Indonesian Fan Girls’ Perception towards Soft Masculinity as Represented By K-pop Male Idols

Abstract

This article aimed to examine how fan girls perceive this new form of masculinity represented by K-pop male idols (termed as soft masculinity). This research used a mixed method in collecting the data from a questionnaire distributed via e-mail and Line to twenty fan girls from various fandoms in April 2016. The result shows that the respondents are aware that in the entertainment business, gender identity can be modified and presented as a part of marketing strategy. In addition, they only see the soft masculinity delivered by K-pop male idols as a form of performance.

Beautiful and Masculine: Male Make‐Up YouTubers and Heteronormativity in South Korea

“…Interest in the emergence of new masculinity in East Asian mass culture has continuously increased (Taga; Jung; Song and Hird). Research has undertaken explorations of the masculinity of East Asian men, especially new beauty standards set by Korean boy bands, also known as K‐pop idols, which have attracted researchers on the topic of male beauty and masculinity (Ayuningtyas; Sari and Wulan). Indeed, current trends show that an increasing number of East Asian men are spending longer grooming themselves.…”

Maskulinitas dan Perempuan: Resepsi Perempuan terhadap Soft Masculinity dalam Variety Show

“…Kpop terbentuk dari kumpulan penggemar (fandom) besar di Indonesia. Hal ini mendapat pengaruh besar dari gaya hidup penggemar (fashion dan makeup) serta terlebih lagi dengan keinginan dan pilihan penggemar untuk meneruskan jenjang pendidikan di Korea yang menjadikannya makin populer di Indonesia (Ayuningtyas, 2017).…”

“…K-pop, menunjukkan sebuah tatanan baru atas maskulinitas yaitu soft maculinity. Soft masculinity secara umum dijelaskan sebagai perawakan feminin dari para idol lelaki K-pop (Ayuningtyas, 2017). Dalam definisi soft masculinity, ketika laki-laki menggunakan make up dan terlihat cantik bukan berarti mereka tidak maskulin (Ayuningtyas, 2017).…”

An Analysis of Women’s Behaviours Stereotypes in ITZY Title Tracks: K-Pop Girl Group Song

“…There are many previous studies that analyze the issue of gender roles, such as Nam, Lee, and Hwang (2011), Lin & Rudolf (2017), Ayuningtyas (2017), Abrahamsson (Abrahamsson, 2018), and Andanawari and Nafisah (2020). Nam, Lee, and Hwang (2011) use Goffman's (1979) typology theory to analyze gender role stereotypes in Korean fashion magazines targeting adolescent girls.…”

“…Results indicate that the industry that is actively promoted by the Korean government includes elements that might reinforce a sexist culture and traditional gender roles both within Korea and around the globe, further obstructing women's pursuit of equal opportunities. Ayuningtyas (2017) examines how fangirls perceive this new form of masculinity represented by K-Pop male idols (Soft masculinity). This research used a mixed-method in collecting the data from a questionnaire distributed via e-mail and Line to twenty fan girls from various fandoms in April 2016.…”