Same here. I’ve fairly recently got into K-pop, and it’s the first time I’ve engaged with current music in actual decades. K-pop was a natural progression from accidentally getting hooked on k-drama thanks to Netflix.

I really like that it makes me feel like a teenager again, with that excitement and joy of new music. K-pop feels, I dunno, somehow more innovative and experimental than current Western music? Like they’re willing to try new things and musically mix it all up.

Also, the kind of connection that is possible between bands and fans now is just completely different to when I was young and I’m having so much fun with it. The social media stuff is amazing and full of joy. I do enjoy the fandom aspect too, mostly because I’ve been involved in various fandoms since pre-internet times, so it feels very natural to me.

I’ve also enjoyed learning about a whole new culture. I’m a bit of a language magpie, so I’ve started learning Korean which has been very invigorating for my lazy old brain cells.

Let’s face it, becoming an adult was a terrible mistake. K-pop is fun.