A recent post on the Korean social media platform Theqoo has gone viral, providing a harrowing and detailed account of the process of becoming a Sasaeng fan, as written by an admitted sasaeng fan herself. Sasaeng fans are known for their obsessive and invasive behavior toward idols, often crossing personal boundaries and engaging in stalking. The post, which has shocked netizens, outlines the progression from a regular fan to a sasaeng fan, highlighting the increasingly unhealthy and dangerous behaviors involved.
A Descent into Obsession
The journey begins innocuously enough, with the fan attending public events and concerts to see their idol. Despite the long hours of waiting and the fleeting moments of interaction, the fan experiences a profound sense of emptiness. This emptiness, however, quickly turns into a relentless cycle of preparation and anticipation for the next opportunity to see the idol.
1. Initial Encounters and Dissatisfaction : The fan describes spending considerable amounts of money and time to attend fan signings and public events. Despite these efforts, the interactions are brief and superficial, leading to feelings of frustration and emptiness. The fan vows not to return, but the allure of new photos and updates reignites their obsession.
2. Inability to Disconnect : On days without a scheduled event, the fan becomes restless and frustrated, longing for any update from the idol. This longing drives the fan to seek out more intimate encounters.
3. Escalation to Stalking : The fan starts frequenting locations where the idol might appear, such as airports, commute routes, and their company. Despite the uncertainty of these encounters, the mere possibility of seeing the idol fuels their persistence.
4. Forming a Network : As the fan continues to follow the idol, they form connections with other fans, sharing information and tips. This network becomes a support system that encourages and normalizes the invasive behavior.
5. Deepening Obsession : The fan’s obsession deepens as they start gathering personal details about the idol, including their daily routines and preferences. These insights further blur the lines between fandom and stalking.
Crossing the Line
As the fan becomes more entrenched in this behavior, they transition into what they describe as a “stick fangirl,” someone who constantly shadows the idol. The idol and their management begin to recognize these fans, which only reinforces the fan’s belief that their behavior is acceptable.
6. Direct Interactions : The fan starts having brief, trivial conversations with the idol, further feeding their obsession. These interactions, however minimal, are seen as validation.
7. Misinterpreting Boundaries : Despite clear boundaries set by the idol and their management, the fan interprets these as playful rejections, believing that their presence is secretly appreciated.
8. Delusional Rationalizations : Even when the idol explicitly expresses discomfort or annoyance, the fan rationalizes this as a part of their unique relationship. They believe that their love and dedication set them apart from other fans.
A Point of No Return
The post reaches a disturbing climax as the fan acknowledges that their behavior has reached a point of no return. The obsession has taken over their life, leading to a loss of perspective and increasing resentment towards the idol’s attempts to set boundaries.
9. Paranoia and Resentment : The fan becomes paranoid about missing updates or encounters, feeling betrayed when the idol doesn’t reciprocate their affection. This leads to feelings of resentment and anger towards the idol.
10. Mental Health Deterioration : The fan admits that their mental health has deteriorated, yet they feel trapped in this cycle of obsession. Despite the negative impact on their life, they cannot stop pursuing the idol.
The detailed account has sparked a wave of shock and concern among netizens. Many have labeled the behavior described as a form of mental illness, calling for intensive therapy and intervention.
Netizens’ Reactions:
1. Wow…
2. The way she talks is just like a stalker… Scary
3. More like the process of becoming a stalker and a criminal
4. This is a disease that no medication can solve
5. Hul I couldn’t read everything
6. This is a disease
7. Goosebumps… Please recognize your disease and love yourself
8. I feel like the point of no return starts at #5 already no
10. Just starting from #4~#5, it’s already getting creepy
10. So it is a disease…
