Few studies have explored idol events within pop-culture tourism. A sequential mixed-methods design—qualitative interviews identifying self-expansion, self-identity, attachment, collective effervescence, and interpersonal tie among fans, followed by a quantitative survey analyzed through structural equation modeling—shows that these motivations strongly cultivate affective commitment and shape participation intentions. Travel constraints moderate this relationship by limiting access, economic feasibility, and scheduling opportunities rather than weakening these sociopsychological drivers. By specifying how distinct motivational forces (i.e. socioemotional fan motives) and opportunities (i.e. constraints) function in driving fan's perceived ability to participate in real pilgrimage (i.e. participation intention), the study enriches our understanding of the motivation–opportunity–ability model in idol pilgrimage and pop tourism settings. It offers strategic implications for destination marketing in the social media era.
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