What is a K-pop fancall? A plain guide for international fans
A fancall is a short video call between one fan and an idol, held as an album release event. It is the online version of a fansign: instead of meeting in person, you see and talk to the idol on your phone.
How long is a fancall?
Short. Most calls last about one to three minutes. In the events on our schedule, call lengths of 60, 90 and 180 seconds all appear. The event notice always says how long each call is.
Types of fancall
- 1:1 fancall. You and one idol. This is the most common type.
- Group or unit call. You and several members at once, for example a 2:1 or 4:1 call. Each member gets less time, but you see more of the group.
- Video fansign. A call where the idol also signs an album for you during or after the call. Some events mail the signed album afterwards.
Our schedule labels a call “1:1 Fancall” only when the event notice says 1:1. Everything else is listed as “Fancall”.
How fans take part
The basic steps are the same for almost every event:
- The event is announced. It names the album, the call date and the registration window.
- You register by buying the album during the registration window. In most events each album you buy counts as one entry.
- Registration closes at the deadline. After that, nothing you do counts for this event.
- Winners are announced, usually a few days later.
- The call happens on the event date, through a video call app named in the notice.
The registration window is the part people miss. It is often only three to seven days long, and it is set in Korea Standard Time. Our time zone guide shows how to convert it.
Why fancalls are hard to follow from abroad
- Most notices are written in Korean or Chinese.
- Many events open and close within the same week.
- Deadlines are in KST, which is 13 to 17 hours ahead of the US.
- The same group often runs several rounds at the same time, each with its own deadline.
That is why we built the biaslog schedule: one English list of the events that are still open, sorted by deadline, with every deadline shown in your own time.
Is a spot ever certain?
No. Winners are picked by the event organiser. Read how winners are chosen before you decide anything, and be careful with anyone who tells you a spot is certain.