[The Value of Albums 3] How MP3s, Sneakers, and Guasha Ceramics Came to Be

"Visually representing the concept and worldview in an intuitive and authentic way""Consistently conveying the musical direction and artist's identity"NMIXX ILLIT CORTIS (from top) released a merch album combining records and merchandise, receiving an explosive response. The photo shows them attending the '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS' held last September. /Reporter Kim Seong-ryeol, Park Sang-min, Nam Yong-heeAlbums that once contained music have become products that contain fan sentiment, and behind them, excessive consumption and environmental issues have also accumulated. Now, albums are becoming keyrings, earphones, and sneakers, entering fans' daily lives. Has only the form changed, or has the value contained within it also changed? We delved into the present evolution from listening albums to collecting albums, and now to using albums, and explored the possibilities for the future. [THE FACT | Reporter Jeong Byeong-geun] With merch albums, fans can experience a connection with the artist even during the usage phase after purchase. The cost paid by fans now includes not just the value of owning the music or components, but also the satisfaction derived from using the product. Agencies that understand this well focus on creating products that can embody music and narrative from the planning stage.A representative from JYP Entertainment explained, "The top priority is 'how intuitively and authentically we can visualize the album's concept and worldview story.' We first identify items that can add deep meaning to the group's worldview and narrative, and then finalize the merchandise after comprehensively considering practical conditions such as production time, cost, and feasibility."NMIXX prepared a Shell version combined with MP3 when releasing their mini 4th album 'Fe3O4: FORWARD' in March of last year. According to JYP Entertainment, both the MP3 item and the seashell design were connected to NMIXX's narrative.NMIXX prepared a Shell version combined with MP3 when releasing their mini 4th album 'Fe3O4: FORWARD' last year. The MP3 item was chosen to express solidarity with those embarking on a voyage together through the 'experience of listening to the same music and message,' and the exterior was designed in the shape of a seashell, symbolizing 'departure.' /JYPThis album is the final album in the 'Fe3O4' series, marking a leap from 'BREAK,' overcoming trials in 'STICK OUT,' and finally setting sail into the world, carrying the message of 'solidarity and harmony' with countless people. The MP3 item was planned to express solidarity with those embarking on a voyage together through the 'experience of listening to the same music and message.'The exterior was designed in the shape of a seashell, symbolizing 'departure.' To ensure high-quality production, we communicated closely with the manufacturer (iRiver) from the initial planning stages, meticulously coordinating design, color, and functional specifications. Considering the long production time required, planning began early in alignment with the completion phase of the 'Fe3O4' trilogy, enhancing its quality.The NCT unit NCT JNJM (NCT Jeno&Jaemin) released their mini 1st album 'BOTH SIDES' in February, combining actual wearable canvas sneakers with NFC. While it might seem like merch simply derived from the album title, SM Creative Visual General Director Kim Wook, Jo Woo-sik, Jo Su-yeon, and Lee Ji-hong embedded various messages within it.NCT JNJM released their mini 1st album 'BOTH SIDES' in February, combining actual wearable canvas sneakers with NFC. The canvas album started from the meaning of two different beings meeting to form a complete entity, connecting the free and cool image of canvas with the charm of the two artists. /SMAccording to them, the canvas album originated from the idea that two different beings meet to form a complete entity. They determined that the characteristics of shoes were suitable for symbolizing their first duo project. Furthermore, they connected the free and cool image of canvas with the charm of the two artists, and added the meaning that fans would also step into their new beginning by wearing the canvas shoes.SM representatives stated, "The most important criterion is whether the form effectively expresses the artist's music and concept. We plan in a way that consistently conveys the musical direction and the artist's identity, and we continuously communicate with the artist and reflect their opinions during the production process."It sometimes starts from the titles or messages of the album's tracks, and other times it draws inspiration from the artist's usual interests or items they actually use. Additionally, the message of the music and the artist's characteristics are connected to the function or design of each product, allowing fans to experience the album in various ways in their daily lives.According to Belift Lab, the gua sha ceramic object version of ILLIT's mini 4th album 'MAMIHLAPINATAPAI,' released in April, originated from the message of 'the moment of preparation' in the track 'GRWM (Get Ready With Me).' The gua sha, reminiscent of a self-care routine, was chosen as an object that could intuitively convey this message.ILLIT released a gua sha ceramic object version of their mini 4th album 'MAMIHLAPINATAPAI' in April. The message of 'the moment of preparation' from 'GRWM (Get Ready With Me)' was brought to life with a gua sha that evokes a self-care routine. The design, featuring a dog silhouette, also captured the mood of another track themed around pets, 'paw, paw!'. /Belift LabThe design is also connected to another track. The dog silhouette design was applied to capture the mood of another track themed around pets, 'paw, paw!'.The Little Mimi version of the merch for the single 1st album 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE,' released in November last year, focused on capturing ILLIT's diverse charms that are not defined solely by cuteness. The cute image of the character Little Mimi created a fun contrast with 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE,' and it was produced to be usable as a fashion item.Additionally, according to Big Hit Music, the lip balm version of CORTIS's mini 2nd album 'GREENGREEN,' released in May, was inspired by the album track 'Blue Lips,' and the three colors (red, black, and purple) of the doll-shaped CORTIS ball version symbolize the title track 'REDRED' and the tracks 'TNT' and 'ACAI,' respectively.CORTIS prepared a singing bowl version when releasing their debut album 'COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES' last year. This merch album was planned after observing the members frequently using singing bowls while focusing on work or resting. /Big Hit MusicThe singing bowl version of their debut album 'COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES' was a merch album planned after observing the members frequently using singing bowls while focusing on work or resting.A HYBE representative said, "We plan with a focus on how to express the album's music and concept through products. We consider the usability of the products so that fans can enjoy the music and the artist's sensibility in their daily lives beyond just collecting the album, and we also look at the fun and collectible value that can be felt in the composition and design." [Value of Albums 1] Not even listening... The paradox of 100 million CDs sold[Value of Albums 2] From keyrings and earphones to sneakers... Music to enjoy while using[Value of Albums 4] Beyond fan sentiment to marketability... Evolution continueskafka@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]