Advertising Together for Our K-Pop Idol: The Roles of Trust, Loyalty, and Perceived Value in K-Pop Crowdfunding for Outdoor Advertising

In the evolving landscape of fandom economics, fan-driven crowdfunding has emerged as a powerful force, transforming audiences from passive consumers into active participants in celebrity branding. This study examines the roles of trust, loyalty, and perceived value in shaping crowdfunding participation within Chinese Weibo K-pop communities, where fans collectively finance large-scale public advertisements for their idols. Using structural equation modeling (SEM) on survey data from 260 participants, our findings reveal that trust and loyalty within fan communities significantly enhance engagement in crowdfunding activities, reinforcing perceived idol value and financial commitment to promotional campaigns. These insights position fan crowdfunding as a key driver of digital-era consumer culture, illustrating its impact on idol branding, online community dynamics, and the monetization of fandom engagement. By bridging fandom studies, digital marketing, and behavioral economics, this research provides theoretical advancements and practical strategies for entertainment agencies and celebrity managers seeking to harness the economic power of fan-driven marketing. As fandoms continue to reshape traditional advertising models, understanding the mechanisms behind community-based crowdfunding offers new avenues for brand engagement, audience monetization, and sustainable fan participation in the global entertainment industry.