Understanding Idol Fandom Culture in China

Fandom has been a popular topic in China with the rise of the Idol economy. While many of the studies around fandom talk about its influence, not many studies have been done around fandom itself. This thesis uses the ethnography method to focus on fandom and fan acts. The thesis discusses the fan identity and the stigma associated with this identity. It also talks about the hierarchy within fandom and how this hierarchy works. In the end, it presents the idea of aspiration and the reasons why fans are obsessed with their idols. This work shows the nature of the fandom and provides a closer perspective on fans’ lives.