Digital Media and Fandom Culture (Case Study of K-Pop Community) Tangerang, Indonesia

Digital media is currently very instrumental as a center for disseminating information and can bring something new to the surrounding environment. Digital media has many forms, one form of digital media that is familiar is social media. Social media is used as a place and source of information that can be easily accessed by everyone in the world, including K-pop fandoms. The advancement of digital media technology also supports the existence of K-pop communities, especially the growing number of fandoms. In this article, the author analyzes how digital media has facilitated the growth and active participation of K-pop fans in various activities, such as supporting idol groups, interacting with fellow fans, and consuming K-pop related content. The author also explores how K-pop fandom culture is formed and developed through digital media. The author identifies several factors that influence this phenomenon, including the accessibility and connectivity offered by digital platforms, smart marketing strategies of entertainment agencies, and the active participation of fans in creating and sharing their own content. In addition, the author discusses the impact of K-pop fandom culture in terms of the creative economy, such as sales of albums, concerts, and merchandising products.