The Transnational K-Pop Industry's Influence on Feminist Narratives in China: The Role of Fandom Culture

Zijun Xu

2025

Abstract

Although the relationship between feminist discourse and the K-pop industry has gained increasing attention, the role of transnational popular culture in contributing diffusion of feminist narratives in China remains insufficiently explored. Employing Parasocial Interaction Theory and Agenda-Setting Theory, the research highlights how mediated intimacy with idols fosters feminist engagement among fans. Through large-scale digital platforms such as Weibo, fans' emotional bonds with idols translate into active discussion and diffusion of feminist expressions, which are subsequently amplified by Chinese media outlets. This dual mechanism enables feminist discourse to transcend the boundaries of fan communities and enter public consciousness. Findings reveal that K-pop is not merely an entertainment product but a transnational cultural force that can facilitate ideological shifts. In this context, fan-based interactions serve as a catalyst for transforming celebrity actions into public feminist dialogue. The study thus contributes to the broader understanding of how global pop culture intersects with local social movements in digital China.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Xu Z. (2025). The Transnational K-Pop Industry's Influence on Feminist Narratives in China: The Role of Fandom Culture. In Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Politics, Law, and Social Science - Volume 1: ICPLSS; ISBN 978-989-758-785-6, SciTePress, pages 204-209. DOI: 10.5220/0014359400004859

in Bibtex Style

@conference{icplss25,
author={Zijun Xu},
title={The Transnational K-Pop Industry's Influence on Feminist Narratives in China: The Role of Fandom Culture},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Politics, Law, and Social Science - Volume 1: ICPLSS},
year={2025},
pages={204-209},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0014359400004859},
isbn={978-989-758-785-6},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Politics, Law, and Social Science - Volume 1: ICPLSS
TI - The Transnational K-Pop Industry's Influence on Feminist Narratives in China: The Role of Fandom Culture
SN - 978-989-758-785-6
AU - Xu Z.
PY - 2025
SP - 204
EP - 209
DO - 10.5220/0014359400004859
PB - SciTePress