Stifled, invisible, and threatened: cultural appropriation in K-pop through the lens of identity-negotiating fans of color.

This article examines how K-pop fans of color navigate and interpret incidents of cultural appropriation within the K-pop industry, focusing on their coping mechanisms and the tensions between their fan identities and cultural identities. Through in-depth interviews with 20 diverse fans of color in the United States, the study reveals that such incidents often cause pain and marginalization, particularly for Native American fans who face underrepresentation and limited support. Fans employ strategies like humor, intellectualization, and distancing from artists, yet frequently encounter severe backlash when critiquing appropriation, contributing to a hostile fandom environment shaped by racial hierarchies. The research highlights the paradox of K-pop's global success amid persistent ethnic nationalism in Korea and calls for sincere engagement by K-pop companies to foster inclusivity and respect for cultural diversity within the fandom.