Profixa: International Journal of Economic and Business Research
Vol. 1 No. 3 (2026): : July: Profixa: International Journal of Economic and Business Research

Spending Experiences among K-Pop Fans in Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study of Financial Prioritisation, Budget Reallocation, Coping, and Emotional Investment

Kurnia Khafidhatur Rafiah (Universitas Padjadjaran)
Irsyad Kamal (Universitas Padjadjaran)
Chiara Zivka Manayra (Universitas Padjadjaran)



Article Info

Publish Date
23 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study examines spending experiences among K-Pop fans in Indonesia by distinguishing financial prioritisation, budget reallocation, coping-oriented spending, and emotional investment, while exploring their associations with selected respondent characteristics. An exploratory cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 164 K-Pop fans who had prior experience using a paid K-Pop artist-frame self-photo booth service. Four five-point Likert items were analysed separately, supported by descriptive statistics and Spearman rank-order correlations, with 16 primary correlations adjusted using the Holm procedure. Agreement was lowest for financial prioritisation during financial difficulty (8.5%) and higher for budget reallocation (32.9%), coping-oriented spending (60.4%), and emotional investment (50.0%). The perceived role of idols in consumption decisions was positively associated with financial prioritisation (ρ=.278), coping-oriented spending (ρ=.278), and emotional investment (ρ=.344), while monthly K-Pop spending was associated with financial prioritisation (ρ=.233) and emotional investment (ρ=.298). Income or allowance and fandom duration showed no significant associations after adjustment. The four spending experiences were positively interrelated, with correlations ranging from ρ=.397 to ρ=.577, yet remained conceptually distinct. These findings suggest that fandom-related expenditure should be understood through differentiated financial and affective dimensions rather than as a uniform form of excessive consumption. The study provides an empirical basis for examining how emotional meanings and financial practices intersect within contemporary K-Pop consumer culture.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

profixa

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Subject

Description

Profixa: International Journal of Economic and Business Research is a peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to advancing knowledge in the fields of economics, business, and management. The journal provides an international platform for researchers, academics, practitioners, and policymakers to ...