The purpose of this paper is to understand the implications of K-Pop fandom content production in terms of Richard Dawkins' The Extended Phenotype. To this end, this study explored the factors that sustain the production of fandom content through in-d...
The purpose of this paper is to understand the implications of K-Pop fandom content production in terms of Richard Dawkins' The Extended Phenotype. To this end, this study explored the factors that sustain the production of fandom content through in-depth interviews with fandom members. As a result, it is found that fandom 'self-expression', which is the cause of fandom content creation, is driven by individual behavioral strategies in the genetic sense of Richard Dawkins. Fandom superimpose their identity on the production of fandom content and perform extended expression for the survival and continuation of their genes. The significance of this study is that it explores the principles underlying the productivity of K-Pop fandom by understanding it in terms of natural science.