Why I Stopped Collecting K-pop Photocards

Often, our hobbies and collections begin with great excitement and continue to bring us joy. However, over time, these activities can change, becoming less enjoyable or even taxing. This is the case for me when it comes to collecting K-pop photocards (pcs). Here, I share my story and hear from others who have had similar experiences.

My Journey from Enthusiastic Collector to Reluctant Collector

My passion for collecting K-pop photocards stemmed from a desire to support the group, but over time, the feeling shifted. Initially, it was about collecting photobooks, albums, and lightsticks, with minimal financial investment. However, as the collection grew, so did the pressure to find specific cards and fill all album inclusions. My initial optimism turned into frustration and stress as the collection became more of a task than a hobby.

Why the Switch?

One primary reason for my hesitation was the financial aspect. I realized that purchasing a 4-inch by 5-inch cardboard photo of a grown Korean artist for $30 seemed excessive. While it can be rewarding to own such items, the majority end up sitting unused in binders, only to be sold for college expenses.

Additionally, I no longer found personal satisfaction in the collection. The joy derived from acquiring new cards diminished as the focus shifted from collecting to filling every slot in a checklist or binder. This meticulous approach required more time and money, transforming what was once a fun hobby into a more serious commitment.

Others Who Have Had Similar Experiences

I recently came across your thread, and I found that I might be in the same boat as you. My initial foray into collecting stemmed from my love for the K-pop group Gfriend during high school. My collection consisted of a few cheap cards and albums as a promise to myself. However, when I ventured into university and got my first job, my loyalty shifted to the group IZONE. This new group piqued my interest, leading to a more serious and extensive collection.

While I_ZONE remains one of my favorite groups, my collection has become a significant investment of time and money. The joy of collecting cards has been overshadowed by the pressure to fill all inclusions and find rare cards. This quest for perfection has turned the hobby into a whirlwind, with a greater emphasis on the checklist and binder than on enjoying the music or entertaining content.

One piece of advice that comes to mind is to do what makes you truly happy. My recommendation is to collect photocards of your favorite artists, but only if it aligns with your personal satisfaction rather than a sense of obligation. Buying multiple irrelevant cards simply because of the artist’s name might lead to regret.

Conclusion

Hobbies and collections are meant to be enjoyable and relaxing. If a hobby becomes a source of stress, it might be time to reassess and reconsider. My initial love for collecting K-pop photocards has transformed, and I now prefer the days when it was purely about enjoying the music and watching YouTube videos. Looking back, I believe that the old days of Gfriend were more fulfilling and purely enjoyable.

If a hobby no longer brings you joy, consider switching to something that does, or perhaps take a break to reassess your goals and motivations.