K-Wave Content as a Source of Comfort During Coronavirus Widespread in Indonesia

Abstract

Depressive symptoms in people during the outbreak of Covid-19 have been reported across the globe. In the period where people are forced to withdraw from the crowd and isolate themselves, coping with mental health is indeed very challenging. Previous studies showed how fandom or the state of being a fan of someone or something could create healthy support systems and a feeling of belonging. Focusing on Indonesia's case, this paper aims to understand better why people consume K-wave content during the pandemic and whether consuming it could bring comfort in coronavirus's widespread. The first survey was carried out online in August 2020 and collected 254 responses through random sampling. Meanwhile, the second survey was conducted in early January 2021 and retrieved 100 answers. This study's findings provide pieces of evidence on the rise in consumption of K-wave content in Indonesia during the pandemic. K-wave content can be considered as a form of entertainment that saves people in the face of a pandemic. From the questionnaire results, respondents verified that K-wave content consumption is an option to fill their free time, keep a social and emotional connection, and overcome several mental health syndromes they experience during the COVID-19 crisis.