[CIS, SSRC] The 2nd SFU–KU Symposium: Exploring Digital Platform Governance and Fandom Dynamics

On August 14, 2025, the College of Media and Communication at Korea University hosted the 2nd SFU–KU Symposium in collaboration with Simon Fraser University. Held at Room 602, Media Hall, the symposium brought together scholars and graduate students from both institutions to exchange insights on the governance of digital platforms and the evolving dynamics of fandom in the algorithmic age.

The first panel, Digital Platform Governance, featured Prof. Dal Yong Jin (Simon Fraser University) and Prof. Ahran Park (Korea University), who addressed key issues in AI-driven platform regulation, freedom of expression, and the balance between rights and responsibilities in the South Korean context.

The second panel, Users and Fandom on Digital Platforms, spotlighted emerging research by doctoral and master’s students from both universities. Topics ranged from privacy concerns on cosmetic surgery platforms to algorithmic intensification in Korean Wave fandom, emotional labor on K-pop platforms, and fan loyalty in beauty YouTube channels. Our lab member, Sewon Eom (MA student), presented her study on User Segments and Loyalty on Beauty YouTube, offering fresh perspectives on how perceived value drives channel revisit behaviors.

The symposium underscored the value of cross-institutional collaboration in addressing pressing questions about media governance and digital culture. Through the sharing of diverse methodologies and case studies, participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing interdisciplinary research with global relevance.