What are photo cards and why are K-Pop fans collecting them?

Photo cards are known as one of the most coveted merch in the K-Pop community.

The 55 x 85 mm special photos of K-Pop idols have created collectors among fans, with some spending a huge amount of money just to complete their collection.

Photo cards can come as inclusions in albums or official merchandise of K-Pop idols. Some collectors would buy specific pieces from different online sellers or trade some of their duplicates with other fans.

A feature in Koreaboo.com described photo cards as "one of the biggest wonders of the K-Pop world. Fans are willing to trade and sell rare finds for hundreds of dollars knowing they likely cost just pennies to make."

To further understand why photo cards have become a phenomenon, GMANetwork.com reached out to K-Pop fans who shared how they started investing in their prized possessions.

Jann Lopez's fascination for photo cards started when she attended the Seventeen Ideal Cut in Manila Concert in 2018.

"I saw a lot of fans holding merch like pickets and some were even trading photo cards onsite. At first I thought, 'Grabe, may ganun pala? Ano 'yun, pinapa-print lang nila?' That's when I got curious about exploring Seventeen's merch and joined Facebook Marketplace groups."

Photo source: Jann Lopez

A fellow fan sold her merch and Jann decided to purchase it. That's when she started her collection of photo cards.

"It was discounted so I ended up buying the whole set (it was composed of photo cards, photo books, postcards, calendar, and more). I got fascinated with photocards since then.

"I kept on browsing the FB marketplace groups to search for photocards I could 'afford' and ended up collecting the PCs of my bias. Then I realized why it's a 'collection' because those photos were never digitally released and were just printed exclusively for albums, magazines, concert trading cards, etc."

NCTzen Czaryna Miraña shared her opinion on why fans are so into photo cards and why they get excited with these pieces.

"I guess some people won't really understand it until they experience it themselves because that was also the case for me. I didn't get what the fuss was all about until I unboxed my first ever official album."

Photo source: Czaryna Miraña and Mariane Caranis

Czaryna explained that it was the unboxing experience that excites her the most.

"The PC I got wasn't even my ult but it was still such an unforgettable experience for me. And I think that's one of the reasons why collectors go to great lengths just to get the PCs they want--to experience that 'feeling' again and again."

Her friend Mariane Caranis, a SHINee fan, agrees.

"I collect and buy albums for its photobook and non disclosed pictures, so buying unsealed albums costs me less than buying a new one, and it is also within the range of my budget.

"But when I bought my first sealed album, the excitement of what photo card I will be pulling from it rushes me so I kept on buying sealed ones. Hindi ako mapakali if I don't pull my ultimate bias from that specific album, so I got into buying photo cards. The excitement of pagtatantos sa photo card template is unexplainable!"

The same was the case for Twitter user @jinyoungienoona, who collects photo cards of GOT7, specifically those of Jinyoung and JAY B.

"I actually didn't understand the charm of collecting PCs when I started being a fan. I just kept amassing the ones of Jinyoung (even if I had multiples already) when people would swap with me for their bias.

"It was after a year since I started stanning GOT7 that I realized it's nice to actually see how their faces, haristyles, and fashion evolve through the years."

Photo source: @jinyoungienoona

She also acknowledges the fact that collecting photo cards is difficult to explain to those who do not understand it.

"I really stand by this belief: if it's someone else's money, then its not your business.

"We also need to respect what makes people happy as long as its not affecting others negatively. Now if you're a student and you keep asking your parents for too much money just to buy your K-pop stuff, that's a different issue altogether."

Lynnel Arenas, who is a collector since 2017, has around 600 photo cards of Super Junior, NCT, EXO, PENTAGON, and SF9.

Since it's a given in the K-Pop merch world that photo cards are expensive, she explained how she manages her finances to continue her collection.

"Whenever the news of a comeback is around, I make sure to pay the bills first as well as set aside the spending allowance. I keep a fraction of what is left of my income and keep myself on a strict 'merch ban' during these periods, especially because my monthly income as a healthcare professional only amounts to a digit number."

Photo source: Lynnel Arenas

She also described what she does in order to find a cheaper option.

"I prefer joining GOs (group orders) that are under 'Normal ETA' (about 3-4 weeks after ship out from Korea) because these are usually priced lower, and 'card pooling' (the seller opens the albums of those who joined the pooling event and priority for card selection will be given according to time of payment) so that I could have a higher chance of getting my bias PC."

She added, "Other times, I opt for card trading within the fandom since this is a much cheaper option than purchasing multiple versions of the same album."

Advice for upcoming photo card collectors

The five shared some tips for fans who also want to start collecting photo cards or other merch of their idols.

Jann's advice is not to feel pressured when it comes to buying merch or photo cards.

"Do not pressure yourself in collecting. If your friends have merch and you don't, it's okay! Not collecting merch does not make you less of a fan. There are so many ways of supporting our idols. Buy a merch only if you have the capability of paying for it."

"Don't panic buy," advises @jinyoungienoona, "Especially for past PCs you don't have yet, you don't need to panic and buy whatever's out there. You'll end up paying more money than the PC is worth so just take your time and be on the lookout for sellers of the PCs you need."

Czaryna said it's okay to collect merch from your idols especially if it makes you happy.

"If you think it's going to have a positive impact on your life, go for it! Just make sure you're aware that collecting takes time, effort, and money. And once you've started, always remember to take your time. Keep in mind that this is a hobby (not a race!) and a hobby is supposed to make you happy and take away your stress--not and never the other way around."

For Mariane, it's about staying on the budget you set for yourself.

"As long as you're still on a budget and not exceeding your range, go buy that photo card or whatever that you want to buy that will give you the happiness that others can't easily give."

Lynnel explained that patience is important for collectors. People should also know their priorities and responsibilities before making a big purchase.

"I know it might seem impressive whenever we see videos of someone completing their 'PC Wishlists' or those who can complete the whole set every comeback season, but we must remember that each one has their own capabilities as well as responsibilities that must be prioritized."

She added, "Please don't be discouraged when the most you could do now is to stream the music videos or vote through apps. Time will come when you will be able to purchase your own cards and believe me when I say that the waiting time will be worth it."

See the stores where you can purchase K-Pop merch in this gallery: