When COVID-19 hit the world last year, people sought different ways to entertain themselves and cure their cabin fever. Hobbies such as gardening, baking, painting, and playing video games are just among the activities people delved into to keep themselves busy at home. The boom in these past times also ushered in a growth in the shops that provide these goods.

Of course, not everyone sought joy in learning new dishes, taking care of plants, and exploring virtual worlds. For instance, avid fans of the hottest K-pop groups found fun and comfort in online concerts, virtual meetings with fellow fans, and collecting different merch.

And for many fans, the latter helped them cope with the current health crisis through these ways:

Fun and Relaxation Through Merch Shopping

It is no secret that retail therapy helps many cope with their stress and anxiety. And with the current health crisis keeping the world indoors, online shops and digital transactions make it possible for many to shop for household items, tools for working from home and online learning, and other trinkets.

For many K-pop fans, online shopping allowed them to purchase albums, paper merchandise, and other official and fan-made items. And because physical concerts are not allowed, many fans have more budget to spend on other goods they couldn’t buy before.

Sure, collecting merch is an expensive hobby. Still, it taught fans which items are worth investing in and how to budget for the next comeback season.

Fans Learned To Maximize Space

Of course, collecting trinkets of your favorite K-pop groups means accumulating items that may take up space. In turn, staying at home gives fans time to organize their collection and maximize space to hold all of their merchandise.

Some fans cleaned up their room and downsized some of their items to accommodate their albums, lightstick, dolls, and mini acrylic stands. Others installed wall shelves to have a sturdy platform to display their lovely collection. Bare walls of houses and lots for sale in Forbes Park may be brought to life if future homeowners will mount posters and banners of their favorite groups. Other fans even assessed which merchandise they’ll buy to suit their current floor area. Those living in cozier spaces might choose smaller items or goods limited to their favorite members only. Doing so reduces clutter and does not overwhelm their space.

Fans Experience Moments to Remember

Since physical concerts are not allowed, entertainment agencies organized online concerts and fan meets of their K-pop stars. Even if they are at home, fans can meet their favorite boy and girl groups through online streaming platforms. Kpop-fans living in condominiums such as those in Makati City may enjoy the bright lights and jump around to their favorite songs even if they are not in a spacious arena. Fans may even win video-call sessions with their bias if they win access to the fan meet event. Despite geographical barriers, the Internet makes it possible for idols and fans to meet and communicate. Such an experience creates great memories to keep for a lifetime.

Besides long-lasting memories, online concerts and fan meets may send printed copies of the tickets and other goods to fans who joined the online event. These items are physical representations of the happiness fans experienced even if the events were only short.

Collecting Sparks Joy

Ultimately, collecting merchandise sparks joy for many. A handful of fans find the thrill of completing album sets that feature an image when placed together. Others find it fulfilling to complete photocards and postcards of their bias (favorite member) in binders.

Besides having aesthetically pleasing displays of merchandise, merch collectors connect with fellow fans. They create friendships online and share their interests through social media platforms.

Overall, k-pop fans are just like other people who sought joy in their past-times to cope with the current health crisis. Whether they have been collecting for years or just started during the pandemic, these items spark joy and fulfillment for many fans and bring them closer to their faves.