Yenna Lee, assistant professor in the Department of Media Culture at the College of Staten Island (CSI), was featured in The Independent in an article exploring the growing problem of online harassment, fan conflicts, and threats within global K-pop communities.

In “The Dark Side of K-pop’s Global Success: How Bullying and Death Threats Gripped Fandoms,” Lee comments on how the K-pop industry has cultivated intense fan engagement, encouraging fans to take an active role in supporting and promoting their favorite artists. She discusses how this sense of responsibility can evolve into a “shielding mindset,” in which fans view protecting idols as part of their role, sometimes contributing to hostility toward other fans and artists.

Read the full article in The Independent: The Dark Side of K-pop’s Global Success: How Bullying and Death Threats Gripped Fandoms