Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

Motivation of K-POP Fans’ High Consumption Behavior

Zixuan ZhangWuhan University of Engineering Science*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

In light of the growing global scope of K-pop, fan-generated, high-consumption is becoming an important culture and economic phenomenon. The qualitative study of this kind which uses non-patenting observation along with the content analysis tries to explore the motivations behind such behavior. The research was carried out in from January through June 2025, it thoroughly investigated many online K-POPK fan communities, looking into consumption talks, group support, and purchasing actions while idol groups returned. There were three drivers that were found to be interrelated; emotional attachments, Community Identity, and Participatory Engagement. From an emotional perspective, fans buy the same albums over and over again, get merchandise, and attend offline events as a way to hold on to those emotional connections with their favorite stars. Socially, consumption norms, collective fundraising, and post - order culture create outside pressure and motivation for groups. practically speaking, fans feel that consumption is a direct path to helping idols succeed in their careers, with more sales, more placement of ads, and boosting the number of views being seen. The three together make a closed loop of “emotionally triggered, community bolstered, practically rewarded”, constantly upgrading consumption The study shows that K-POP fan’s high consumption is not just economic activity but a kind of cultural activity that involves emotions, social and practical actions at once, which provides insight into youth subculture consumption in the digital era.

Keywords: K-POP Fans; Consumption Behavior; Emotional Attachment; Community Identity
Published: January 12, 2026
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2026.HT31258
Volume: CHR Vol.78
pp. 170-177
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