Idol Limerence: The Art of Loving BTS as Phenomena
by Wallea Eaglehawk
by Wallea Eaglehawk
by Wallea Eaglehawk
Idol Limerence: The Art of Loving BTS as Phenomena
by Wallea Eaglehawk
Non-fiction / Social Sciences / Literary
Written by emerging avant-garde theorist and cultural critic, Wallea Eaglehawk, this cross-genre book explores the phenomenal relationship between K-pop group BTS and their fandom, ARMY. Eaglehawk delves deep into the socially constructed, intimate relationships between South Korean idols and their fans to contextualise her transformative, revolutionary theory of idol limerence.
Eaglehawk builds on Dorothy Tennov’s psychological concept of limerence, an all-consuming love and emotional attachment to another person. With the introduction and theorising of the self-reflexive, socially constructed idol persona, Eaglehawk brings limerence into the 21st century and places it in the realms of social studies for the first time. Within the theory of idol limerence lies the answers for how relationships with idols are formed and maintained, and also the transformational and revolutionary capacity of fandoms around the world.
Teamed with her groundbreaking research and theorising is the fictitious narrative of Echo, a young millennial woman who finds herself falling in love with BTS from across the vastness of the internet. This book seamlessly weaves social theory and a love story which spans this universe, and the next. Idol Limerence is bridging the gap between scholarly and general audiences with a book of introspection, healing and universal experiences. This book provides a study of the microcosm of humankind with the relationship between Echo and BTS leader, RM, who guides her through exploring the inner workings of her psyche to the beat of a BTS song.
Praise for Idol Limerence
“Wonderfully written, evocative and meaningful. I didn’t know what to expect, but at the end of the first chapter, my heart beat just a little faster.” —Naazneen.
“Combines different styles (academic, fiction, memoir) in a way that makes it very readable and special. She develops the idea of "idol limerence" to explain the process of how/why fans fall in a type of love with BTS, how this shapes both ARMY and BTS, and the potential transformative power of this relationship. It's a unique, thought-provoking book, and also a fun read.” — Donna.
“This book had me hooked from beginning to end. I was curious how relatable it would be, not personally being a fan of BTS. But I was surprised to find it struck a lot of chords. It had me thinking even when I wasn't reading. Emotional connection, social concepts, love and revolution; written about in an incredibly provoking way. Eaglehawk lightens the heavy conceptual content by intertwining a fictional narrative to illustrate her points.” — Sionell.
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