@article{ART003220635},
author={BYEON HAYEON and Yun Youjeong},
title={Aspects of the Relationship Building Between K-pop Idol and Fandom Mediated by Kinship Terms},
journal={Journal of Popular Narrative},
issn={1738-3188},
year={2025},
volume={31},
number={2},
pages={361-398}
TY - JOUR
AU - BYEON HAYEON
AU - Yun Youjeong
TI - Aspects of the Relationship Building Between K-pop Idol and Fandom Mediated by Kinship Terms
JO - Journal of Popular Narrative
PY - 2025
VL - 31
IS - 2
PB - The Association of Popular Narrative
SP - 361
EP - 398
SN - 1738-3188
AB - This study examines the use of kinship terms in K-pop lyrics, focusing on how they construct idol identities and shape fandom engagement. Centering on the terms “oppa” and “noona”, it explores how these expressions mediate gendered relationship dynamics between idols and fans.
Girls’ Generation utilized “oppa” with a sexual nuance, allowing male fans to consume their sexuality through the quasi-familial figure of the “samchon” (uncle). IU actively inherited Girls’ Generation’s strategy by presenting the image of the “Nation’s little sister”. However, she succeeded in going out of that position and establishing herself as a female artist since the late 2010s.
1st and 2nd generation of K-pop male idols like god and Super Junior adopted “oppa” as a self-designation, which was readily accepted by fangirls. In contrast, BTS faced calls to reconsider the gender hierarchy of the “oppa-(fan)girl” dynamic amid the feminism reboot in Korea. On the other hand, SHINee and Teen Top reversed this dynamic by invoking “noona”. SHINee could foster a strong “noona” fandom by offering a desexualized “noona” image unlike Teen Top’s.
Today, direct reference of kinship terms within lyrics has declined with the arrival of nurturing fandoms self-identified as idols’ “mother”, reflecting a shift away from heteronormative relationship frameworks in K-pop scene.
KW - K-pop;Fandom;Idol;Kinship Terms;(Fan)Girl;Oppa;Samchon Fan;Noona Fan
DO -
UR -
ER -
BYEON HAYEON and Yun Youjeong. (2025). Aspects of the Relationship Building Between K-pop Idol and Fandom Mediated by Kinship Terms. Journal of Popular Narrative, 31(2), 361-398.
BYEON HAYEON and Yun Youjeong. 2025, "Aspects of the Relationship Building Between K-pop Idol and Fandom Mediated by Kinship Terms", Journal of Popular Narrative, vol.31, no.2 pp.361-398.
BYEON HAYEON, Yun Youjeong "Aspects of the Relationship Building Between K-pop Idol and Fandom Mediated by Kinship Terms" Journal of Popular Narrative 31.2 pp.361-398 (2025) : 361.
BYEON HAYEON, Yun Youjeong. Aspects of the Relationship Building Between K-pop Idol and Fandom Mediated by Kinship Terms. 2025; 31(2), 361-398.
BYEON HAYEON and Yun Youjeong. "Aspects of the Relationship Building Between K-pop Idol and Fandom Mediated by Kinship Terms" Journal of Popular Narrative 31, no.2 (2025) : 361-398.
BYEON HAYEON; Yun Youjeong. Aspects of the Relationship Building Between K-pop Idol and Fandom Mediated by Kinship Terms. Journal of Popular Narrative, 31(2), 361-398.
BYEON HAYEON; Yun Youjeong. Aspects of the Relationship Building Between K-pop Idol and Fandom Mediated by Kinship Terms. Journal of Popular Narrative. 2025; 31(2) 361-398.
BYEON HAYEON, Yun Youjeong. Aspects of the Relationship Building Between K-pop Idol and Fandom Mediated by Kinship Terms. 2025; 31(2), 361-398.
BYEON HAYEON and Yun Youjeong. "Aspects of the Relationship Building Between K-pop Idol and Fandom Mediated by Kinship Terms" Journal of Popular Narrative 31, no.2 (2025) : 361-398.
