아이돌의 기호학: 일상 속의 신화들—서사구조와 스토리텔링을 중심으로

Abstract

This paper aims to capture the mythicality revealed in the narrative structure and the storytelling of idols. When identifying myth as Semiosis, the modality of contemporary idols exclusively possessing a very powerful force within culture discourse can be examined from a semiotic perspective. Idols’ narrative shows the drama of growth and competition, from contract to approval, forming a narrative trajectory where they constantly strive to win the value object, namely, popularity and success. Idols, while exposing such narratives through their music careers, proceed their storytelling by integrating and traversing media. Each media is connected through indexical, iconic, and symbolic relations, granting transcendence to Idols, and act as a medium to spread and reproduce the dramas. Through this, Idols ultimately form ‘fandom’, which is in a state identical to themselves. The ‘fandom’ appears to conduct a ‘ritualistic act’ outside of their daily life while also being part of routine order. Eventually, Idols provoke a ritualistic act to make them experience life in symbolic ways. Such a process makes Idols influential beings with a force that can transform the whole society. Therefore, Idols, as social symbols, can be seen as active actants who create stronger discourse than anyone else.