K-pop, short for Korean pop music, is a global phenomenon known for its polished boy and girl groups made up of singers known as "idols," catchy tunes, striking visuals and intricate choreography. Fans, who are often deeply devoted to specific groups Take BTS' "ARMY," for example , participate in K-pop's strong subculture by buying albums and merchandise, collecting and decorating photocards of their favorite idols, and organizing events.
Lee first launched Mins Studios as an online sticker shop during the pandemic, amassing thousands of followers on Instagram. Now, she and Lin hope to offer a "one-stop shop" for all things K-pop at their physical store, from albums and merchandise to stationery and Korean beauty products. They bonded quickly over their love for the genre. While K-pop groups don't normally tour in Iowa though here's a rare exception , Lee says she's met and made friends with many other fans in the state.
Stepping into Mins Studios is like entering a cotton candy dream. Modeled after similar stores in Japan and South Korea, the space is painted a soft shade of pink, with sticker-dotted posters of K-pop idols plastering the walls.
Beyond selling merchandise, the couple hopes Mins Studios will become a hub for fans through future events, while also sparking more local interest in K-pop that they hope catches on. Search Query Show Search. News from WVIK. Music On Demand. Ways to Listen. Community Calendar. Listen at Show Search Search Query. Play Live Radio. Next Up:. All Streams. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email. Josie Fischels. K-pop stationery is an important part of the K-pop subculture. Fans buy accessories and supplies like stickers, binders and photocard sleeves to decorate and display their collectibles.
A photobook display offers inspiration for store visitors. Store visitors are encouraged to create their own keychains, which can be placed around a lightstick , which is an accessory used at concerts. Mins Studios offers a photobooth, where customers can dress up and take pictures during their visit. Fischels is a University of Iowa graduate. See stories by Josie Fischels.
