SNSD Korean

SNSD Korean was founded in early 2008 by Boss Lady (Cindy). It is also known as SK Entertainment. The About statement relates a bit of the sites history:  “Like many websites, this blog had a slow start for the first few months, with all content being posted by Boss Lady alone. With additional staff eventually being hired, SNSD Korean started to write its own articles and has since grown to become home to thousands of fans worldwide.” The site has received almost 49 million visitors.

In addition posting updates and pictures, SNSD Korean also features commentary on SNSD and related material. Such commentary include video reviews, such as “I GOT A BOY” The Analysis.”  This post goes beyond the visuals of the video to weigh the implications of the music, the significance of the lyrics and the choreography:  “Although IGAB does NOT classify as progressive music, it can surely be attributed to having elements of it. the time signatures change and overlays of vocals are repeated during different parts. . . . I’m a man who like his music, but I advocate that lyrics aren’t the most important thing. IGAB breaks that for me, the lyrics and the choreography go hand in hand to tell a story.”

By publishing such original material, the site goes beyond the reposting of information and updates and sheds light on how these fans view the group. The site also licenses its original content under a Creative Commons license, while encouraging visitors to correct errors:  “See incorrect information, a lack of crediting, or hotlinked images in a post? Please let us know in the comments or contact us directly and we will fix the issue promptly! We believe in honest posts with appropriate recognition to the hard work of other S♥NEs.”

SNSD culture is explained through the Soshictionary:  “This dictionary is essential for understanding the terms in the Soshi World.  This is a place where the word “mushroom” is no longer merely a type of fungus, or where the word “genie” is not the magical spirit who grants wishes of its beholder? All these words have different meanings in the SoShi world.” Several fandoms will develop terms and phrases unique to the fandom, and the Soshictionary is fairly comprehensive with entries that range from terms used generally in K-pop like maknae, to terms specific to the Soshi fandom, including nicknames for group members, alternative names for the group, and terms specific to the fandom.

Parts of the site are directed towards a more mature audience.  While the Soshicast, the podcast for the site, covers multiple topics and is geared towards a general audience, the Shoot Out is a spin-off described as a “a no holds barred, uncut, and uncensored discussion about only ONE topic” (“Soshicast #20 – The PRE-ALBUM Release”).  The podcast also moves away from the standard of respect other modes of fan engagement acknowledge:  “BIG BIG BIG DISCLAIMER: SM Bashing, other fandom bashing, politics, and a lot a lot a lot a lot of cussing” (“#24 The Bollocks Anniversary Podcast”).

Digital Tour (Best viewed in 720p at Full Screen)