Profile Of A K-Pop Fan: Why Super Junior Is Like 'No Other' For Moroccan College Student Fadoua Rokne
NAME: Fadoua Rokne
AGE: 24
HOME: Kenitra, Morocco
CURRENTLY: a student at the University of Science
INTRO TO K-POP: “It was actually K-drama which led me to K-pop,” Rokne said. “I watched 'Boys Over Flowers' on the Arabic channel MBC 4. Since then, I've fallen in love with K-drama. My cousin knew about my addiction to K-drama. She recommended 'Ms. Panda and Mr. Hedgehog' which starred Lee Donghae from Super Junior...at first, I didn't know who he was, but I liked his good looks and acting. I went to Wikipedia to look for another drama that he was cast in. I figured out that he is actually a member of Super Junior.”
THE DIFFERENCE: “K-pop music is different from the pop music of other countries because it feels more energetic and warm,” said Rokne. “I think the biggest difference with K-pop is that there are a lot more boy and girl [groups] than you can find in other countries. This is more attractive for pop lovers, especially teenagers.”
FAVORITE GROUP: Super Junior
WHY SUJU: “The members of Super Junior are different from other boy band members,” said Rokne. “They are so talented in their music. Each member has his own unique sense of humor; their voices are strong and attractive. You feel like they are real brothers, who support and help one another. I would love to attend super show, as a true ELF. My favorite member is the dancing machine, Lee Hyuk Jae.”
FAVORITE SUPER JUNIOR SONG: “No Other”
FAVORITE SOLO ARTIST: IU
WHY IU: “She is young but she has a strong and warm voice,” said Rokne. “Her ability to control her voice during high notes is incredible.”
FAVORITE IU SONG: “Good Day”
CULTURAL MISUNDERSTANDINGS: “The problem is not that Moroccans don't understand K-pop music, but there is a language barrier,” Rokne said. “The Korean language is complicated to learn. I believe that Moroccan people have the will to learn new things. If K-pop stars organize concerts in Morocco, we will get through this barrier.”
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