About Me

Hi there! I’m Ayakim, the creator and writer behind Hello Bias.

I am a dedicated K-pop fan based in Japan with 13 years of passion for this incredible culture.

My journey began with the legends—Girls’ Generation and BIGBANG—and I’ve had the privilege of watching the growth of global icons like BTS, MONSTA X, and Stray Kids over the years.

Currently, I am deeply into NCT (especially Taeyong!) and WayV.

I’m constantly inspired by their world-class vocals, stunning visuals, and boundless energy.
I also love the powerful vibes of girl groups like TWICE, BLACKPINK, and aespa, as well as solo artists like ZICO and Lee Youngji.

Who I wrote this for

This blog is for you if:

• You’re a new K-pop fan feeling overwhelmed by “fandom slang.”
• You want to understand the deeper meaning of lyrics without relying solely on machine translations.
• You’re planning a trip to Korea and want to experience it like a real fan, not just a tourist.

I created this blog to bridge the gap between K-pop culture and fans worldwide.
When I was a beginner, I felt like I was in a giant maze, trying to decode “secret languages” used by older fans.

Terms like “Bias wrecker,” “Sasaeng,” or “Comeback” aren’t always explained clearly for international fans.
I wanted to build a space that’s friendly, accessible, and rooted in real, firsthand experience.

I don’t claim to know everything, but I love exploring this wonderful fandom world and growing alongside fellow fans like you.

My K-pop Journey: From “Gee” to “The Most Beautiful Moment in Life”

My first encounter with K-pop was 13 years ago when Girls’ Generation’s “Gee” was taking Japan by storm.

At the time, my image of K-pop was all about “pretty girls with amazing legs.”

But then, BIGBANG arrived, and they completely shattered that image.

Their edgy, hip-hop style was the total opposite of the “cute” K-pop I knew.
It was a cultural shock, and I became obsessed instantly.

I even attended their concerts several times with my boyfriend, who was a huge G-Dragon fan.

However, it was BTS that turned me into a “hardcore” fan.
While I loved their visuals, it was their music that truly captured my heart.

During the “The Most Beautiful Moment in Life” (Hwayangyeonhwa) era, I became desperate to understand the deeper meanings behind their lyrics.

At the time, English or Japanese translations weren’t as readily available on YouTube as they are today.

To escape the “language barrier” and understand their variety shows, I decided to start learning Korean.

My Korean Language & Travel Experience

K-pop is fun on the surface, but understanding the language makes it 100 times more rewarding.
I can say this with total confidence because it changed my life.

I started studying Korean about 7 years ago.
At first, it took me five minutes just to read an idol’s name in Hangul!

I studied through grammar books and attended conversation classes.
Although the pandemic made it difficult to stay motivated, I’ve recently rededicated myself to the language.

I have traveled to South Korea more than 20 times.
At my peak, I was visiting every month to buy albums, shop for K-beauty, and attend concerts or “Senil” (birthday) events.

While I previously studied for fun, I am now officially aiming for TOPIK Level 6 (the highest proficiency level).

It’s a challenge because it requires formal vocabulary beyond just fandom slang, but I’m enjoying the process!

Contact Me

Feel free to reach out anytime!

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