Abstract

This study examines the distinctive characteristics of fan activities associated with an older population in their fifties, sixties, and seventies, the admirers of the South Korean YouTube star, Beodeuri (BDR). Through observation of the YouTube Videos of BDR’s performance and the posts in her online fan café, this study has found that compared to younger fans who idolize their stars, dedicating time, money, and energy to fan activity, elderly fans tend to be stingier with money, only tipping their star in cash. Their fan community does not have ties as strong as those of younger fans, who are familiar with digital technology and the online world. However, elderly fans produce pleasure and a sense of freedom through their collective fan activity, which transgresses social expectations that older age groups must conduct themselves in a decent, gentle, and respectable manner. They also improve their self-esteem by identifying with their star, BDR, who has lived her life to the fullest. This case study of older populations’ fandom articulates a different type of fandom from that of younger fandoms while also enriching the discussion of how Korea is ageing.