The Meaning Of K-Pop And Self-Concept Transformation Of K-Pop Fans In Bandung

Abstract

This research is motivated by the phenomenon of Korean culture fans, especially fans of Korean Pop music (K-pop) in Bandung. Their unusual behaviors, such as hysterical screaming over their idols, mimicking the dances, angry if their idols are insulted, and putting K-pop as their top priority are very interesting elements for the researchers to explore more about K-pop fans, particularly in Bandung. Focus of this research is the definition/ meaning of K-pop and the transformation of self-concept of K-pop fans in Bandung. This research uses a qualitative approach. Schutz's phenomenological analysis are used to examine the phenomenon of K-pop fans in terms of their experiences. The subject of this research is the informant who has fulfilled two (2) criteria, namely a fan of K-pop and a member of Korean culture lover community. Based on the results of observations and interviews, there are three self-concept transformations of informants, namely (1) byeonhwa namnyosongeui (변화남녀성의), i.e. transformation of the masculine self-concept into feminine, (2) byeonhwa dad-eun yeollin (변화성의열린), i.e. transformation of the introvert self-concept into extrovert, and (3) byeonhwa uigyeon bad-eun (변화의견받은) which can be interpreted as transformation of the closed-minded self-concept into open-minded that appreciate other people’s opinions.