When it comes to identifying features of K-Pop groups, the lightstick comes to mind. The lightstick serves not only as a cheering device, but helps fans identify each other literally, in the case of lightsticks like TXT‘s.
TXT’s Yeonjun holding TXT lightsticks. | HYBE
TXT’s lightstick have this thing called DISCOVER MOA where you light up each other’s lightstick when you’re close to each other??!?!?!
BRO WE NEED THIS FOR ABV4!!! pic.twitter.com/meseZM0Ylo
— Kaii⁷ (@kaiisp23) January 21, 2020
Groups normally get their lightstick design announced sometime after their debut, and it is a huge occasion. It can also be seen as a marker of success, as not all groups will have lightsticks.
Lightsticks are often debated, especially when a group updates theirs to look different, like when SEVENTEEN did earlier this year.
“It’s A Downgrade.” — Fans Have Mixed Feelings About SEVENTEEN’s New Lightstick Design
A new group have recently gained attention for their lightstick’s gorgeous design.
After LOONA’s groundbreaking legal win left all twelve members free of their company, Blockberry Creative, many signed somewhere else to continue their careers.
LOONA | SBS
This includes members of ARTMS, a pre-debut group made up of Kim Lip, JinSoul, Choerry, HaSeul, and Heejin. Originally described as a “strategy project,” the group are set to debut officially in early 2024, following the return of LOONA subunit ODD EYE CIRCLE, Heejin’s solo, and two single releases.
ARTMS | Modhaus
On December 27, many were left surprised when the group’s X account shared a notice for the sales of the official ARTMS lightstick.
ARTMS
OFFICIAL LIGHT STICK
2023.12.27(Wed) 18:00 KST
https://t.co/w3z4g4BqHS#ARTMS #OURII#HeeJin #HaSeul #KimLip #JinSoul #Choerry pic.twitter.com/ukZdP3DcQs
— Official ARTMS (@official_artms) December 27, 2023
The lightstick is a bow and arrow, a reference to the weapon the Greek goddess Artemis carried and who they are named after. The lightstick’s guide shows that it will be Bluetooth-controlled through an app and features light settings for each member.
| Modhaus | Modhaus
Technically, ARTMS are the first group to release a lightstick before their debut and have impressed many with its stunning design!
omg this is so cute I’m so excited to see creative lightsticks in kpop again finally https://t.co/7m8a8u7UUT
— 마이 럽 내 사랑 (@goyangiprince) December 27, 2023
first lightstick i might consider buying https://t.co/XKNB3oAMn5
— kait (@jjuniangel) December 27, 2023
gon be my first kpop light stick and ive been a stan since like 2020 https://t.co/AWXszNACSd
— dini (@dinithewrld) December 27, 2023
The lightstick is different than many of the others released this year!