Finding love in the most unexpected way

I was born in a small Asian country where respecting elders was very important. My parents were the pillars of my life. I wanted love, but it was hard to find because of our culture. I was enveloped in an environment where the authority of my elders was unquestionable, where their words were law.

As I grew up, I felt distant from the idea of love. It was like a dream I couldn't catch because I had to follow our customs, which sometimes felt like I had to do things I didn't want to.

When I left home for university, it was a big change. I had to make new friends and navigate dating, all while feeling like an outsider looking for a place to belong.

But then, I found my love. Which is something unexpected – K-Pop music. It wasn't romantic love, but it felt like home.In the luminous world of K-Pop, I found myself. It was a universe where emotions transcended boundaries, and where I could cry and laugh with artists who felt like long-lost friends.

The music and the artists made me feel connected and understood, especially a group called BTS. Soon I started to laugh and cry with them. I started rooting for them and grew overprotective of them, and it felt like they were doing the same thing for me too. Their music was not merely entertainment; it was a profound expression of emotions, struggles, and aspirations that mirrored my own. Their stories of perseverance, resilience, and self-discovery became my stories, too. The comforting words of their songs were the last thing I heard before drifting into slumber, and their inspiring journey from obscurity to global stardom became a guiding light in my life.

One member of BTS, RM, became my role model. I respected and admired him a lot, even though he was far away. His words comforted me more than anything. To this day he is one of my biggest role models ever.

I realized my story wasn't unique. Many people like me found comfort and belonging through K-Pop stars, even though the stars might not know it. They became like friends to us and helped us through tough times.

Amidst the chaos and challenges of university life, K-Pop music was my constant source of comfort. It stayed with me as everything else changed and reminded me of emotions that connected me to people beyond my culture. It also connected me to a worldwide community of K-Pop fans who, like me, found solace in the music and the personalities of their favorite artists.

Looking back on this journey, an important lesson stands out, one that goes beyond culture and borders. It's a lesson for parents about the powerful impact of being emotionally available and supportive for their children. In a world where screens and virtual idols offer comfort, a parent's love should always be irreplaceable.

The emotional bonds we build in childhood stay with us throughout our lives. If these bonds are neglected, it can lead to feeling emotionally distant and searching for connection elsewhere. This reminds us that genuine love isn't a luxury but a basic need. It's something that shapes a child's emotional well-being and strength as they navigate life's complexities.

In the end, this story isn't just about K-Pop or cultural norms; it's a testament to the universal need for love, connection, and emotional support. It's a call to parents everywhere to embrace their role as emotional anchors in their children's lives. They should provide the love and understanding that will guide them through life's challenges. In a world full of screens and virtual idols, a parent's love should always be an unmatched source of comfort and strength.