K-pop Fandom: Performing Deokhu from the 1990s to Today with Areum Jeong

K-pop Fandom: Performing Deokhu from the 1990s to Today with Areum Jeong

From The Korea Society by The Korea Society

February 13, 2026 · 54 min

About this episode

Areum Jeong discusses the evolution and significance of K-pop fandom practices over the past thirty years.

February 12, 2026 - K-pop fandom's practices and activities are a primary productive force, instrumental in shaping the genre's immense global appeal, as well as its cultural influence, politics, and future potential. Over the last thirty years, the K-pop fandom has grown, intensified, and diversified, while its activities have taken on new social, technological, and economic manifestations, some of which are exclusive to K-pop and others that align with the broader cultural and industrial dynamics of global mass entertainment. In this lecture, Areum Jeong will explore the phenomenon of performing deokhu —a Korean term connoting an "avid fan"—and the cultural significance and meaning of K-pop fan practices with a nuanced examination of contemporary audience power. For more information, please visit the link below: https://www.koreasociety.org/arts-culture/2105-k-pop-fandom-performing-deokhu-with-areum-jeong

People in this episode

Guest: Areum Jeong

Topics covered

  • K-pop fandom
  • cultural influence
  • audience power
  • global appeal
  • fan practices

Keywords

  • K-pop
  • fandom
  • deokhu
  • cultural significance
  • audience power
  • global entertainment

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Korea Society

Books & works: K-pop, deokhu

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