The Work of K-Pop Idols on Fan Platforms: a Labour Process Analysis

Description

Musicians – and especially pop stars – are not typically the first example that comes to mind when we speak of ‘platform labour’. However, in this talk we will examine the case of Kpop idols and the ‘relational labour’ they conduct through fan platforms. We employ labour process theory (LTP) to analyze the interface, algorithms, and messaging system of the fan platform ‘Bubble’. By employing key conceptual tools from LPT, such as control, deskilling/reskilling, and monopoly capital, we will attempt to shed light on the power dynamics involved in this specific case, and the extent to which broader lessons can be learned about labour under platform capitalism.

Period	22-Apr-2024
Event type	Seminar
Conference number	8
Location	Groningen, NetherlandsShow on map
Degree of Recognition	Local