K-Pop Fans Spend How Much?!

It’s no secret that K-pop fans worship their favourite Korean artists. But can you put a price on their extreme devotion?

The popularity of groups such as BTS and BLACKPINK have skyrocketed over the past year, resulting in the creation of a global fan base wanting to spend money on and for their idols. But like most things, it doesn’t come cheap with the selling of concert tickets, records and merchandise, fans can rack up a hefty bill.

A new study conducted by iPrice Group, Southeast Asia’s leading e-commerce aggregator has done the task of seeing how much K-pop fans spend on their favourite artists and which fans base spends the most.

BLACKPINK fans (blinks) came in third, with fans spending up to $665 (£499). In the past year this newer band has achieved global status since their performance at Coachella last year. Compared to the top two groups, BlACKPINK have had fewer record, tours and items to sell, but there’s no doubt they’ll catch up.

Twice fans take second place, spending up to $824 (£618) on the pop groups repertoire of merch.
The BTS Army takes first place with fans spending on average $1,422 (£1,067) on the seven member group. With over 12 albums/EPs under their belt and a mountain of merchandise, products and tours, the numbers add up.

In an interview with Dazed, Kim, who runs the social media for UK-based K-pop shop kyyo.co.uk  told Dazed that she estimates she’s spent at least $500 on her favourite K-pop band, NCT.

Kim believes that the reason for why this genre has become so popular is because it appeals to all ages, saying “It’s accessible to everyone from many different lifestyles and cultures, and is also many different genres within one genre.”

@itsirmaimnida, a K-pop Twitter stan account, estimates they’ve spent close to $1,000 on various K-pop artists believing in a shared relationship between the artist and fans: “They always try their best tirelessly and we fans know that so we want to give our best as well for our idols.” 

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