K-pop and the Politics of Appeal: Understanding the Emotional and Aural Experiences of Fans in and Around Kolkata

Abstract

This chapter is a critical reflection on the emotional and aural experiences of the K-pop audience in and around Kolkata (Calcutta). Using in-depth interviews, the study briefly addresses the presence of the K-pop fandom on social media forums to show how ‘virtual’ spaces are transformed into ‘affective spaces’. It tries to unravel the politics behind K-pop’s success and appeal in the region, juxtaposed against the historical trajectory that weaves the evolution of Kolkata’s listening culture with simultaneous transformations in the musical taste of its young listeners. Through a primary focus on the emotional-aural experiences of the K-fans and the contradictions in the narratives of its non-fan listeners, it explores the dynamics underpinning K-pop’s unique appeal for the youth and decodes the ways in which it influences the identities and subjectivities of its fans. While existing research on popular listening cultures highlight the increasing potential of new age sound production/reproduction techniques in evoking the intimate and emotional sentiments among the listeners, this study aims to offer a slightly different trope by exploring the interactive dimensions of emotions and listening, and emotions through listening to gain an insight into the myriad ways in which K-pop gains a niche in the region.