Pink Bloods were frustrated with SM Entertainment's inclusion of additional merchandise in lightstick purchases.

Here's what people are talking about.

SM Entertainment Criticized by Pink Bloods for Including Photocards in Lightstick Purchases, Increasing Prices

On February 15, SM stans, also known as Pink Bloods, gathered in an online community titled, "SM suddenly put random photocards in their lightsticks."

The author then uploaded numerous blurred photocard previews of SM Entertainment artists, who were shown to be holding their representative lightsticks. The post included artists such as BoA, TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls' Generation, SHINee, EXO, Red Velvet, NCT, aespa, and WayV.

OP also added that the photocards weren't for free, as each card cost a total of 4,000 KRW (won), which is equivalent to $3 dollars USD. "They cost 4,000 won each," OP shared.

Fans in the comments section were dismayed by the endeavor and called out SM for being "money crazy." They also criticized the agency's decision to add random pictures inside a lightstick purchase, as well as for increasing its price and value.

However, some were neutral with the sudden addition of the photocards and argued that it wasn't necessary to purchase the merch as a whole. Read their comments below:

• "The photocards aren't even pretty and all of this just for a light stick."
• "As expected from a company that's crazy about money."
• "The fact that they are increasing the prices is so sh**ty."
• "If you have any shame, let's not do random photo cards in a group like SuJu."
• "How are we gonna randomize 20 cards for NCT? But I have to buy it because I joined NCT's fandom nowadays. You guys are charging 4,000 won more just for this?"
• "No, but you don't need to buy it if you don't want to. What's with all this fuss just because of a photo card?"

International fans voiced their take on the matter and stated how greedy the agency's move was. However, the thread was divided, since others claimed that agencies adding photocards inside lightsticks weren't something new to the community.

• "Just nasty, greedy, and evil."
• "The lightsticks are already expensive, so why should we get another one just for some random a** card? SM just wants a quick money grab."
• "It's not new, my Eri-bong from 2017 came with a PC, I got Kyungsoo, they just decided to do it for all their groups now."
• "As someone who never bought a lightstick before I thought it was a thing already. Quite surprised it took them this long."

In other news, SM Entertainment revealed the activities of its artists this 2024. According to sources, various artists under the agency are set to engage in numerous schedules such as comebacks and concerts.

K-pop is currently at international level's reach, and with the agency's second-year implementation of SM 3.0, fans are expected to receive more content from their favorites.

What are your thoughts on their discussion? Let us know in the comments below!

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Written by Riely Miller