Parasocial relationships in East Asia: A look into obsession

From idol obsession to simping for fictional characters, why do we form one sided, parasocial relationships, and how does this manifest in East Asia? Timestamps: 0:00 Intro infamous parasocial cases 2:38 What are parasocial relationships? 6:14 China pt 1: Parakin fans exerting pressure 13:17 China pt 2: Parasocial relationships in escaping pressure 21:52 Korea: Cultivating parasocial relationships 29:24 Japan: Creating lasting parasocial bonds 37:56 Conclusion Sources referenced Academic papers Derrick, J. L, et al. (2008). Parasocial relationships and self-discrepancies: Faux relationships have benefits for low self-esteem individuals. Personal Relationships, 15(2), 261–280. doi: Jung, S. (2011). Fan activism, cybervigilantism, and Othering mechanisms in K-pop fandom. Transformative Works and Cultures, 10. doi: Lax, G. and Mackenzie, M. (2019). Against All Odds: Desire and Monetisation in Japanese Mobile Games. [online] Available at: Reysen, S. et al. (2021). Transported to another world : the psychology of anime fans. Commerce, Texas: International Anime Research Project. Shibuya, A. et al. (2019). Male and Female Game Players’ Preferences for Game Characters and Real-world Personalities in Japan. [online] Available at: Tukachinsky, R. H. (2011). Para-romantic love and para-friendships: Development and assessment of a multiple-parasocial relationships scale. American Journal of Media Psychology, 3(1/2), 73-94. Weru, J. (2023). You Don’t Know Me, but I Love You: Parasocial Relationships and Their Impacts. Emerging Writers, [online] 6, . Available at: [Accessed 15 Jul. 2023]. Zhou, N. (2021). Parasocial Relationships in Social Contexts: Why do Players View a Game Character as Their Child? Game Studies, [online] 21(2). Available at: Zhuang, L. (2019). The Influences of Idol Effect on the Purchasing Decisions of Their Fans. [online] . doi: Web articles [Anon.] (2022). K-pop is being trashed: the waste behind it. [online] Novasia. Available at: [Anon.] (2020). 9 Of EXO’s Worst Experiences With Sasaeng Fans. [online] Available at: Dong, X. (2016). Elder Rights in China. JAMA internal medicine, [online] 176(10), –1430. doi: Fany et al. (2022). The K-pop fans economy: emotional bond, endless support and overconsumption. TFR. [online] Available at: Wang, L. (2021). Chinese Idol Show Shut Down Over Spilled Milk. [online] SixthTone. Available at: BGM references EXO - Obsession, cover by Johnny: Demongummies - Zero (lofi mix) Massobeats - midnight Music Unlimited - documentary BGM Anime used for transitions: Perfect blue Thanks for watching :) and wow, if you’re still here, look here’s an otter: 🦦 tags: video essay, cultural commentary, social commentary, internet analysis, analysis video, parasocial relationships, parasocial interactions, one sided relationship, societal pressure, china, korea, japan, east asia, asian expectation, asian family, obligation, family expectation, filial piety, kpop, jpop, cpop, fans, fandom, bts, bts army, fan culture, obsession, sasaeng, parakin, kpop fans, idol, korean idol, celebrity, celebrity culture, obsessed fans, dedicated fans, fandom power, control, youth with you, idol reality show, anime, fictional characters, genshin impact, gacha, otome games, dating simulation, online, online friends, madisyn brown, salem tovar, shanspeare, kidology, accented cinema, stephanie soo, olisunvia, kookielit, edvasian, aini