2025/06/24 by Khairunnisa Ibrahim · 1 voice
Social Sciences · #Asian Culture and Media Studies #Hong Kong and Taiwan Politics #Socioeconomic Development in Asia
paper · doi:10.1080/19392397.2025.2521925
openalex publication_date 2025/06/24 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/14
K-pop fandom has gained a reputation for social activism, notably in response to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis and Black Lives Matter movement. This paper draws on media scholar Henry Jenkins’ work to reframe fan-based political and charitable activities as civic engagement, which aims to improve social conditions and strengthen community ties. This paper also uses the writing of Ashley Hinck on fandom, particularly her concept of fan-based citizenship and citizenship performances, to examine the contexts and meanings around the activities of a Filipino online BTS fan community called Borahae from Manila. The paper argues that contextual factors shaped the group’s identity and activities, from its inception to its fundraising and other charitable activities. This article also offers an alternative perspective of humanitarian action among fandom groups; rather than being embedded within fandom, humanitarian action and civic engagement by fandom groups can be understood as contextual, arising from unique circumstances and conditions that foster a sense of citizenship and civic responsibility.