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Idolizing Consumption: An Exploration of the K-pop Albums’ Relevance in a Digital Age

Oliver, Wibecka LU (2020) KOVM12 20201
Division of Art History and Visual Studies
Abstract
This thesis looks into the rise of the K-pop album, examining how physical CDs retain relevance in a digital age. Concepts of collectability, authenticity and the gaze are explored in relation to these unique products. The relationship between consumer and K-pop ‘idol’ is understood through a semiotic breakdown of visual narratives within the product, in conjunction with the reimagined structure of the albums as a whole. Developments in merchandising have created a physical product that offers something entirely different from its practical usage; rather than buying just a physical CD, fans are purchasing a chance to connect with the idols on what is perceived to be a more personal level. K-pop albums are unique in that they are similarly... (More)
This thesis looks into the rise of the K-pop album, examining how physical CDs retain relevance in a digital age. Concepts of collectability, authenticity and the gaze are explored in relation to these unique products. The relationship between consumer and K-pop ‘idol’ is understood through a semiotic breakdown of visual narratives within the product, in conjunction with the reimagined structure of the albums as a whole. Developments in merchandising have created a physical product that offers something entirely different from its practical usage; rather than buying just a physical CD, fans are purchasing a chance to connect with the idols on what is perceived to be a more personal level. K-pop albums are unique in that they are similarly structured across the entire genre. The formatting of K-pop albums could be an indication of the future of the CD album across other genres. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Oliver, Wibecka LU
supervisor
organization
course
KOVM12 20201
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
K-pop, Album, CDs, collectability, merchandising, artist, consumer, semiotics, authenticity
language
English
id
9015386
date added to LUP
2020-09-14 08:21:50
date last changed
2020-09-14 08:21:50
@misc{9015386,
  abstract     = {{This thesis looks into the rise of the K-pop album, examining how physical CDs retain relevance in a digital age. Concepts of collectability, authenticity and the gaze are explored in relation to these unique products. The relationship between consumer and K-pop ‘idol’ is understood through a semiotic breakdown of visual narratives within the product, in conjunction with the reimagined structure of the albums as a whole. Developments in merchandising have created a physical product that offers something entirely different from its practical usage; rather than buying just a physical CD, fans are purchasing a chance to connect with the idols on what is perceived to be a more personal level. K-pop albums are unique in that they are similarly structured across the entire genre. The formatting of K-pop albums could be an indication of the future of the CD album across other genres.}},
  author       = {{Oliver, Wibecka}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Idolizing Consumption: An Exploration of the K-pop Albums’ Relevance in a Digital Age}},
  year         = {{2020}},
}