The Rise of Youtubers' Parasocial Relations

It is generally perceived that K-pop stars are seen as role models who fans look up to and desire to imitate as they form parasocial relationships with them (Elfving-Hwang 2018: 190). However, with the introduction of content creators on Youtube using their relationship as fans of K-pop idols to create videos, we see a rise of a new level of spectatorship and parasocial relationships. In this new level we see that these content creators are now viewed in a similar way as their own idols, highlighting the very aspects of parasocial relations between K-pop idols and their fans. While the aspects of Youtuber to viewer relationship may not seem as strong as those of K-pop idol to fan, there are still clear similarities present.

One content creator’s channel which has earned a following for its reaction videos to K-pop music videos is “JREKML.” The content creator behind the channel has created a certain “image” for himself where his character is infamous for reacting to K-pop music videos in a playful and comedic manner. His viewers expect to see that character whenever they watch his videos. This stems from the way fans view their favorite idols. Joanna Elfving-Hwang states, artists have certain roles and “being an idol requires the artist never to drop out of character” (2018: 194). With the importance fans place on their favorite idol’s image, it is important that they retain that character to continue to please fans. This carries over in the way K-pop inspired content creators on Youtube must maintain a persona to satisfy their viewers.

In order to form stronger bonds with fans, personal interactions are vital. Oh Youjeong states, “through their...intimacy-building skills, idols forge affective relations with their fans”(2018: 101). The personal relationship between fans and idols is what makes fans believe they are connected to their favorite idols which exemplifies the idea of parasocial relations. This idea has carried over in the relation of Youtubers and their viewers. “JREKML” regularly interacts with fans through Youtube comments and has held meet-and-greets with fans in order to solidify a Youtuber to fan bond. With these meet-and-greets, fans form bonds not only with the Youtuber, but with other fans as well.

K-pop idols also solidify parasocial relations with their fans by appearing to be relatable by emphasizing their “personalities...that the audience can readily empathise with” (Shin 2015: 138). This draws more fans in forms a relationship with them. This certainly holds true for K-pop content creators as well. “JREKML”’s focus as a K-pop channel created by an “average” person forms a sense of relatability, which draws more viewers in, thus creating a parasocial relationship with the content creator himself. 

While K-pop idols are clearly seen as role models with whom fans form parasocial relationships, it must be noted that K-pop inspired youtubers are also beginning to become a new form of a role model. The parasocial relationship they had with their favorite idol mirrors itself in their parasocial relationships with their viewers.