#201: K-popular
South Korean girl group Blackpink recently made history by becoming the first Asian act to headline Coachella, performing in front of over 125,000 people (and millions more tuning in via live stream). This isn’t the first “Korean Wave” (or Hallyu) to reach foreign shores; before Blackpink and BTS there was PSY with “Gangnam Style” and groups like BIGBANG and SHINee, to name just a few. Now we’re on to a 4th generation of idols taking over social media with dance challenges and catchy tunes.
K-pop is a fascinating universe with some of the most dedicated (and at times overbearing) fans in the world. Like all things, it comes with the good and the bad. Behind the uplifting messages, the discipline, and the talent also lies a high-pressure industry, one which has sparked debates about artist exploitation and the price people are willing to pay for fame. This week's prompts are inspired by K-pop, its fans, and the dizzying highs and lows of megastardom.
🥇 Winner
“The Bequest ” by Chris Miller
🏆 Winner of Contest #202
⭐️ Shortlisted
“Neptune's Lair” by Mike Panasitti
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #202
“There, Now I Can Breathe” by Hazel Ide
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #202
“The Chevelle” by C. Charles
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #202
“The Price of Devotion” by Olivia Lake
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #202
“Garbage at Communication” by Mortimer Ridgewood
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #202
“Graduation, Dreams, and Ospreys” by Lee Disco
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #202
This week's prompts
Write a story from the point of view of a “sasaeng” (an obsessive fan).
Character – 34 stories
Stories
“The Bequest ” by Chris Miller
🏆 Winner of Contest #202
“Neptune's Lair” by Mike Panasitti
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #202
“Fans” by Michał Przywara
Submitted to Contest #202
“Where Do We Go Now?” by Michelle Oliver
Submitted to Contest #202
“The Baby Shark Killer” by Chris Campbell
Submitted to Contest #202
“Maximum Pump” by Daniel R. Hayes
Submitted to Contest #202
“Arthas Needs a Hand” by Graham Kinross
Submitted to Contest #202
“How the Whale Freed his Throat” by Rebecca Miles
Submitted to Contest #202
“There, Now I Can Breathe” by Hazel Ide
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #202
“BS&T” by Mary Bendickson
Submitted to Contest #202
“The Dawn Stadium” by Anne Shillingsburg
Submitted to Contest #202
“Let's Get Lost” by Howard Halsall
Submitted to Contest #202
“The Swatter” by Tommy Goround
Submitted to Contest #202
“I Wrote This Song for You” by Story Time
Submitted to Contest #202
“The Fallen” by KG Green
Submitted to Contest #202
$250
Prize money
170
Contest entries
95
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Jun 09, 2023 EST
Won by Chris Miller 🏆
Title: The Bequest
Submissions must be between 1,000 - 3,000 words and will be approved and published on Reedsy Prompts within 7 days of the contest closing.
Read the full terms & conditions or check out the FAQ if you have any questions!