Chloe Feng
Chloe Feng is an international student who has experienced the globalized world. Born in China, raised in Canada, she is currently pursuing her studies in the US. Curiosity about performance and media studies pushes her research into digital identities, fandoms, and the changing face of entertainment in Eastern Asia. In the near future, Chloe wants to become a part of the global entertainment industry in the sense that she would combine her artistic experience with critical media analysis and cross-cultural insight. She is a culturally aware and inclusive person who believes that storytelling has to be immersive. Her ultimate ambition is to join the development team of The Walt Disney Company and work on IP-based projects that will combine innovation, narrative, and emotional connection with people around the world.
Title of Capstone Project
Simulated Stardom: Cultural Soft Power and the Rise of Virtual Idols in Japan, Korea, and China
Description of Capstone Project
This video essay examines how virtual idols expanded in East Asia by focusing on three case studies: Hatsune Miku (Japan), PLAVE (South Korea), and A-SOUL (China), and demonstrates their roles as instruments of cultural soft power and emotional power. Through the study of their technological construction, fan dynamics, and hybrid national identity, the project attempts to comprehend how these simulated figures represent changes in pop culture, identity, and control. The essay draws on concepts of soft power, parasocial relationships, and digital performance to explore why fans like virtual idols and how they differ across countries. Hatsune Miku exemplifies fan culture and creativity, shared Japanese cool; PLAVE takes the K-pop system to the digital level; A-SOUL provides a case where market control and tension emerge. Finally, this research suggests that virtual idols are not merely sources of entertainment but symbols of national aspirations and technological advances.
What Inspired Your Project?
The main driving force behind this project is my particular interest in idolatry and fandoms, which was enhanced by the course Performance and Technology, where we discussed how digital identities are constructed and performed. As someone with East Asian heritage, I admire the cultural soft power presented by popular media in this part of the world in specific. By focusing on virtual idols in Japan, South Korea, and China, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of how fan communities interact with these digital performers. This exploration will not only enrich my academic perspective but also benefit my future career in the entertainment industry, where understanding consumer behavior and fan psychology is essential.