How expensive is it to become a K-pop fan?
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and it’s no other than comeback season, silly! Comeback season for many K-pop groups is something that stans look forward to for MONTHS. Not only does it guarantee to see our favorite groups and idols in new concepts or looks and more promotional content. But, it also means more collectibles, merchandise, and albums to fuss and fawn over!
On average, many current groups have at least 1 to 2 scheduled comebacks per year, resulting in many collectors’ items. Supporting our faves through merch is a fun hobby, but also an expensive one! How expensive is it really?
How expensive is it to become a K-pop fan?
K-pop stans, known for their creativity, have a ton of unique methods of showcasing their love for their idols. Some resort to massive streaming, attending fan meets, and collecting every merchandise possible.
With every major comeback, many K-pop groups are big-time sellers and known for hitting the million mark with ease. A comeback era could produce at least four to five album versions, including fan, official extended play, and Kihno versions. These album prices could range between 17,000₩ (700 PHP) to 70,000₩ (3,000 PHP) with the inclusion of a few items.
However, despite growing album prices, many buy these releases for a plethora of reasons. A typical mini-album or album could contain a photobook with 50-pages of photos, lyric books, 2 to 4 photo cards, a postcard, and even an A4-sized poster.
photocards and postcards set | Weverse Shop
Other than these albums, another crucial and expensive collectible for K-pop fans would be the group’s official light stick. Popularized by Big Bang, stans recognize these light sticks for illuminating dark stadium venues. This allowed fans to create a wonderful ocean of glowing light, dedicated to the group’s official color.
Currently, K-pop fandoms and groups identify with their own light sticks, allowing them to showcase their brand. Some are produced to be of a unique shape, color, and size, and look to fully show support for their favorite groups. Throughout the years, light sticks have become more innovative and customized for fandoms.
Due to the popularity of light sticks in this generation, these easily became one of the must-buys for any fan. Due to demand, light sticks could easily be sold at ₱2,000 to ₱2,500 per piece. Most well-known light sticks of idol groups are known to always be sold out, making them almost impossible to buy.
However, having the ability to purchase does not necessarily mean you’re not a true fan. Sometimes, even supporting your idols in the smallest of ways and loving them is what’s important. So stream, love, and enjoy!
