#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.
This week's prompts
Write a story from the point of view of a “sasaeng” (an obsessive fan).
Character
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34 stories
Stories
“The Fallen” by KG Green
Submitted to Contest #201
“Falling Like Rain, Burning Like Fire” by Delbert Griffith
Submitted to Contest #201
“The Chevelle” by C. Charles
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #201
“THOSE CRAZY K-KIDS” by Susan Catucci
Submitted to Contest #201
“Graduation, Dreams, and Ospreys” by Lee Disco
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #201
“Idol” by Nicholas Thomas
Submitted to Contest #201
“The Price of Devotion” by Olivia Lake
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #201
“THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC” by Viga Boland
Submitted to Contest #201
“The "O" in OSLA” by Jelena Chiu
Submitted to Contest #201
“Broken Clocks” by Daniel Fore
Submitted to Contest #201
“Garbage at Communication” by Mortimer Ridgewood
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #201
“ Dear Dohyun ” by Summer Hayes
Submitted to Contest #201
“A Night Spent with the Living” by Evelyn Griffith
Submitted to Contest #201
“The Taking Tree” by Nicholas Thomas
Submitted to Contest #201
“What Families Do” by John K Adams
Submitted to Contest #201
$250
Prize money
170
Contest entries
94
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!