Summary of the Core Content
This news article describes the on-site support scene for the last public performance before the debut of the fourth generation of TF family trainees (referred to by fans as the “Fifth Public Performance”). Tens of thousands of fans organized several weeks in advance to support their idols, engaging in intense activities such as exchanging seats, fighting for access to railings, and secretly bringing in light boards, sometimes even leading to physical confrontations. While the ordinary fans intended to enjoy the performance quietly, they were drawn into this “support war” due to the invisible rules of the fan community, resulting in a level of exhaustion that surpassed that of a regular workday. Behind this seemingly crazy behavior lies the belief that the size of the “light sea” (the number of light boards displayed) reflects the popularity of the idol, which in turn determines whether the idol will debut and receive the necessary resources. Therefore, every light board and every seat represents the hard-earned support they offer to their idol.
Detailed Analysis
1. Why do fans treat this performance as a “life-and-death battle”? – The last major test of popularity before debut
For the fourth generation of TF trainees, the “Fifth Public Performance” is their final public appearance before their debut. Fans see this as a crucial opportunity to prove to the company that their idols deserve to debut. How do they prove their case? By the size of the light sea! It is widely believed within the fan community that the more light boards, the brighter the colors, and the better the placement, the higher the idol’s popularity. Higher popularity will lead to more resources from the company (such as more camera time and stage opportunities), and may even determine whether the idol will debut. Hence, fans believe that “as long as the light sea is large enough, the company won’t overlook our idol!”
2. How did support turn into a “military operation”? – A well-organized fan effort with detailed divisions
Do you think fans just casually hold up light boards? Wrong! Their organization is akin to that of a professional team:
- Pre-planning of attack areas: Before the tickets go on sale, they map out the venue to identify the seats closest to the idols and suitable for displaying large light boards, marking these as their “territory”.
- Clearly defined roles within the team: There are groups responsible for exchanging tickets (to move seats from other fans into the attack areas), staying overnight to secure entry, holding the railings for light board placement, and secretly bringing in the light boards.
- Identity verification: To join the core teams, fans must prove they are genuine supporters—long-term donors, not fans of competing idols, and regular participants in support activities.
For example, during the “Fifth Public Performance,” the 11 consecutive seats in Area 25 on the second floor were considered a “gold location.” The Lumu fan group tried to exchange them for seats in their own attack area but failed to gather enough members, so they were taken by the Chen Junming fan group—a clear example of organized territory exchange.
3. The invisible KPIs that ordinary fans can’t avoid – Being drawn into the battle despite not wanting to
Many ordinary fans went with the intention of simply watching the performance, but they were forced to participate:
- Soft pressure: Influential fans urge others on social media to bring light boards, suggesting that a smaller light sea would be incomplete. Although no one directly criticizes those who don’t participate, not bringing a light board makes them feel like they are holding back the effort.
- On-site involvement: Once in the stands, fans are surrounded by messages about seat exchanges and railing battles, constantly worrying about their light boards being blocked or their territory being taken.
- Emotional exhaustion: Fans who intended to relax and enjoy the performance find themselves constantly on edge, dividing their attention between the stage and the surrounding activities, leaving them as tired as if they had been working.
4. Why are there so many on-site conflicts? – The clash between official and fan rules
While the venue prohibits large light boards, the belief that the light sea reflects popularity is deeply ingrained in fan culture, leading to conflicts:
- Unwritten rules for railing access: Fans assume that whoever tapes the railings first gets the right to use them, but often people ignore these rules, leading to pushing and pulling.
- Security challenges: During the “Fifth Public Performance” in Qingdao, a volunteer was injured by a sharp object, and security could only advise both parties to back down, addressing the issue superficially.
- The root of the conflict: The real competition is for resources; fans are fighting for their idols’ visibility. In this zero-sum game, if one group gains more, another loses, making conflicts inevitable.
Final Thoughts
This support battle may seem like fans showing their love, but it reflects the intense competition within the fan community. Ordinary fans get caught up in the action, while core fans are overwhelmed, and some even get injured. For the idols, the light sea may represent warm support, but for many fans, the battle has overshadowed the joy of following their idols. Perhaps the purpose of being a fan should not be about competing for territory but about enjoying the time spent with their idols.