Exploring participatory fan culture of Korean pop fans in Singapore

This exploratory study of Korean pop (K-pop) fans in Singapore examines the participatory fan culture of the local K-pop fandom vis-à-vis the K-pop fandom in South Korea. It specifically seeks to understand the motivations and meanings behind the fan support organised through fan projects along with the growing trend of fan activism among K-pop fans in Singapore. Through this, I explored how their identity as fans are constructed and negotiated. Data is mainly collected from participant observations and in-depth interviews. I draw from Alberto Melucci’s identity theory and argue that the K-pop fans in Singapore establish a collective identity that shapes their behaviour as fans. Ultimately, I conceive of the K-pop fandom as an imagined community that bond over their common interest in K-pop idols and highlight the significant role of social media in creating a shared culture for fans across borders.Bachelor of Art