Lightsticks are used to show support for your favorite group at a concert or event. They are LED light sticks that can change colors. The lights are usually linked with your seat during a concert and programmed to change colors depending on where you are and what song is being performed. Some groups may have more than one version of their lightsticks while others may not have one yet or at all. Lightsticks can range from $30-$150
The idea for lighsticks started from Bambams, or Korean thunder sticks. Usually used to help with cheering during sport events. K-pop fans used Bambams or balloons in the corresponding color of the K-pop group that they liked to show their support but then switched to lights.
Inspiration came from a Japanese band that used glow sticks during their concert and that idea spread to Korea
The first K-pop group to have their own lightstick was BigBang in 2006. This lightstick was created by the leader of the group, G-Dragon. This lightstick also came with its own name and was called the BangBong. Since then many groups have followed suit and have introduced their own lightsticks .
After BigBang’s success other k-pop groups came out with their own unique designs and styles. The designs vary and may relate to the groups concept or their fans. The lightsticks also have their own names such as Armybong, Neobong, Nachimbong, Candybong, Konbat, Lightiny, Caratbong, Mongmongie etc.
• While Lighsticks are used to show support they can also be symbols in showing dislike towards a group. There is something called a black sea in Kpop which is used to describe a dark stadium. Since the Lighsticks are so colorful and bright they are described as a sea when together. When fans don’t like a group they will turn their lightsticks off just so the artist sees a dark stadium as they perform.
• “The Power of Kpop’s Lightstick.” Etourism, 21 Mar. 2023, www.koreaetour.com/thepower-of-kpops-lightstick/#:~:text=The%20first%20band%20to%20have,a %20lightstick%20for%20their%20groups.
• Tsui, Larissa. “The ‘light’ (Stick) between K-Pop Idols and Fans.” HIKOCO, HIKOCO, 8 Nov. 2022, hikoco.co.nz/blogs/tmi/k-pop-light-sticks#:~:text=Did%20you%20know %20that%20the,by%20the%20iconic%20G%2DDragon.
• “The Ultimate Guide to Kpop Lightsticks.” Kpop Exchange, www.kpop.exchange/blogs/news/the-ultimate-guide-to-kpop-lightsticks. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.