Your Own Mikrokosmos:
Exploring the Identity Development of Adult Filipino K-Pop Fans, its
Implications to Wellbeing and The Formation of Parasocial Relationships and
Reflexive Imagination

Cathleen Jae Cruz

doi:10.46609/IJSSER.2026.v11i03.017

Title: Your Own Mikrokosmos: Exploring the Identity Development of Adult Filipino K-Pop Fans, its Implications to Wellbeing and The Formation of Parasocial Relationships and Reflexive Imagination
Authors: Cathleen Jae Cruz
Journal: International Journal of Social Science and Economic Research (IJSSER) ISSN: 2455-8834 Volume: 11 Issue: 3 Publication Date: March 2026 DOI: 10.46609/IJSSER.2026.v11i03.017
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Cathleen Jae Cruz Miriam College, Quezon City, Philippines
MLA 8 Cruz, Cathleen Jae. "Your Own Mikrokosmos: Exploring the Identity Development of Adult Filipino K-Pop Fans, its Implications to Wellbeing and The Formation of Parasocial Relationships and Reflexive Imagination." Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research, vol. 11, no. 3, Mar. 2026, pp. 1085-1108, doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2026.v11i03.017. Accessed Mar. 2026. APA 6 Cruz, C. (2026, March). Your Own Mikrokosmos: Exploring the Identity Development of Adult Filipino K-Pop Fans, its Implications to Wellbeing and The Formation of Parasocial Relationships and Reflexive Imagination. Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research, 11(3), 1085-1108. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2026.v11i03.017 Chicago Cruz, Cathleen Jae. "Your Own Mikrokosmos: Exploring the Identity Development of Adult Filipino K-Pop Fans, its Implications to Wellbeing and The Formation of Parasocial Relationships and Reflexive Imagination." Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research 11, no. 3 (March 2026), 1085-1108. Accessed March, 2026. https://doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2026.v11i03.017.
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ABSTRACT: This study examines how Filipino adult K-Pop fans make sense of their fandom experiences in relation to identity development, cultural negotiation, wellbeing, and parasocial relationships. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the research captures the lived experiences of adults actively engaged in K-Pop fandom through semi-structured interviews. Three overarching themes emerged: (1) Identity Formation and Cultural Negotiation, (2) Wellbeing and Escapism, and (3) Parasocial Connections and Reflexive Imagination. Participants described fandom as an extension of their established Filipino identity, functioning as both an emotional refuge and a source of motivation. While some expressed aspirational admiration for Korean culture, they maintained reflexive awareness and active boundary-setting. Parasocial bonds with idols were experienced as meaningful yet consciously contained, with playful fantasies reframed as adaptive reflexive imagination rather than pathological delusions. Findings suggest that K-Pop fandom provides a psychosocial space that supports identity integration, emotional regulation, and relational meaning-making in adulthood. The study underscores the role of global popular culture in adult developmental processes, highlighting how fandom can contribute to wellbeing, agency, and social connection.

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