Brazilian Fandom’s Perceptions of the Thai Boys Love Series Industry and the Practices of Fanservice and Shipping: Content Analysis of Online Comments on a Fansubbing Platform

Abstract

This article analyzes Brazilian fandom’s perception of the Thai Boys Love (BL) series industry based on online comments on a fansubbing platform. The study employs qualitative content analysis of 423 comments posted during the consumption of the War of Y series. Organized by the major category of “industry” and subcategories of “fanservice” and “shipping” practices, the analytical construct is inspired by the “indices and symptoms” model. The results indicate a negative perception of the Thai industry among fans, with correlations made between the fictional narrative and problematic situations in the real world of BL series. Fans’ perceptions of fanservice and shipping practices highlight the complex relationship between fandoms and the industry, disputes over the blame and accountability for “toxic” practices, and the implications for the actors involved. The study contributes to the field by analyzing a type of media flow in South-South relations, which has yet to be fully explored.