Brands in 2025 are embedding themselves inside fan communities (particularly K-pop, gaming, and anime) by embracing participatory culture, co-creation, and exclusive experiences that transform fans from passive consumers into loyal advocates. Fan-Driven Influence and Belonging Rather than broadcasting from the outside, brands now integrate directly into online spaces like Discord servers, subreddits, and fan platforms such as Weverse or Crunchyroll. By joining conversations a