Understanding IVE Album Photocard Types and Collection Strategies

The collection of IVE album photocards is a significant activity for fans in Korea, driving discussions around various types and effective collection strategies. The extensive range of photocards, encompassing official inclusions and special benefits, makes collecting a complex yet engaging pursuit for many. This diversity often prompts collectors to seek methods for verifying authenticity and efficiently organizing their growing collections.

Bloggers emphasize the importance of understanding the origin and composition of IVE photocards, noting that terms like "얼빡" (eolbak, close-up face shot) and "찐포" (jjinpo, a seller's term for a "real" photocard) do not inherently confirm official status. Official photocards include those found within albums, official special benefits, unreleased versions, and lucky draw items, each carrying different significance and market value. For instance, a collection of 55 cards was priced at 7,700 won, while a random box of 175 cards was 9,900 won. In contrast, four album types with six special photocards cost 31,900 won, and four album types with one "찐포" cost 36,900 won, illustrating the varied pricing based on type and rarity. The practice of "앨범깡" (album kkang, unboxing multiple albums to obtain desired photocards) is common due to the diverse versions and random inclusions.

Local bloggers share their experiences with the numerous IVE album versions, observing that even for the same songs, albums are released in many types, each containing different photocards or components. This variety can be overwhelming, as one blogger mentioned their niece purchasing two copies of the same album for different photocards. While random boxes offer many cards, they do not guarantee specific members or photos, leading some collectors to prefer single or selective purchases. The option of directly printing desired images using portable printers is also presented as an alternative for fans looking to create personalized cards, alongside the acknowledgment of the high cost associated with collecting rare or past-season items.