Korean entertainment companies are known for their creativity when it comes to official K-Pop merchandise. Some unique inclusions are praised, while others spark controversy. aespa recently received commendation for the innovative inclusion of a CD player in their album, a first in the industry.
aespa’s ‘Armageddon’ CD player version comes with
— Jazz (@mjkmwntr) May 25, 2024
— five photo cards
— ten highlight medley graphic stickers
— charger
— earphones 🆕
wireless earphones is also supported since it has bluetooth pic.twitter.com/itXXNWIsnM
However, not every unconventional merchandise item is met with such enthusiasm, as seen with ENHYPEN's upcoming album, ROMANCE : UNTOLD.
ENHYPEN, managed by BELIFT LAB, announced their second full-length studio album earlier today, set to release on July 12.
Along with the announcement came details about the goods included in the album, one of which has caught the attention of K-Pop fans for its unusual nature.
According to BELIFT LAB, outfits worn by the ENHYPEN members will be cut into 150,000 pieces and included in the albums.
The specific outfits from which the fabric pieces will be taken are yet to be disclosed, but speculation suggests they might come from the music video for the title track or other performance outfits worn by the members.
This announcement has elicited mixed reactions from fans and the general public.
Some fans feel that this merchandise idea crosses the line in terms of the parasocial relationships between idols and their fans.
READ MORE: ENHYPEN Fans Explode in Anger Over Tour Profits
They argue that such items exacerbate the sasaeng problem, where obsessive fans intrude on the personal lives of K-Pop idols.
Additionally, some fans find the inclusion of fabric pieces to be a bizarre choice, questioning its overall appeal and the intentions behind it.
This is not the first time that clothing pieces from idols have been used as merchandise.
Earlier this year, pieces of EXO Kai's jeans were distributed as gifts to fans in a special bundle from his solo concert LYNK-POP: THE VR CONCERT KAI.
The keychains made from Kai's jeans were met with mixed reactions as well.
Some fans appreciated the unique memorabilia, while others found it odd.
This practice is not limited to the K-Pop industry, as celebrities, including athletes, have also included pieces of their jerseys and uniforms in merchandise for fans.
The inclusion of fabric pieces in ENHYPEN's album raises questions about the direction of K-Pop merchandise and the boundaries of fan-idol relationships.
While some fans may see it as a unique and personal memento, others are concerned about the potential for increased obsessive behavior and the implications for idol privacy and safety.
ALSO READ: ILLIT, ENHYPEN's Agency Declares Strong Legal Action Against Malicious Posts Targeting Groups
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Cassidy Jones.
