Modern civil participation of Russian youth: the case of k-pop social movement

In Saint Petersburg and in many different Russian cities there are multiple fan organizations and unions that promote popularity of their favorite Korean singers. This research was based on the existing fan community in Saint Petersburg - Cultural centre K-R Community (Korea-Russia Community). The goal of this community is to popularize South Korea’s culture and to develop international relations through BTS (a K-pop group). To gain a comprehensive understanding of this community, in-depth interviews and ethnographic methods were employed. The interviews were conducted with a structured topic guide to delve into the mindset of participants within the community and explore their experiences navigating their passion for BTS and Korean culture. The topic guide included inquiries about K-pop, Korea and Korean culture, BTS and its fandom, K-R community initiatives, and personal fan encounters. These interviews provided detailed insights into the individual perspectives and experiences of community members. These interviews provided valuable insights into the thoughts and experiences of community members. Additionally, observations were made during community events, meetings, and online interactions to understand the motivations and relationships among members. Ethnographic observations were carried out between December and May, providing a deeper understanding of the K-R Community's dynamics. The data collected from interviews and observations were then analyzed through coding and thematic analysis to uncover key insights from the study. Theoretical discussions lead central questions: Why are youth drawn to South Korean soft power? How does being part of the BTS fandom affect individual civic participation? Why do fans of BTS actively engage in civic life? The central research question addressed in this study is: How does BTS as a component of South Korean Soft power shape civic engagement of Russian youth? Aims of this study is to research civic participation of youth involved in fan organization, K-R community and to learn how did BTS influenced it. The research question this work aims to answer is - How does k-pop as an element of South Korean Soft power shape civil participation of Russian Youth? The participants express how BTS's songs and messages have helped them navigate through personal struggles such as depression, loneliness, and moving to new cities. The group's music is seen as a beacon of light during dark times, providing solace and motivation for fans to persevere their candid discussions and incorporation of these themes into their music have resonated deeply with fans, encouraging them to confront their own mental health challenges and find strength in their shared experiences with the group. The civic engagement of BTS fans is attributing it to the group's influence in promoting values such as helping others, self-love, and social responsibility. Fans are seen as following BTS's example by engaging in charitable activities and seeking to make a positive impact on their communities. In summary, the text provides a rich portrayal of how BTS has profoundly impacted the lives of young people in Russia, serving as a source of comfort, inspiration, and motivation while also fostering a sense of community and social responsibility among its fanbase.