K-pop fans are widely recognised for their enthusiasm, creativity, and fierce dedication. However, beneath the vibrant displays of online fandom lurks a darker side, characterised by an undercurrent of ageist mockery, gatekeeping, and subtle forms of exclusion. Among the diverse array of fan personas, one curious archetype has recently drawn attention: the ‘Chicken Soup Auntie’ (鸡汤姨), a term used by K-Pop fans to refer to the older, often middleaged, females among their ranks. Chicken soup has long been a symbol of health, carrying associations with healing, warmth, and nourishment across different cultures (known by some as ‘Jewish penicillin’ or the ‘Cureall’) but within K-pop fandom it has become a toxic label for older women’s participation. Learning more about Chicken Soup Aunties can help us better understand broader cultural anxieties about ageing and gender, and the perceived limitations of how women can engage with pop culture as they mature. AEGYO CULTURE Within the youthful space of K-Pop characterised by favouritism towards younger groups, Lolita-esque beauty ideals, and “aegyo” (애교문화or K-cuteness) ensure that most idols debut in their teens or early twenties, and fans often must navigate an environment that celebrates youth above all else. This emphasis not only shapes how idols present themselves – as exemplified by thigh-high socks, coquettish choreography, candycoloured aesthetics, and lyrics about first love – but also influences who is seen as a “proper” fan. Female fans who are in their 30s, 40s, or older, are frequently suspected of being somewhat adrift from the music culture that they commit so much of their attention and affection to. This youth dominance can lead to generational divides, where older fans – regardless of their commitment to idols and contributions to the vibrancy of fan communities – face scrutiny, ridicule, or exclusion from their younger counterparts. At the centre of that exclusion is the Chicken Soup Auntie epithet, a term that might appear harmless, but which carries certain undercurrents. DISHING THE SOUP Older K-Pop fans are perceived by younger community members to write messages that are overly emotional, melodramatic, or excessively sentimental. Their posts frequently embody heartfelt language, expressing maternal affection or care, often portraying idols in an emotionally tender or protective way, known colloquially as 虐粉 (nuè fěn, abuse fans on purpose). Such messages, though sincere and heartfelt, become the subject of ridicule due to characteristics younger fans quickly brand as “cringeworthy.” The phenomenon is not merely linguistic or cultural; it has concrete mental health and well-being implications. Consider, for example, Sakura (35), a devoted Jessica Jung fan who openly shared detailed, sentimental narratives of her interactions with her idol. Following a fan event, Sakura described warmly and emotionally on Weibo how Jessica struggled playfully with reading her Chinese note, recounting their interaction as “endearing” and noting how Jessica’s “radiant smile left [her] momentarily captivated.” Yet rather than acceptance, Sakura’s openness provoked backlash from other fans. She faced mocking accusations, such as, “Does Jessica know you were faking those emotions?” Her critics questioned her sincerity, labelling her a Chicken Soup Auntie, using the term specifically to delegitimise her emotional experiences and isolate her from the fan community. Sakura later reflected that openly sharing these emotional experiences increasingly turned her into a “source of irritation” within the fandom, demonstrating vividly how this toxic labelling negatively impacts the emotional well-being of targeted fans. Ageist stereotypes exacerbate divisions among fans, marginalising voices that do not fit mainstream youthful and aggressively competitive fans who prefer sarcasm, irony, and detachment, thereby increasing psychological stress among these older female fans. The online culture in fandom spaces encourages conformity and frequently punishes emotional vulnerability or difference. Such subtle but persistent forms of online bullying, age-shaming, and exclusionary rhetoric can significantly impact self-esteem, emotional well-being, and the overall mental health of targeted individuals. It speaks to a deeper societal discomfort with ageing, particularly ageing women, reinforcing harmful stereotypes about 40 |
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