In recent times, K-Pop companies have faced mounting criticism for their marketing strategies, particularly the release of multiple album versions and numerous collectible photocards.
Photo via The Qoo
This approach has not only inflated album sales but also resulted in significant waste, as fans often discard the albums once they've obtained the desired photocards or secured a chance for a fancall with their favorite idols.
Images of discarded K-Pop albums have become increasingly common, depicting heaps of albums abandoned on streets and in other public places. Recently, fans expressed their dismay and anger after spotting BTS member Jungkook’s solo album, "Golden," tossed in places like bathrooms and other seemingly random locations.
One fan lamented, “This is not it… Our precious Jungkook’s albums were all thrown out in the restroom!”
The discarded albums are typically stripped of their plastic covers, indicating that the photocards have been removed—likely the main reason for the bulk purchases in the first place.
SEVENTEEN’s latest album, "17 IS RIGHT HERE," has encountered a similar fate. Numerous copies, devoid of their photocards, have been found discarded. This situation has led netizens to question the validity of SEVENTEEN’s impressive sales records, suspecting that the figures are significantly inflated due to the high volume of discarded albums.
Recent data sheds light on the extent of waste generated by Korean entertainment companies. According to one report, waste from K-Pop albums has surged fourteen-fold over the past six years. HYBE Labels, JYP Entertainment, and Kakao Entertainment are identified as the top contributors to this waste.
The waste levy data from 2020 reveals that 11 record labels collectively paid over 190 million won (about RM654,363.80), with HYBE paying the highest amount at 130 million won (RM447,722.60), followed by JYP at 27 million won (RM92,988.54).
However, this issue is not limited to Jungkook and SEVENTEEN…
Netizens have shared numerous instances of other artists' albums being discarded in large quantities, underscoring the broader waste problem within the K-Pop industry. It is clear that a solution is needed to address this unsustainable practice.
What measures do you think should be implemented to curb this wasteful trend?
