중장년 여성의 진지한 여가로서의 팬덤참여가 지니는 내재적 의미와 역할

Abstract

From the perspective of serious leisure, this study investigates the intrinsic meaning and role of middle-aged women's trot fandom participation. An empirical phenomenological study based on in-depth interviews with 14 members of Young-Woong Lim's fandom, 'Hero Generation,' was conducted to better understand the new cultural phenomenon. According to the findings of the phenomenological research methods and thematic analysis, study participants gained multiple positive experiences based on the six characteristics of serious leisure experienced through fandom participation: perseverance, significant personal effort, leisure career, durable benefit, unique ethos, and identification. As a serious leisure activity, fandom participation provided a sense of pride and empowered middle-aged women to speak out in society. Participants also had someone to whom they could express their passion and love, and they happily reclaimed their identity as mothers. Finally, the trot fandom has played an important role as an alternative social community among middle-aged women, allowing them to fully understand and share their affection for stars while also providing a strong sense of belonging. Through the lens of leisure, this study provides a timely understanding of the emerging fandom culture. It also justifies the importance of the trot fandom in the travel and pop culture industries.