NAME: Sílvia Carneiro

AGE: 20

HOME: Braga, Portugal

CURRENTLY: attending college at the University of Aveiro

INTRO TO K-POP: "It all started in the summer of 2010 in August," Carneiro said. "I was at home that day and the temperatures were very high. I remember thinking that because of the intense heat, I shouldn't go out. So, since I had nothing to do that day, I was checking out videos online on YouTube. The site recommended several videos and there was one by the name of Super Junior. I don't know why, but the name caught my attention. I found it funny--Super Junior. And that's when I opened the video and it was the music video for 'Mr. Simple.' I admit that I found very funny at first. The language, the style, everything was very different from what I was used to seeing. But I think that's also what made ​​me want to hear more and more. I remember that at that time, I thought there was only one group like Super Junior. But then I discovered U-KISS. That made me search for more groups. And that's when I realized that there were many groups and that [the genre] was called K-pop. From there, I began to want to know how many groups there were and it made me want to understand Korean culture better."

FAN CREDENTIALS: Despite a observing a lack of recognition for K-pop groups among her classmates and friends, Carneiro has done her best to change that.  "I have shown music videos of several K-pop groups to my friends so they can draw their own conclusions about what K-pop is and what they think about it," she said.

THE DIFFERENCE: "K-pop is different because the idols involved were [trained by the label] for years," Carneiro said. "They were trainees where they perfected their skills and talents. In K-pop, almost all idols know, besides singing, how to dance and we can see that they are people with great talent who struggled to achieve success."

FAVORITE GROUP: MBLAQ

MBLAQ BECAUSE: "There are five very talented members and the way they are is simply brilliant," Carneiro said. "Each one has a different personality." But it was one video that played a critical role in the 20-year-old's MBLAQ fandom. "In 2012, when they released the song "It's War," the music video was awesome," Carneiro recalled. "The story was very well developed. Lee Joon and Cheondong put in ​​an excellent performance. The music was very catchy and it all made ​​me want to know more about MBLAQ."

FAVORITE MBLAQ SONG: "Pretty Girl"

"All MBLAQ songs are amazing," Carneiro said. "I love 'Pretty girl' because it puts me in a good mood. And I think any girl would be happy just to hear this song."

FAVORITE SOLO ARTIST: Ailee

WHY AILEE: "She has one of the best female voices in K-pop!" Carneiro said. "Her voice is amazing and unique. She has a perfect looks. She is not too skinny as many female singers are in K-pop. She has a spectacular body. Her songs are beautiful and always make me want to dance when I hear them."

FAVORITE AILEE SONG: "I Will Show You"

"The lyrics of this song show the strong side of a woman," Carneiro said. "The lyrics mean that any woman should never be discouraged because of anyone and they should feel valued."

RISING K-POP STARS: Bangtan Boys aka BTS

BTS BECAUSE: "Bangtan Boys are a group that deserves a lot of recognition from the fans," Carneiro said. "BTS is a group with a very different concept, with a more hip-hop style. They're a group with elaborate choreography, with a very strong concept and the lyrics of the songs are pretty touching. All of the members are very talented and they have a leader who is a brilliant rapper. Rap Monster writes amazing lyrics with great lessons of life that make us think about our lives."

If you'd like to be featured in the "Profile Of A K-Pop Fan" column, send an email with a recent photo of yourself to fan@kpopstarz.com. Please include the subject header "Fan."