Digital K-pop platforms in a cosmopolitan world

​​K-pop fandoms often form decentralized yet highly efficient communities, with distinct names, member roles and organizational cultures. For international K-pop fans, these fandoms are typically grassroots communities that operate across social networks, apps and media platforms at a local, regional or global level. In recent years, platforms designed specifically for global K-pop fans have proliferated, including Weverse, V and UNIVERSE. These services facilitate the monetization of fandom by selling digital goods and subscriptions, and by offering rewards for fan engagement. This chapter explores how the experiences offered by digital fan platforms correlate with academic definitions of fandom as a mode of identity formation and creative practice. In particular, it questions whether these digital and virtual experiences reflect the cosmopolitan values and perspectives held by global K-pop fans.​