EN.malanginspirasi.com – Communication Analyst at Brawijaya University (UB), Dr. Verdy Firmantoro, S.I.Kom., M.I.Kom., believes that the Knetz vs SEAblings phenomenon is more than just a brawl between K-Pop fans.
He views it as a cross-border digital identity contest, also known as a transnational digital identity conflict.
“Platforms like X accelerate polarization because their algorithms are designed to encourage engagement that fuels anger. So this conflict isn’t just about culture, but about platforms that amplify collective emotions,” he said.
Dr. Verdy also explained that the Knetz taunts successfully united Southeast Asian netizens who often fought among themselves.
The fragmented nature of ASEAN netizens, such as this rivalry, dissipated when external threats emerged.
This demonstrates that in the digital context, what drives solidarity isn’t about countries, but rather the shared experience of being criticized.
“From a communications perspective, this is called reactive solidarity, a reframing of the regional identity of SEAblings,” added Dr. Firmantoro. Verdy.
However, he continued, it may not directly impact formal diplomatic relations.
But, when this sentiment continues to grow and public opinion spreads, it could disrupt people-to-people relations.
Different Perspective from an Anthropology Expert
Meanwhile, UB anthropology expert, Franciscus Apriwan, M.A., views the Knetz vs. SEAbling incident as having the same pattern as other issues.
He stated that the issue will rise, then decline, and then be forgotten.
“What users of this digital space do is simply driven by dopamine. When a more exciting issue arises, they will move on to post comments,” said Frans.
Frans agrees with the emergence of a new solidarity among ASEAN members.
However, he believes this solidarity is not solely because of similarities, but because of the presence of a middle class.
“They are middle-class people who love K-Pop culture. People who have the opportunity to travel around ASEAN thus form strong relationships. When Knetz portrays Southeast Asia as a backward region, these people want to show their pride in being SEAblings,” Franciscus explained.
For Frans, sometimes when a conflict like this occurs, many people hope it will become a big deal and need to do something, but in reality, it is often overshadowed by other issues.
The Knetz vs. SEAblings conflict began with a tweet from a Malaysian netizen on platform X.
The netizen alleged that a Korean national had brought a professional camera to the Day6 concert in Malaysia, even though this violated the organizer’s regulations.
Knetz, the short form of Korean netizens, widely criticized the post.
Instead of apologizing, they strike back at Malaysians.
Knetz did not only target Malaysia citizens but also all Southeast Asian people.
It triggers the anger of netizens from all Southeast Asian countries that call themselves SEAblings.
