Abstract

The K-Pop fandom exploded in worldwide popularity in 2012 and has remained in the public consciousness ever since. Operating in the digital sphere, the K-Pop fandom brings together people from all over the world, creating an entirely new community and culture with distinct behaviors, beliefs, and rituals. One such fandom is the STAY community, forming around the K-Pop band Stray Kids. Through examining STAY rituals and language, we are also able to examine our perception of the divides between secular and religious; as well as between digital and physical. This Independent Study argues that there is no functional difference between digital communities and physical communities by identifying ritual, community relationships, and shared behaviors and beliefs.

Advisor

Frese, Pamela

Second Advisor

Rapport, Jeremy

Department

Religious Studies; Sociology and Anthropology

Keywords

K-Pop, Pop-Culture, Ritual

Publication Date

2026

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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