• I first reported on the K-pop photo card business in June. • Last month, I took a trip to Seoul, where I visited a chain of stores that sells photocards. • A woman beside me splashed out $300 for one card. I spent a third less on a bigger haul.

I must ask you not to judge me.

In June, I reported on the "boy paper" phenomenon, the booming business of K-pop photo card trading. At the time, I was a casual collector of photo cards of Joshua Hong, a member of the boy band Seventeen. My collection was small, and I maintained it by organizing swaps with other fans.

I said at the time, with great gusto and bravery, that I'd never become a person who'd spend more than $10 on a photocard.

Three months on, after a jam-packed Seoul shopping trip, I can't say that anymore.

K-pop photocards a

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