This is a K-pop fan's must-have: photo cards.
If you're a newcomer to the K-pop fandom, you may have come across the saying from veteran fans: 'Buying small photo cards, there are 0 times and countless times.' Once you start collecting these cards, it's like a never-ending journey; you just can't resist collecting more and more. These photo cards are usually included as bonuses in K-pop albums. But why have they become so popular that some cards even sold for exorbitant prices? Today, we'll give you a glimpse into the world of K-pop photo cards.
What are photocards？？
Photocards, known as '포토카드' in Korean, are cards featuring K-pop artists' images. In Japan, they are more commonly referred to as trading cards (トレカ). These photocards typically measure 5.5x8.5cm or 2.2×3.5 inches in size.
In 2010, Girls' Generation introduced photo cards in their second album, 'Oh!'. This innovative practice quickly gained popularity and was adopted by many entertainment companies. However, for devoted fans, there was a downside – you couldn't just purchase the photocards individually. To get their desired photocards, fans often found themselves buying multiple copies of the album, as these photocards came in a wide variety and were sold in intriguing blind boxes.
Sometimes, larger K-pop groups have over 100 different types of small photo cards, making it nearly impossible to collect them all by just purchasing albums. Recently, major entertainment companies have introduced unique cards like NCT limited silver cards, which have significantly increased the prices of some rare cards. When it comes to idol merchandise, Korea certainly stands out in this regard, doesn't it?
Completing a full set can bring tremendous satisfaction and achievement to fans who collect small cards featuring their favorite idols. For them, it's a way to show their love and support. Even those outside the fandom are drawn into collecting cards, captivated by the idols' appearances in this craze for small cards. It's truly magical how these photo cards have the power to capture people's hearts.
Why are there so many photo cards for sale on Mercari？
The Japanese and Korean entertainment industries have quite a bit in common. Korean groups frequently release albums, hold concerts, and organize offline fan events in Japan. During these occasions, they often offer unique Japan-exclusive photocards and merchandise. Lucky fans might even come across reasonably priced limited-edition photo cards. Additionally, some Japanese fans occasionally sell Korean idol items on Mercari, making it a delightful discovery for those who adore Korean pop culture.
Furthermore, It's important to be cautious when purchasing photocards on Mercari, as some sellers may try to sell counterfeit items due to their scarcity. When buying photocards, it's recommended that you compare images from multiple sellers. Doorzo also offers a product verification service (for 300 yen) that involves photographing the item you have bought. This service allows you to confirm the item's general condition, but it does not verify its authenticity. If you have any doubts, consider requesting a photography service after the item arrives at the warehouse.
Various photocard types
Album Cards: The most common type, these are sold alongside albums. Different album versions (e.g., DP version, KIT version) may come with different photo cards.
Bonus Cards: Photocards are given as bonuses when ordering from different websites.
Broadcast photocards: Photocards given at offline events in Korea.
Fansign Cards: Photocards given as gifts when purchasing albums at fan sign events.
Merchandise Cards: Photocards produced by entertainment companies, such as calendars and lightsticks.
Tour Cards: Photocards released during world concert tours, with possible regional variations.
Pop-up Store Cards: Photocards sold during offline pop-up store events.
Fanclub Cards: Photocards distributed to fan club members as part of their membership benefits, often tied to membership renewals or special events.
Other collectibles :
Besides photocards, these collectibles are also highly worthy of being included in your collection.
【Cheering Hand fan】
【Card cases】
【Light sticks】
【Pins, acrylic stands 】
【Calendar】
Currently Trending Groups (All images below are sourced from the internet.)
1. LE SSERAFIM
LE SSERAFIM is under HYBE Corporation, the company behind popular K-pop groups like BTS and ENHYPEN. It's also HYBE's first-ever girl group. The group's members include Sakura, Chaewon, Yunjin, Kazuha, and Eunchae, with Chaewon serving as the leader. They made their official debut in May 2022 and quickly gained high popularity due to the presence of former IZ*ONE members and the new members' visual appeal and talent. On January 25, 2023, LE SSERAFIM successfully debuted in Japan with a Japanese version of their song 'Fearless,' marking a significant milestone in their career.
【Popular items:】
Special Photocards from the 'FEARLESS' Album on the Weverse Platform
Eunchae Photocards
Fearless normal ver. Yunjin Photocards
The 'FEARLESS' Normal Edition CD
2. IVE
IVE is a girl group that debuted in South Korea on December 1, 2021, under Starship Entertainment. The group consists of six members: Ahn Yujin, Kim Chaeyun, Jang Wonyoung, Kim Jisoo, Na Eunji, and Lee Hyunseo. Notably, Ahn Yujin and Jang Wonyoung are former members of IZ*ONE. Since their debut, IVE has gained rapid popularity among the younger generation born in the 2000s. Their debut album, 'ELEVEN,' even set a record as the fastest to get 1st place in K-pop girl group.
【Popular items:】
ELEVEN-Japanese ver.- Album fan meeting exclusive Photocards
ELEVEN V ver. Photocard
Yujin Seasons Greeting Soundwave exclusive Photocards
ELEVEN normal ver. Album
3. NCT
NCT is under the management of SM Entertainment, a South Korean entertainment company. This boy group debuted in 2016 and is currently active with 23 official members: Taeyong, Taeil, Johnny, Yuta, Kun, Doyoung, Ten, Jaehyun, WinWin, Jungwoo, Lucas, Mark, Xiaojun, Hendery, Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, YangYang, Shotaro, Sungchan, Chenle, and Jisung in NCT. NCT operates in a unique system with four sub-units: NCT U, NCT 127, NCT DREAM, and WayV. Over the years, they have gained immense popularity in South Korea and worldwide. In February of this year, NCT also launched a new boy group audition program.
【Popular items:】
The 'Best Friend Ever' Album Mu-Mo Exclusive Photocards
Universe Mecima exclusive Photocard
Hello Future Jisung mu-mo exclusive Photocard
[THE DREAM SHOW 2 In Japan] concert Photocard
4. RedVelvet
Also from SM Entertainment, RedVelvet consists of Joy, Yeri, Irene, Seulg, and Wendy. RedVelvet debuted in 2014 and is commonly referenced as the best visual group. RedVelvet also is considered one of the best K-pop groups in this generation.
【Popular items:】
Feel My Rhythm mu-mo exclusive Photocards
Bloom Album Photocard
Birthday SMTOWN&STORE exclusive Photocard
Bloom Album
5. TXT
TXT (TOMORROW X TOGETHER) is part of HYBE Label and debuted in March 2019, It has 5 members Yeonjun, Soobin, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and HueningKai. The group debuted 6 years after BTS. Won 10 new artist awards right after its debut, becoming one of the representatives of the 4th Generation K-pop group.
【Recent Popular items:】
Chaotic Wonderland Album Photocard
GOOD BOY GONE BAD Album Pop store Photocard
Fanclub Membership Renewal Exclusive Card
Chaotic Wonderland Album
6. Stray kids
Stray Kids debuted in March 2018 as part of JYP Entertainment. The group consists of 8 members: Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. It can also be called SKZ. They won many times of Korean music awards because of their unique style of music.
【Recent Popular items:】
Scars Album Photocard
THE SOUND Album Photocard
Felix Photocard
Seungmin Photocard
7. ENHYPEN
ENHYPEN debuted in November 2020, and it consists of Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Jungwon, and Ni-ki. They are not only popular in Korea but have also achieved significant popularity in Japan and the United States. They released their debut album in Japan last year.
【Recent Popular items:】
Jake Photocard
Lightstick Photocard
ENHYPEN One Year Anniversary Photo frame Photocard
Sunoo Photocard
8. SEVENTEEN
SEVENTEEN debuted in May 2015 and is by Pledis Entertainment. SEVENTEEN has 13 members in total: S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, DK, Mingyu, The8, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino. The group has members from China and the US. SEVENTEEN is known for their impressive synchronized dance performances and has made a name for themselves in the music industry. Last year, SEVENTEEN was even nominated for the 'Most Popular K-pop Artist' award at the American Music Awards.
【Popular items:】
SEVENTEEN ONLINE CONCERT IN-COMPLETE DVD Bonus Photocard
2021 SEVENYEEN FANMEETING HARE Photocard
The8 Photocard
Mingyu Photocard
9. Twice
Also from JYP Entertainment, Twice has 9 members: Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu. In 2018, Twice ranked as the best-selling album in Japan and Korea. They have fans all around the world.
【Popular items:】
LEMONA collab Photocard
Nayeon Photocard
Chaeyoung Photocard
Momo Photocard
☆Search Tips☆
Lastly, we've also compiled some commonly used search terms for you. You can enter the following words in Doorzo's search bar to find the products you're interested in.
Photocard→トレカ
Photocard set→トレカ セット
Broadcast Photocards→ サノク
Bonus exclusive item→ 特典付
Bonus photocard→ 特典トレカ
Instant photo→ インスタントフォト
Postcard→ ポストカード （ポスカ）
Album→ アルバム
First-run Limited→ 初回限定盤
Normal ver. Album→ 通常盤
Sticker→ ステッカー
Calendar→カレンダー
Lightstick→ペンライト
Cardcase→カードケース
Universe→ ユニバ
global→ グローバル
tower records→ タワレコ
Once you've settled on the product name and category, you can simply check the relevant category in the search bar, and enter keywords in Japanese or English for a direct search.
For instance, if you're looking to purchase photocards, you can search in Japanese by inputting 'トレカ,' or in English as 'K-pop photocard.' For more specific results, consider entering the item's name or the artist's name.
