Look back at the “legendary” fanwars between 1st generation Kpop fandoms

At that time, Kpop fans even waged head-to-head battles to protect their idols.

“Fanwar” is considered an essential thing during the development of Kpop. In each period, fanwars are expressed in many different forms.

At the beginning of Kpop’s development, when the internet was not yet developed, fanwars were face-to-face battles. Not just a couple of arguments back and forth, Kpop fans at that time were ready to use force to solve all problems. The fighting between the fandoms of H.O.T and Sechskies is a good example.

H.O.T and Sechskies were the most well-known Kpop groups at the time. Of course, they have a sizable and devoted fan base. Daesang – the main prize at the year-end awards event, was often a source of contention amongst fans of both sides. Sometimes, fans of the two groups even gathered, quarreled, and eventually surged into a fight right before the award presentation.

At that time, the position of fandom leader gained the same reputation as that of a true idol. That greatest power could only be held by individuals who have the bravery to fight other fandoms to defend their idols. And once the fandom leader started the fight, hundreds of fans also rushed in to create a melee. Some fans even recalled that the police were called to stop the fistfights between H.O.T and Sechskies fans back then!