A Study on the Formation of the Relationship Between the I-dol and the Fandom in Idol Fan Song Lyrics

This study analyzes how idols establish relationships with their fandoms through the lyrics of fan songs that the idols have written themselves. The aim of the research is to explore how idols define their fans and what kind of attitudes they express toward them, by examining the common emotions and linguistic patterns revealed in these fan songs. At the same time, the study seeks to understand the fandom's shared sensibilities toward fan songs by observing their responses to them. The findings show that idols construct an identity not of “my fans” but of a collective “we” that includes both idols and fans. They position their fandom not just as recipients of gratitude but as the very reason for their existence. This suggests that idols are fully aware of the significant influence fandoms have within the idol industry. Consequently, they use fan songs as a means of communication to emphasize solidarity and reciprocate the fans’ affection. Fandoms, in turn, are cultural producers who engage with fan songs by interpreting lyrics, decoding the artists’ messages, and generating contextual meanings. For fans, understanding a fan song symbolizes their position within the idol fandom community. Therefore, fan songs are considered deeply meaningful and closely tied to the fans’ own sense of identity.