Lifestyle Of The Korean Pop Army Community In Medan City (Descriptive Study In The Army Medan Community)
Lifestyle of the Korean Pop Army Community in Medan City: Descriptive Study of the Army Medan Community
Introduction
The world of Korean Pop (K-Pop) has taken the globe by storm, with millions of fans worldwide, including Indonesia. Among the many fan communities in Indonesia, the Army Medan community stands out as a unique and fascinating case study. This community, comprised of fans of the South Korean music group BTS, has developed a distinct lifestyle that reflects their identity as an ARMY integrated with Korean culture elements. This descriptive study aims to explore the lifestyle of the Army Medan community, focusing on their adaptation and interaction with their social environment, particularly in relation to consumerism.
Understanding Lifestyle
Lifestyle, in this context, refers to an individual's way of adjusting to social conditions to meet the needs of interacting and relating to others. In the case of the Army Medan community, their lifestyle is characterized by various consumption activities and strong identity expressions, both through fashion, merchandise, and daily behavior that reflects their affiliation with BTS. This lifestyle is a reflection of their identity as an ARMY, which is deeply rooted in Korean culture elements.
Research Methods
This study employed descriptive methods with a qualitative approach to provide a deep and clear picture of the phenomenon under study, namely the lifestyle of the Army Medan community. Data collection techniques were divided into two categories: primary and secondary. Primary data collection involved observations, interviews, and documentation, while secondary data were obtained through literature studies.
Main Findings
The results of the study revealed that the lifestyle of the Army Medan community members was not limited to certain social classes. Members of various social backgrounds, both dominant classes and popular classes, tend to have a similar lifestyle, making it difficult to distinguish the origin of their social classes. Membership in this community is more based on interest and love for K-Pop and BTS than social class factors.
The lifestyle of the Army Medan community also reflects the characteristics of the postmodern era marked by hybridization-the integration of various cultures that occur integratively. Members of this community are trying to integrate Korean culture that they know into daily life, which over time becomes a habit and eventually transforms into their lifestyle.
Consumerism in Army's Lifestyle
One interesting aspect of the lifestyle of the Army Medan community is their relationship with consumption activities. In buying items related to K-Pop and BTS, there is often a shift between needs (need) and desires. This results in erosion of the use value and exchange rate of these items. The items purchased are not only seen from the function of the utility, but also as a symbol of status that indicates the user's identity.
The fusion between needs and desires creates a phenomenon where these items are not just goods, but have a high sign value. This means that the ownership of an item can reflect the social position and identity of a person in the Army community. In this case, K-Pop goods become more than just consumption goods, but a representation of solidarity and recognition in their community.
The Significance of K-Pop Goods
K-Pop goods, such as merchandise, fashion items, and other related products, have become an integral part of the Army Medan community's lifestyle. These goods are not just mere commodities, but have a high sign value that reflects the user's identity and social position within the community. The ownership of these goods is a way for members to express their affiliation with BTS and the K-Pop culture, as well as to demonstrate their solidarity with other members of the community.
The Impact of Consumerism on Identity
The relationship between consumerism and identity is a complex one. On the one hand, consumerism can be seen as a way for individuals to express their identity and social position. On the other hand, it can also lead to the erosion of use value and exchange rate of goods, as well as the creation of new values in the social context. In the case of the Army Medan community, consumerism has become an integral part of their lifestyle, reflecting their identity as an ARMY and their affiliation with Korean culture elements.
Conclusion
The lifestyle of the Army community in Medan is a complex phenomenon, which reflects the interaction between consumption, identity, and culture. With the lifestyle they live, members of this community can show clear differences from other communities, although not bound to certain social classes. This study provides insight into how fan communities can shape a unique lifestyle and at the same time create new values in the social context.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, several recommendations can be made:
- Further research: Further research is needed to explore the lifestyle of other fan communities in Indonesia and how they interact with their social environment.
- Understanding consumerism: Understanding the relationship between consumerism and identity is crucial in developing effective strategies for promoting sustainable consumption practices.
- Promoting cultural exchange: Promoting cultural exchange between Indonesia and South Korea can help to foster greater understanding and appreciation of each other's cultures.
Limitations
This study has several limitations, including:
- Sample size: The sample size of this study was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
- Data collection: The data collection methods used in this study were primarily qualitative, which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon under study.
- Cultural context: The study was conducted in a specific cultural context, which may limit the applicability of the findings to other cultural contexts.
Future Research Directions
Future research directions include:
- Exploring other fan communities: Exploring the lifestyle of other fan communities in Indonesia and how they interact with their social environment.
- Understanding consumerism: Understanding the relationship between consumerism and identity in other cultural contexts.
- Promoting cultural exchange: Promoting cultural exchange between Indonesia and South Korea to foster greater understanding and appreciation of each other's cultures.
Q&A: Lifestyle of the Korean Pop Army Community in Medan City
Introduction
The lifestyle of the Korean Pop Army community in Medan City has been a topic of interest for many researchers and enthusiasts alike. In this Q&A article, we will delve into the world of the Army community and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about their lifestyle.
Q: What is the Korean Pop Army community?
A: The Korean Pop Army community, also known as the Army, is a fan community of the South Korean music group BTS. They are known for their dedication and passion for the group and their music.
Q: What is the lifestyle of the Army community like?
A: The lifestyle of the Army community is characterized by a strong sense of identity and affiliation with BTS and the K-Pop culture. They engage in various consumption activities, such as buying merchandise and fashion items, and participate in daily behavior that reflects their affiliation with the group.
Q: How do Army members express their identity?
A: Army members express their identity through various means, including fashion, merchandise, and daily behavior. They often wear BTS-themed clothing and accessories, and participate in activities that reflect their affiliation with the group.
Q: What is the significance of K-Pop goods in the Army community?
A: K-Pop goods, such as merchandise and fashion items, have a high sign value in the Army community. They are not just mere commodities, but reflect the user's identity and social position within the community.
Q: How does consumerism impact the identity of Army members?
A: Consumerism has a significant impact on the identity of Army members. It allows them to express their affiliation with BTS and the K-Pop culture, and to demonstrate their solidarity with other members of the community.
Q: What are some of the challenges faced by the Army community?
A: Some of the challenges faced by the Army community include the erosion of use value and exchange rate of goods, as well as the creation of new values in the social context. Additionally, the community may face challenges related to social class and economic status.
Q: How can the Army community promote sustainable consumption practices?
A: The Army community can promote sustainable consumption practices by engaging in activities that reduce waste and promote environmental sustainability. They can also support local businesses and artists, and participate in initiatives that promote cultural exchange and understanding.
Q: What are some of the benefits of being part of the Army community?
A: Some of the benefits of being part of the Army community include the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, to express one's identity and affiliation with BTS and the K-Pop culture, and to participate in activities that promote cultural exchange and understanding.
Q: How can non-Army members learn more about the Army community?
A: Non-Army members can learn more about the Army community by attending events and concerts, participating in online forums and social media groups, and engaging with Army members in person.
Q: What is the future of the Army community?
A: The future of the Army community is uncertain, but it is likely to continue to evolve and grow as the K-Pop industry continues to expand and globalize. The community may face challenges related to social class and economic status, but it is also likely to continue to promote cultural exchange and understanding.
Conclusion
The lifestyle of the Korean Pop Army community in Medan City is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that reflects the intersection of consumerism, identity, and culture. By understanding the Army community and their lifestyle, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the power of fan culture and the impact it has on individuals and society.