Communication for Lisa BLACKPINK Fan Club Identity Negotiation on Social Media Platform

Abstract

        This research aims to study the communication of Korean Fan Club identity negotiation on social media platforms using the qualitative research method. The content analysis and in-depth interview with a total of 10 key informants from Lisa BLACKPINK’s fans and chain-referral sampling with a set of 2 parted questionnaires was used to collect data.

        The results showed that the hashtags on the Twitter website play an important role in the fandom's identity to communicate their identity both within their group and outside of their group. Although Lisa BLACKPINK’s fans were using social media to negotiate in six fields: (1) must play a role in promoting (2) must play a role in protecting (3) must have a role in cheering indirectly (4) must allocate their time. (5) must respect individuals' rights and (6) must feel uncomfortable if Lisa gets scolded. The group of establishing and emerging Lisa BLACKPINK’s fans also shares the same identity as outsiders since they have already experienced from their previous fandom.

        The study also shows that the social issues are their most negotiated and fought among Lisa BLACKPINK’s fans and outsiders however, Lisa BLACKPINK’s fans can handle the economic and business issues. The fans contradict outsiders despite being blamed for being extravagant spenders by stating that they were a supporter of their beloved artist. Besides, the prejudice from outsiders and society’s disapproval was perceived by the fans. As a result, the fans must replace their new identity with a new one such as being an educated fan or a hardworking person to prove themselves and gain society’s approval and dignity.