightstick, fear not! We have RECEIPTS of our boys putting them through a series of relentless, often funny, durability tests.

1. The confusion on the faces of NCT members in the photo below shows when they held the lightstick, and it was pretty funny for the Hallyu community.

2. Once they get familiar with its K-pop lightstick, we go ahead with the next level: trying to break it live. In this case, our beloved Taeyong left just with his handle after shaking his NCT lightstick. Again, at a show in front of everyone.

Setting their silly relationship with their lightstick aside, if you're an NCT stan, you know they're serving a buffet of talent. They've got so many members you're bound to find at least one you absolutely adore. But buckle up because the NCT experience is like riding a rollercoaster, and there's no assurance you'll stick to only one bias.

In December of 2017, more than 10 years since their debut in 2005, Super Junior showed their official lightstick for the first time. Before that, their creative fans had been using different non-official products for years. But during their Super Show 7 world tour, the E.L.Fs were able to utilize a white lightsick with a glowing sapphire blue head, which is SJ's official color.

Interestingly, a fan pointed out its similarity to the Kryptonian Command Key in Superman. It's only fitting, isn't it? After all, to their E.L.Fs, the members of Super Junior are nothing short of superheroes.

From the simple neon glow sticks to the high-tech, color-changing K-pop lightsticks, we, fans, have seen it all! It's a wild ride through the evolution of fandom gear, right?
 

These lightsticks aren't just pieces of merch anymore. They're like our magic wands, lighting up concerts and symbolizing our undying love for our idols.
 

Now, I wonder what will be the next thing introduced in the K-Pop industry. Any ideas?