The Participatory Cultural Practices of K-Pop Fanboys on Instagram

This study aims to explore the participatory cultural practices performed by K-Pop fanboys on Instagram. While existing research has predominantly focused on fangirls, there remains a significant lack of studies examining the active participation of fanboys in K-Pop fandoms. Using a qualitative method based on virtual ethnography, data were collected through participatory observation of K-Pop fanboy accounts on Instagram. This research seeks to answer the question: How do K-Pop fanboys engage in participatory cultural practices on Instagram? The findings reveal that K-Pop fanboys engage in various forms of participatory culture, such as sharing photos and videos. The photos shared are not ordinary images but are often digitally manipulated to create the illusion of personal acquaintance or interaction with K-Pop idols, commonly referred to as "delusional photos." In addition to delusional photos, reaction videos to the latest music videos (MVs) of K-Pop idols represent another tangible form of participatory culture by K-Pop fanboys on Instagram. Other expressions include dance and song cover videos, as well as cosplay or mimicking the poses and appearances of their favorite K-Pop idols. Written content such as hashtags and captions is also utilized as a medium for participation. Through these practices, fanboys—with the various forms of content they create and share freely on Instagram—not only showcase their love for K-Pop but also demonstrate their skills and talents as fans. These practices serve as a means for expressing creativity, fostering interactions with fellow fans, and strengthening a sense of community within the K-Pop fandom. These findings affirm that K-Pop fanboys are active participants in participatory culture in the digital era, where they are not merely consumers but also content producers in the realm of social media.