<![CDATA[This study is motivated by the increasing involvement of Generation Z adolescents in K-Pop fan culture, which has fostered fanbase communities through practices such as content consumption, social media activities, and interactions among fans. Thus, fandom is not merely understood as a form of entertainment but also as a space for the formation of social identity. This study aims to describe the meanings and experiences of junior high school students at SMPN 2 Maron in engaging with K-Pop fandom culture, analyze the representation of Generation Z's social identity reflected through fanbase activities, and understand how fandom is represented through communication practices, self-expression, and social interaction dynamics within fan communities. The study employed a qualitative method with a case study approach and was conducted from May to July 2026. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and relevant documentation, while participants were selected using purposive sampling based on specific criteria, namely students of SMPN 2 Maron who were actively involved in K-Pop fandom. The data were analyzed using qualitative analysis techniques through the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and gradual conclusion drawing based on emerging themes. The findings are expected to demonstrate that students' involvement in K-Pop fanbases contributes to the formation of social identity through their perceptions of fan groups, practices of supporting idols, and the development of a sense of attachment and social recognition among members. The findings also highlight representations of Generation Z through self-expression, communication language and activities, and the ways students position themselves within the social dynamics of the school environment and fan communities. ABSTRAK Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh meningkatnya keterlibatan remaja Generasi Z dalam budaya penggemar K-Pop yang membentuk komunitas fanbase melalui praktik seperti konsumsi konten, aktivitas di media sosial, serta interaksi antar sesama penggemar, sehingga fandom tidak hanya dipahami sebagai hiburan tetapi juga sebagai ruang pembentukan identitas sosial. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan pemaknaan dan pengalaman siswa SMP 2 Maron dalam menjalani budaya fandom K-Pop, menganalisis representasi identitas sosial Generasi Z yang tampak melalui aktivitas fanbase, serta memahami bagaimana fandom direpresentasikan melalui praktik komunikasi, ekspresi diri, dan dinamika interaksi sosial di lingkungan penggemar. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kasus. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada bulan Mei–Juli 2026. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui wawancara mendalam, observasi, dan dokumentasi yang relevan, sedangkan partisipan ditentukan melalui purposive sampling sesuai kriteria tertentu, yaitu siswa SMP 2 Maron yang aktif terlibat dalam fandom K-Pop. Data dianalisis menggunakan teknik analisis kualitatif melalui tahap reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan secara bertahap berdasarkan tema-tema yang muncul. Hasil penelitian diharapkan dapat menunjukkan bahwa keterlibatan siswa dalam fanbase K-Pop berperan dalam pembentukan identitas sosial melalui cara pandang terhadap kelompok penggemar, praktik dukungan terhadap idola, serta terbentuknya rasa keterikatan dan pengakuan sosial di antara anggota, sekaligus memperlihatkan bentuk representasi Generasi Z dalam ekspresi diri, bahasa/aktivitas komunikasi, dan cara siswa memposisikan diri di tengah dinamika sosial sekolah dan komunitas penggemar.]]>
