In the fast-paced world of political commentary and late-night television, Kat Timpf is a familiar face. Known for her sharp wit, libertarian views, and regular appearances on Fox News’ Gutfeld!, Timpf has carved out a niche as a relatable, no-nonsense media personality. But beyond the studio lights and heated debates, there’s a side of Kat Timpf that’s surprising fans and sparking conversations across social media: her unabashed love for K-pop sensation Blackpink, her dedication to mastering their electrifying dance moves, and her whirlwind journey to attend their concerts around the globe. This is the story of how a news commentator became a K-pop superfan, blending her professional life with a passion that’s taken her from New York to Seoul and beyond.
Discovering Blackpink: A Spark Ignites
Kat Timpf’s journey into the world of K-pop began in 2018, a time when Blackpink was making waves globally with their explosive hit “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du.” The South Korean quartet—Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa—had just released their Square Up EP, and their bold mix of hip-hop, EDM, and pop, paired with fierce choreography, was impossible to ignore. For Timpf, who often described herself as someone who enjoyed eclectic music tastes, Blackpink’s high-energy performances were a revelation. She stumbled upon their music video for “Boombayah” on YouTube, drawn in by the vibrant visuals and infectious beats. What started as casual curiosity quickly turned into a full-blown obsession.
Timpf, then in her early 30s, wasn’t the typical demographic for K-pop fandom, which often skews younger. But Blackpink’s universal appeal—empowering lyrics, stunning visuals, and a “girl crush” aesthetic—resonated with her. She found herself binge-watching their music videos, live performances, and variety show appearances, captivated by their charisma and talent. “I didn’t expect to fall this hard,” she later admitted on a podcast, laughing about how her Spotify Wrapped was dominated by Blackpink tracks. Her favorite? “How You Like That,” a song she described as her go-to anthem for powering through long workdays.
From Fan to Dancer: Mastering K-Pop Choreography
What sets Timpf apart from the average Blackpink fan is her commitment to not just listening but living the K-pop experience. Inspired by the group’s intricate choreography, she decided to take on a new challenge: learning K-pop dance. In 2019, Timpf enrolled in a K-pop dance class at a studio in New York City, a move that surprised her friends and colleagues. “Kat, you’re going to what?” her Gutfeld! co-hosts teased when she mentioned her new hobby during a break. But Timpf was undeterred. She saw the dance classes as a fun way to stay active, relieve stress, and connect with her newfound passion.
K-pop choreography is notoriously demanding, requiring precision, stamina, and flair. Blackpink’s routines, like the iconic chair dance in “How You Like That” or the sharp formations in “Kill This Love,” are no exception. Timpf started with beginner classes, struggling to keep up with the fast-paced footwork and synchronized arm movements. But her determination shone through. She practiced at home, setting up a mirror in her apartment to perfect her moves, and even shared snippets of her progress on Instagram, where fans cheered her on. “I’m no Lisa, but I’m trying!” she captioned a video of herself attempting the “Pink Venom” dance break.
Over time, Timpf’s skills improved dramatically. She attended workshops with professional K-pop choreographers, some of whom had worked with Blackpink’s team, and joined a local dance crew that performed covers at K-pop fan events. Her favorite routine to perform was “Pretty Savage,” a song that she felt embodied her own bold personality. By 2023, she was confident enough to participate in a K-pop dance showcase in Brooklyn, earning applause for her energetic performance. For Timpf, dancing wasn’t just about mimicking Blackpink’s moves—it was about embracing their message of confidence and self-expression.
Chasing Concerts: A Global Adventure
Timpf’s love for Blackpink didn’t stop at dancing. As a dedicated “Blink” (the official name for Blackpink fans), she made it her mission to see the group live. Blackpink’s concerts are legendary for their high production value, with elaborate stage designs, pyrotechnics, and fan interactions that leave audiences buzzing. Timpf’s first Blackpink concert was during their In Your Area World Tour in 2019, when they performed at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. She vividly remembers the electric atmosphere, with thousands of fans waving lightsticks and singing along to every word. “It was like nothing I’d ever experienced,” she recalled. “The energy was contagious.”
That concert sparked a new obsession: chasing Blackpink’s world tours. When the group announced their Born Pink World Tour in 2022, Timpf was determined to attend as many shows as her schedule allowed. She secured tickets for their Los Angeles show at Dodger Stadium in August 2023, a historic moment as Blackpink became one of the first K-pop girl groups to perform at the iconic venue. Dressed in a custom Blackpink hoodie and holding a lightstick, Timpf danced and screamed through hits like “Shut Down” and “Typa Girl,” blending in with the sea of fans.
But Timpf’s dedication went international. In July 2023, she traveled to Seoul, South Korea, for the final shows of the Born Pink World Tour at Gocheok Sky Dome. The trip was a dream come true, combining her love for Blackpink with an opportunity to explore K-pop’s homeland. She visited Hongdae, a vibrant neighborhood known for its street performances, and even stopped by YG Entertainment’s headquarters, hoping for a glimpse of her idols. The Seoul concerts were a highlight of her journey, with Blackpink delivering a setlist that included solo performances like Jisoo’s “Flower” and Lisa’s “Money.” Timpf described the experience as “surreal,” a moment where her fandom felt deeply personal.
Balancing Fame and Fandom
For Timpf, being a Blackpink superfan isn’t without its challenges. As a public figure, she’s used to scrutiny, but her K-pop obsession has raised eyebrows among some of her conservative-leaning audience. “I get comments like, ‘Why is a Fox News person into K-pop?’” she said in an interview. “But I don’t care. Life’s too short to pretend you don’t love what you love.” Her openness about her fandom has endeared her to a younger, more diverse audience, with many praising her for breaking stereotypes about what a political commentator “should” be.
Timpf has also used her platform to share her passion. On Gutfeld!, she’s snuck in Blackpink references, joking about wanting to join the group as a fifth member. In 2023, she appeared on a Fox News segment where she attempted a K-pop dance routine live on air, a lighthearted moment that went viral online. The clip, which showed her tackling the “How You Like That” choreography with surprising skill, sparked a wave of support from Blinks who dubbed her an “honorary K-pop idol.”
Looking Ahead: A Fan for Life
As Blackpink gears up for their 2025 Deadline World Tour, with stops in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and London, Timpf is already planning her next concert adventure. The tour, announced in February 2025, promises to be their most ambitious yet, with stadium performances across North America, Europe, and Asia. Timpf has her eye on the London show at Wembley Stadium, hoping to combine it with a European vacation. She’s also excited about rumors of new music from the group, eagerly awaiting their next comeback.
Beyond attending concerts, Timpf continues to hone her dance skills. She’s enrolled in advanced K-pop dance classes and is working on choreographing her own routine inspired by Blackpink’s style. She’s even toyed with the idea of starting a YouTube channel to document her K-pop journey, a project that could connect her with fans worldwide. For now, she’s content to keep dancing, traveling, and cheering for Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa from the front row.
Kat Timpf’s transformation from a news commentator to a Blackpink superfan is a testament to the power of music to transcend borders and bring people together. Her story is one of passion, perseverance, and unapologetic joy—a reminder that it’s never too late to chase a new dream or fall in love with something unexpected. As she continues to balance her career with her K-pop adventures, one thing is clear: Kat Timpf is a Blink for life, and her journey is just getting started.