Loyalty in K-Pop Fandom: A Bibliometric Analysis

This topic addresses how the culture of K-Pop fandoms has been studied, focusing on loyalty within K-pop fandoms. This research aims to provide a solid knowledge foundation through a systematic and bibliometric review of literature on loyalty in K-pop fandoms, identifying opportunities for theoretical and empirical advancement. To achieve this, a rigorous and predefined methodological process based on the PRISMA methodology was followed, using four stages for the review: identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion. The criteria for selecting articles were relevance to the subject of study and the publication period since 2017. A total of 51 documents from 150 articles in the Scopus database were analyzed, with results identifying advancements in research by various authors. The study concludes that unilateral loyalty in K-pop, driven by identity and morality, strengthens fans' commitment to their idols without expecting reciprocity, creating a strong community with an "us vs. them" mentality. This phenomenon is comparable to cohesion in other fandoms and sporting events, highlighting how digital interaction and symbols of belonging enhance emotional bonds and a shared sense of identity.