Sisterhood, Social Capital, and Multicultural Solidarity in Transnational Fandom: The Case of Airen

This article examines how sisterhood and social capital play a role in the transnational and multicultural fandom of Lee Seung Gi, a Korean celebrity, known as Airen.Using Putnam's concept of social capital, this study explores the experience of six female fans from several countries to represent multicultural and transnational fandom.This study focused on three interrelated dynamics: trust and reciprocity within the fandom network, sisterhood and emotional labor, and social capital beyond entertainment.This study found that female fans build supportive relationships through various resources, carry out collaborative projects, and affective care that transcends geographical, cultural, and linguistic boundaries.This fandom practice demonstrates that Airen is a multicultural community where women negotiate differences, share values, and build transnational identities.The findings of this study are expected to contribute to references on gender, affect, and community in global popular culture, while also demonstrating multicultural interactions that can realize fandom as a space for women's empowerment.Furthermore, this study is also expected to enrich critical studies on fandom studies, which have been dominated by boy band idol fandoms, by focusing on a transnational, ballad-based community.