This post is trending because it perfectly captures the intense dedication and strategic planning K-pop fans undertake to collect albums and exclusive merchandise from their favorite groups, especially popular virtual idols like PLAVE, during a major comeback.
The virtual idol group PLAVE just dropped their new album, "Caligo Pt.2," and fans are on an epic quest to collect all the exclusive goodies! This post captures the intense dedication of a PLLI (PLAVE fan) as they navigate Seoul's bustling K-pop scene to snag their favorite members' album versions and coveted unreleased photocards, known as *migongpo*.
Our fan's journey began with a win for a VR STAGE ZONE experience at The Hyundai pop-up, but the sheer crowds made an album purchase impossible. Undeterred, they decided to hit up offline stores to secure specific member versions and the highly sought-after *migongpo*. Despite being a "super-light PLLI" who usually buys just one album, the increasing number of member-specific versions for "Caligo Pt.2" (ID, INVENTORY, and photocard versions) meant a strategic hunt was necessary. They wisely decided to focus on their bias members, Noah and Bamby, humorously citing "real estate issues + balance issues" as reasons for not buying everything.
First stop: Musinsa Store Seongsu. Despite the weekday crowds and foreign tourists, our fan found a dedicated PLAVE corner. Here, they purchased the ID PASS version albums. Impressively, the staff had the foresight to match the *migongpo* to the chosen members, a pleasant surprise given that many stores offer truly random pulls. Next, it was off to Ktown4u COEX for the INVENTORY version. While the price was slightly higher than online, the store boasted massive PLAVE displays and even a name sticker machine. Our fan noted they missed out on a potentially cheaper option at Olive Young Seongsu, a common regret in the fast-paced K-pop shopping world. Finally, a quick browse at Jamsil Animate revealed more cool PLAVE displays, including a giant standee. This fan's detailed account perfectly illustrates the lengths K-pop fans go to for their idols, turning an album purchase into a full-day adventure!
