2026/01/02 by Christian Go, Leif Andrew Garinto · 1 voice
Arts and Humanities · Social Sciences · #Asian Culture and Media Studies #Music History and Culture #Socioeconomic Development in Asia
paper · pdf · doi:10.1017/sas.2025.10041
openalex created_date 2026/01/02 · openalex publication_date 2026/01/02 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/07
Abstract In this article, we investigate the semiotic practices of Filipino K-pop fans (KpopStans) who supported the 2022 presidential bid of former Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo. Through digital ethnography, we analyze the ways in which fans entextualized and resemiotized signifiers of K-pop (e.g., lyrics, imagery, fancams) to create hybrid political messages that translated familiar fandom aesthetics into forms of electoral participation. We argue these practices constitute “civic stanning”—enactments of fan-based citizenship that leverage the cultural resonance of K-pop to build solidarities around Robredo, exercise political agency, promote values of conviviality and progress, and navigate the restrictive political climate of the Philippines. The study highlights the role of popular culture in mediating transnational flows and shaping emergent modes of political activism.