Information work in the Korean cultural industry. Case study: B.T.S. Band

Abstract

This paper analyzes the web South Korean platform Weverse and the live video streaming service of South Korean artists, VLive, as influencers in organizing and mobilizing free work conducted by fans of the band K-Pop BTS, generating profits for the company and for the band members. The work seeks to contribute to studies that identify culture, in contemporary capitalism, as a work process subordinated to the capitalist logic of accumulation based on informational income (Dantas), the constant search for capital to reduce its rotation times (Harvey), the role of culture as an engine of social change and the commodification of aesthetic or artistic products, while restricting diversity and pluralism, can increase social participation and empowerment (Sierra Caballero and Sola-Morales) and political character of engagement (Bastos). As a methodology, bibliographic research, social networks, and specific channels for fan participation were used. Due to the theme of gender equality, defense of LGTBQ+ rights, and mental health (Kim), it found a wide market in the West.