“We never knew we needed BTS until we got them”
A qualitative analysis of the feeling of belonging among K-pop fans
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 24217421 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Chiara Urone (0000-0003-3405-9089), Ginevra Passiglia (0009-0000-5756-8332), Denise Michela Spanò, Paola Miano (0000-0002-1969-8731) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Publication date | 2026-09-30 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Subjectivity (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1755-6341 • E-ISSN: 1755-635X |
| Publisher | Springer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1057/s41286-026-00257-1 |
| OpenAlex | W7214914526 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 53 |
The success of K-pop is driven by strategic involvement on some social platforms that amplify parasocial relationships, fostering intimacy between fans and the group. These interactions increased media consumption, creating a cycle of constant engagement. This study examines the relationship between BTS and their fanbase, ARMY, by analyzing comments on BTS’s music videos. This study employs Thematic Analysis (Braun and Clarke 2006) and Qualitative Content Analysis (Krippendorff 2018) to explore how ARMY members engage with BTS’s lyrics and how this interaction influences emotional well-being and the production of subjectivity. The findings highlight that BTS’s music serves as a source of comfort for fans facing anxiety, depression, and societal pressures. Fans use online spaces to share personal struggles, offer mutual support, and validate emotions, reinforcing a collective sense of belonging. This study underscores the significant role of digital fan communities in providing emotional support and shaping personal and collective identities.
anxiety and depression · army · BTS · Collective identity · Emotional support · Emotional well-being · K-pop fandom · online fan communities · parasocial relationships · social media engagement · Asian Culture and Media Studies · Gender, Feminism, and Media · Music History and Culture
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| Highly cited | No |
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