Preying on their love? K-pop fans let their emotions rule as they chase after idols and photocards
Preying on their love? K-pop fans let their emotions rule as they chase after idols and photocards
Photocards are ubiquitous in K-pop, often issued as gifts with purchases that include albums and other merchandise. They are also given out at events such as concerts.
Miss Valerie Chan has spent thousands of dollars buying various photocards.
The most expensive? A photocard of V from K-pop group BTS that was issued at a concert in Seoul that costs over S$300. "I really wanted a memento from the show since I went for it. I went online to search for sellers.”
Miss Nicole Tan owns around 1,000 photocards and likens collecting them to gambling. “It’s the thrill of pulling the one you want,” she says. Her collection costs her a “high four-figure” sum.
“It makes me happy. Some people buy luxury bags. This is my version of happiness,” says Miss Nicole Tan.
Another major reason fuelling the hyperconsumption in K-pop fandom - meeting their idols.
