Throughout the pandemic, just like many others, I had a lot of free time to explore the Internet. Whilst on another deep YouTube rabbit hole, I stumbled upon my now favorite K-Pop group, ONEUS. K-Pop was a new and refreshing sound to me compared to the Western style I was used to. The song that initially got me into them was their title track, “TO BE OR NOT TO BE.” The stunts that they would execute in the choreography mesmerized me and the chorus kept me coming back for more. From there, I went down their discography and fell in love with their various other songs. Some of my favorites today are “Level Up,” “FULL MOON,” “Dizzy,” and “LIT.” I was already big into music way before I got into K-Pop though. I remember staying up late at night staring at my ceiling as it was being lit up by the Galaxy projector I kept in the corner of my room. Besides the fact that I loved how their music sounded, it was something that I used as comfort. I struggled heavily with my mental health due to all the isolation that the pandemic had brought along, and music was my means of escape. Being able to learn the choreographies of their songs, listening to their music, and watching variety shows they would attend, all worked as a distraction for when I was at my lowest. After the first huge wave of COVID-19 subsided, people were let back into schools, and I was a socially awkward and anxious mess. Through my love for K-Pop, I was able to relate to other classmates and have something to spearhead my conversations. ONEUS not only provided me with a safe space to go to when I was struggling but also helped me create friendships that I still hold dear to me today. Looking past my individual experiences, K-Pop has impacted global culture immensely as it has been on the rise. Take me for example, the only reason I found out about K-Pop was due to its globalization. Through music, people worldwide can connect with other fans who share the same interests as them. Artists like BTS, BLACKPINK, TWICE, and many more aided in the gradual introduction of Korean music to Western audiences. Specifically, with ONEUS’s catchy songs, they have been able to accumulate an international fan base over the years, and they continue to show support from all around the globe. Like many other K-Pop groups, they have been the reason for some netizens wanting to travel to Korea or learn the Korean language to connect with their favorite idols. Overall, my favorite K-Pop group, ONEUS, not only offered me a haven during challenging times but also paved the way for me to forge enduring friendships that remain cherished to this day. Furthermore, ONEUS was able to blossom a large international fan base and allowed fans all around the globe to feel connected. Alongside this, ONEUS and many other K-Pop groups sparked a desire among netizens to journey to Korea and/or learn the Korean language, all to establish a closer bond with their beloved idols. ONEUS and K-Pop have shaped me into the person I am today, and I am glad my stupid YouTube addiction ended me up in the place it did.