▲ This image of BTS is provided by Big Hit Music. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, Aug. 7 (Yonhap) -- 

A recent survey has revealed that 4 out of 10 K-pop fans in the United States spend more than $100 (approx. 140,000 won) annually on K-pop CDs, underscoring the genre's strong merchandise-driven fandom culture. In contrast, fewer than half of the respondents had attended a K-pop concert in the past year.

 

According to a report titled “K-POP FANDOM IN THE U.S.” published by Billboard, the survey was conducted from August 15 to 30 last year and involved approximately 1,400 readers aged 14 and older.

 

 

▲ This graph proivded by Billboard shows K-pop concert attendance among U.S. fans. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

The results showed that 63 percent of respondents had purchased K-pop CDs within the past year. Among all respondents, 41 percent reported spending over $100 on CDs alone. Spending breakdowns revealed that 10 percent spent $101–150 (approx. 140,000–210,000 won), 6 percent spent $151–200 (approx. 210,000–280,000 won), 5 percent spent $201–250 (approx. 280,000–350,000 won) and 20 percent spent more than $250.

 

Additionally, 52 percent of respondents stated they had purchased multiple copies of the same album due to variations in design or bonus content—highlighting the collector-driven consumption pattern unique to K-pop.

 

Billboard emphasized that U.S. K-pop fans are deeply engaged in purchasing and collecting merchandise, including albums, clothing, and lightsticks. Glenn Peoples, Billboard’s Chief Analyst, remarked, “What differentiates K-pop from other genres is the fans. K-pop fans are not just passive listeners—they are devoted, active, passionate, and organized.”

 

 

▲ This graph proivded by Billboard shows the spending distribution on album purchases by U.S. K-pop fans over one year. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

Despite strong physical media sales, concert attendance lagged behind. About 53 percent of fans said they had not attended a single K-pop concert in the past year. Only 16 percent attended three or more concerts. When asked why they didn’t attend concerts, 64 percent cited long travel distances, while 56 percent pointed to high ticket prices.

 

The demographic breakdown showed that 80 percent of respondents were female. Nearly half (48 percent) were under 24 years old, while 12 percent were 55 or older. The 45–54 age group, though representing just 11 percent of respondents, emerged as the most enthusiastic in terms of merchandise purchases. A striking 82 percent in this group reported buying K-pop-related goods such as clothing and posters, and 55 percent had purchased album packages bundled with merchandise—higher than any other age bracket.

 

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