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| Mori Kasumi Living the Ultimate Fangirl Dream — Minus the Clout, All Heart |
She may be turning heads on-screen with her sultry performance in the latest late-night drama, but off-screen, Mori Kasumi’s stealing hearts for a completely different reason — her surprisingly down-to-earth K-pop fangirl life.
The 29-year-old actress, who’s currently making waves in the TBS drama “Toshishita Cherry Boy-kun ni Honrō Saretemasu” with some rather bold scenes (cheeky lines and all), is now trending for something a little more wholesome — her quiet, loyal, and clout-free support for the Korean boy group FANTASY BOYS. And yes, she’s apparently been a fan since debut.
According to reports first dropped by Bunshun on 21 May, Kasumi is a long-time oshi of Lee Han Bin, one of the group's standout members. What’s blown everyone away though isn’t just the fact that she supports him — it’s how she does it.
No celeb perks. No backstage passes. No VIP seats. Nope, Mori’s been spotted turning up to fan events in Korea just like any other regular supporter, queuing like the rest of us mere mortals and blending into the crowd with low-key fashion and unassuming vibes. Proper “in the trenches” behaviour.
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And it’s not just a one-off thing either. With her younger sister studying abroad in Korea, Kasumi’s reportedly hopping over there once or twice a month — partly for family, but also for the chance to attend concerts and fanmeetings, all without flaunting her celeb status. Netizens reckon she’s the textbook example of a “real” fan — and they’re loving her for it.
“She could’ve just dropped a name on a variety show and scored backstage access by next week,” one post on X (formerly Twitter) read. “But the fact she never even mentioned them publicly makes her so real.”
Another added, “She’s not out here doing oshi clout games. She’s just doing her best as a fan and keeping it quiet. Respect.”
Kasumi’s connection to Korea actually runs deeper than just FANTASY BOYS. Back in 2023, she started learning Korean after falling for TWICE — as many of us do — and was seen regularly attending Korean language classes in Tokyo. One entertainment journo even spotted her heading straight from a TV Tokyo recording to a lesson, followed by a solo karaoke sesh (relatable queen).
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Though she’s kept tight-lipped about her favourite male idols in public, insiders now reckon that silence wasn’t due to disinterest — but because she was doing the “true otaku” thing and keeping it sacred. Fans have dubbed it the “otaku no ryūgi” (the fangirl’s code): don’t flex, don’t name-drop, don’t make it about you.
That quiet dedication is now earning her more than just respect. Some reckon this could be a turning point in her public image — especially among female fans, a demo she’s struggled to connect with in the past.
“She’s always had strong appeal with male fans, but this might be the moment she really wins over the girls,” one pop culture columnist commented. “Being a fan without entitlement is a powerful look.”
Mori’s now being hailed as the “strongest woman” on Japanese SNS — not for her fame, but for sticking to her values as a fan. And honestly? We’d love to see her in a role where she plays a chaotic idol stan next. Feels like it’d be bang on.
For now, though, Mori Kasumi’s living the oshi life properly — armed with language lessons, concert tickets bought the regular way, and absolutely no need for backstage bragging. Just love, effort, and a bit of that sweet, sweet K-pop serotonin.
Someone get this woman her own fan cam already.