The article delves into the vibrant and competitive world of K-pop photo card trading, using the recent release of Seventeen's album as a case study. With seven album versions and 336 unique collectible cards, fans engage in extensive trading to secure their favorites, showcasing their loyalty through collection. Experts and fans alike highlight the thrill of the chase, likening it to a game, with some collectors investing significant amounts to amass desired cards. This phenomenon underlines the intricate relationship between fandom and commerce in the K-pop industry.
Some fans even purchase over 100 copies of the same album to collect every photo card produced for that release, humorously calling this practice 'collecting Dragon Balls,' referencing the Japanese manga where collecting all seven Dragon Balls summons a dragon capable of granting any wish.
The chase and journey of finding certain photo cards is thrilling in itself as well, and there comes a sense of achievement when said card is found, or when a certain collection is finally complete.
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