“Yeah, I Know You Always Stay”: Menjelajahi Dunia Virtual ARMY pada Fanbase @bitiesfess Selama Hiatus Grup

Abstrak

Cultural researchers have long been concerned about the development of KPop fan activities. ARMY fandom stands out as a unique research subject
because this community has its style of expressing feelings and admiration for
BTS. Within a virtual community of fans (fanbase), ARMY fandom gathers
and interacts actively. ARMY Indonesia actively builds fan closeness,
exemplified by the @bitiesfess fanbase. Even when the group undergoes
military service (hiatus), ARMY Indonesia actively communicates and
supports BTS. Researchers analyzed fan interactions using a virtual
ethnographic approach. The research results reveal four key areas of fandom
interaction in the @bitiesfess fanbase: 1) The communication area actively
segments into four forms: real-time updates, fan jokes, nostalgia, and
exposure. 2) The fanbase's creativity field actively comprises various fan edits
and memes. 3) The field of knowledge during the hiatus period actively
dominates with activity schedules, member updates, education, advice, and
fun facts. 4) The organization and civil power field actively invite followers to
support movements, e.g., streaming, philanthropy, reporting and blocking,
and advocacy campaigns.