Kpop is another consumerist culture all it's own. For example, if you are a big fan and want to get the invite to the exclusive fanmeets to hold hands with the idols. You need to buy somewhere around 50 of the idol(s) albums. Because theres a chance that one of them may have an invite for the fanmeet inside. Also, at the fanmeet, sometimes there will be exclusive merch to buy.
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On top of this, inside each album will be a photocard, so you also have to buy multiple albums to get the whole set.
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Then if you end up buying a ticket to a concert, there are certain exclusive items only available for sale at the merch shop at the concerts.
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You also have the official lightstick of each group or soloist to shake in the air at concerts to show your support.
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Finally you have the corporate approved fanchant to shout at stages or concerts, recorded by the group so you know what to shout.
Thats just the official stuff. Fans have been known to pay for all sorts of information just to get closer to their idols. There are information brokers that deal in stuff like candid photos, schedules, bookings, Flight Manifests, mobile phone numbers, email addresses, family addresses etc
You can even pay money to ensure your idol gets the most votes on music shows in Korea.
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Oh I almost forgot, the cross promotion. In SK, Idols endorse everything. School Uniforms. Fashion. Food. Drinks. When they are old enough, alcohol, lingerie etc etc.
They even create music videos exclusively for the bigger deals.