The rise of kpop has brought Korean culture and its idols to new fans around the world. As Western fans adopt kpop into their hearts at a rapid pace, some say there’s a sinister side to adoring an idol — fetishization. So what does fetishization really mean? Are Western fans engaging with kpop in healthy or toxic ways? 

We’re joined by cultural anthropologist Dr. Thomas Baudinette to take a closer look and understand how cultures expand and and what that means for the fans who love celebrities from countries other than their own.

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