Journal of Social Studies (JSS)
Vol 18, No 2 (2022): Journal of Social Studies (JSS)

Indonesian K-Pop fans: The relationship between ARMY-BTS identity and their demographic

Yayah Cheriyah (Universitas Nasional Linguistic Faculty)
Amanda Rochima Hadi (STIKES Insan Unggul Surabaya)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Oct 2022

Abstract

This article analysed the fans’ identity among K-Pop fans in Indonesia, especially BTS fans. The study aimed to explore how these fans express their identity as fans both internally and externally despite negative stereotyping of loyal K-Pop fans. Using a quantitative method through online surveys based on the fans-identity scale approach, the research surveyed a total of 243 BTS fans in Indonesia. Results showed that BTS fans had a positive tendency toward overall fan characteristics. None of the characteristics showed a negative score. It indicated that there was a high loyalty among the fans. Almost all six-behaviour dimensions observed correlated with all seven fans-identity characters. “Specific social media accounts followed” showed no correlation with “enjoyment” and “identity” respectively. However, high loyalty and a large number of fan-based did not translate into monetization for official merchandise. Results showed a low number of purchases for official merchandise and global membership package. 

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