A Study of the Identity and Discourse Power of Nurturing Idol Fans Groups

Abstract

This study explores the formation of internal discourse power of fans, i.e., the process of identity acquisition and power differentiation of fans in the community, through in-depth interviews and online ethnography of fans of Teens in Times (TNT) in related super-groups. The case studies were conducted to explore the external discourse of fan communities, i.e., proximity to idols, ways, and possibilities of influencing corporate or idol decisions, and involvement in business practices. The results show that: (1) class, power, and responsibility are clearly differentiated in fan communities, and fans determine their own status in the community based on their own circumstances; (2) internal and external discourse power of fans is determined by class; (3) companies do not care much about fans' opinions due to the stickiness of nurturing fans; and (4) nurturing idols depend on the commercial value provided by fans in the long-term.