K-pop fans were taken aback when a Japanese netizen shared photos on social media showing a pile of SEVENTEEN albums, notably the new release “17 Is Right Here,” abandoned on the streets of Shibuya, Tokyo. The albums, accompanied by a memo inviting passersby to take them, prompted a flurry of reactions and discussions in the K-pop community.
The post detailed warnings about selling or distributing goods on private property and mentioned the presence of CCTV cameras monitoring the area. Subsequently, the albums were reportedly relocated in garbage bags after their initial appearance on the sidewalk.
This incident brings to light a common issue in the K-pop industry, where agencies incentivize multiple album purchases by including random photocards, encouraging fans to buy numerous copies in pursuit of collecting photo cards featuring their favourite members.
CEO Min Hee-jin addressed this practice during a press conference on April 25th, expressing concern over the market’s abnormal growth and its impact on both fans and idols through incessant fan signing events.
Despite the controversy surrounding excessive album purchases, “17 Is Right Here” achieved remarkable sales figures. According to the Hanteo Chart, the album sold an impressive 2.26 million copies on its release day and topped Japan’s Oricon Daily Album Rankings with 255,979 copies sold on April 30th.
Min Hee-jin’s critical remarks regarding industry practices resonate with fans in light of recent events, underscoring the ongoing discourse surrounding the ethical implications of incentivized album sales and their consequences on both the market and fandom culture.
As SEVENTEEN continues to make waves with its music and dedicated fanbase, this incident serves as a reminder of the complexities in the K-pop industry and the evolving conversations around responsible consumption and artist support.
