[Paper Review] World-Building in Idol Entertainment Industry

Both papers note that "worldview" (Universe) has established itself as the core device shaping idol group identity and fandom culture in today''s K-POP industry. The first study compares 20 idol group cases to analyze how worldviews are structured through characters, time-space settings, continuity, and fandom interaction — creating brand extensibility and industrial value. The second theoretically examines K-POP''s accumulated narrative tradition and expansion possibilities, emphasizing that worldviews function as narrative platforms strengthening content industry competitiveness beyond simple concepts. Both reach a common conclusion: worldviews play an important role in K-POP''s expanding global influence and will become the central axis of future idol content strategy. Key findings: Generation 4-5 idol groups systematically build cross-media worldviews — BTS''s HYBE Universe spanning webtoons, novels, games, and films; aespa''s "ae" avatar concept bridging real and virtual members; TOMORROW X TOGETHER''s interconnected album narrative; these aren''t marketing additions but foundational IP infrastructure. The worldview-as-platform approach transforms fan engagement from passive consumption to active lore participation — fans become co-creators interpreting and expanding canonical narratives through fan fiction, art, and theory communities. Industry implication: groups with coherent worldviews show stronger long-term fandom retention and higher IP monetization multipliers than groups relying solely on music performance.