A long time ago when the idols of the first generation like g.o.d, S.E.S or Shinhwa emerged the best way to demonstrate the unity of fans with their favourite artists was to wear an attire in the official group's color. Then the modest penlights showed up. But the times when one would use a simple glow stick at the concert have already passed. Nowadays we have something more sophisticated and distinguishable between the fandoms of different groups. The KPop light sticks are what we all want to be equipped with when attending a concert of other event and cheering for our favourite artists.
Often a multiple versions of the item are produced over time, with each of them presenting some minor changes.
Light Sticks
The KPop light sticks come in different shapes and sizes and are specifically designed so they could represent what comes in mind when thinking about a particular group. It often incorporate the group's official colors, logo or name so we can instantly notice which artists actually the light stick belongs to. When looking at the Candy Bong Z for instance we can immediately spot a logo of Twice which makes it clear that the girl band from JYP Entertainment is the owner. The official light stick of Astro has their logo featured as a head of the item and we can notice that the fanlight was prepared especially for them just after one look. Sometimes the design evolves over time - BTS have already released three Army Bomb light sticks - the latest is version 3.
What can be better than a KPop light stick to demonstrate the love of the fans for their favourite artists? It's the symbol of unity and devotion. Even if a fan has no chance to actually attend the concert and use the light stick at the venue he/she often decides to purchase it anyway and keep it as a collectible item. Any way they can be a very special and personal object to own.
The typical KPop fan light is powered by 3 (sometimes 2) AAA alkaline batteries that are hidden in a special compartment inside the handle. Sometimes the AAA batteries are replaced with an internal battery (like in the case of Day6 Official Light Band). They can produce a light usually of a white color or the colors related to a particular KPop group or soloist and can work in different modes including flickering and blinking. The working time is anything between 4 and 7 hours. So you should always remember about a new set of batteries when preparing for a concert. The red light coming out of your KPop light stick can indicate that it is about time to change the batteries.
In the package you will often find some accessories like a wrist strap or a felt bag. Less often the AAA batteries will be included. You'll be always getting a user manual with the tips how to use the purchased product and a warranty. Sometimes a bonus items are also added like a set of 6 photo cards that comes with the first version of GFriend's Glass Marble Stick or a random photo card that you will find with the SF9's Jigu Bong.
As the time goes by a new features are added to the KPop light sticks. Nowadays there's an option to connect your fanlight to a smartphone (with Android or iOS) via a Bluetooth connection. This can be helpful at the venue during pairing the stick to your seat number and connecting it to the central control. That will allow to create a variety of beautiful light effects.
A Bluetooth connection can allow to control the light stick via a special app that's prepared specificly for that item. Aside from helping with entering the seat info during the concert it can also enable different color effects and unlock additional modes. A perfect example can be a Seventeen App created for their Carat Bong. It can be downloaded for free online.
The other interesting features were also incorporated. The official light stick of Mamamoo can vibrate in such way that will give the people with hearing and eyesight impairment the signal when to cheer alongside other fans.
Of course not every KPop group can have their own light stick. It always depends on whether the group has a big enough fandom and if it can actually hold a big event like a solo concert, showcase or fan meeting. Some fans are still waiting for this must have item to show up like the fan club of CLC for example. If you happen to be a fan of a group that already has their KPop light stick you can usually purchase them at the venue where the concert or other event takes place or on multiple stores online.
