K-pop lightsticks: The ultimate fan beacon

What are K-pop lightsticks and why are fans so enamoured by them?

Image: NCTsmtown on Twitter/X.

The lightstick phenomenon can cause confusion for non-fans as this trend hasn’t yet seeped into the western music circle. Essentially, these branded torches represent specific groups within K-pop and usually have their own name. Fans will bring them to concerts and other events to show their support to their favourite idols. Oftentimes, these fan symbols are expensive and yet fans will save up copious amounts of money to be able to collect them.

Where did they come from?

Lightsticks haven’t always been the symbol of fandoms within K-pop. During the first-generation of K-pop, fans would show their love for their idols by bringing balloons in their fandom colours to concerts. It wasn’t until 2006 that iconic second-generation group BIG BANG released their own official lightstick; crediting them as the first group to do so. Creating a lightstick that was designed by member G-Dragon made the item even more special to fans. The design is legendary and it’s a sure thing that any seasoned K-pop fan would be able to link it to the group. Other companies quickly caught on to the popularity of the lightstick and decided to make their own.

Where can they be used?

For the most part, a lightstick is designed to be used at its respective artist’s concerts. Companies have even gone as far as to release apps allowing fans to link their lightstick to their specific seat at a show via bluetooth, creating impressive light shows during the event. The iconic purple lights of the BTS ‘ARMY Bomb’ at concerts have even been dubbed ‘the purple wave’, and it’s pretty impressive.

Image: Song Stitt/Best of Korea.

In some circles, particularly those involving hard-core fans, it can be looked down upon to bring another artist’s lightstick to someone else’s concert. However, with the majority of lightsticks retailing for a minimum of £50 fans tend to find the opportunity to show-off their lightstick at any and all types of events. Some fans will also decorate their lightsticks with accessories detailed to their specific bias, sharing images to their followers on social media encouraging others to do the same. By personalising them, the lightsticks signify to others your favourite group, and even favourite member.

What do they look like?

Lightsticks tend to be personalised to the specific artist that they represent, making them all the more special.

Each version of SEVENTEEN’s lightstick features a diamond in reference to one of their earliest singles, “Shining Diamond”. The diamond has now become synonymous with SEVENTEEN, further highlighting the marketing genius of lightsticks. The detachable top means fans can easily customise their lightstick; CARATs sometimes use the lightstick to create their own snow globe using their bias’s photocards and other cute items. Of course, in true CARAT fashion, many take the opportunity to fill them with joke items like concert snacks and their pocket money.

Another standout design is BLACKPINK’s iconic ‘hammer’ lightstick. This black and pink design is instantly recognisable, and aside from a lightsticks usual features this one doubles as a squeaky toy; similar to the red plastic hammers often used in variety show games by K-pop idols.

Image: BLACKPINK Official Twitter/X. 

Many groups also incorporate their official colours into the design. SHINee’s lightstick is a glowing orb of aqua pearl, meaning fans create a beautiful ocean when grouped together, and the new TWICE CANDYBONG INFINITY includes a feature where fans can switch between each member’s individual representative colour.

Following the increasing popularity and saturation of the market, groups are now trying to diversify the look of their lightsticks. ITZY gained attention for their adorable ‘light ring’ that looks exactly how it sounds. Rather than having to find a bag big enough to carry a lightstick to a concert, ITZY fans MIDZY can throw this light ring over their arm like a handbag instead. Other groups have followed in their footsteps, with ZEROBASEONE creating a light ring with a similar design. The rose in the middle of their light ring adds a sentimental nod to their fanbase, ZEROSE.

Despite costing a significant amount, lightsticks are a fun way to get more involved in your particular fandom and to add to a sense of community within K-pop. In the future, we may even see artists around the globe influenced by this phenomenon and creating their very own lightsticks for fans to bring to concerts. If this becomes the case, the world will have K-pop fans to thank for the added fun at these shows.

Edited by Chelsea Cheetham.