27/01/2025
Types of KPOP Albums and their Packaging- A Comprehensive Guide
If you thought KPOP Albums are just valuable because of photocards, well you’re not entirely wrong but did you know that there are a lot of types of Albums that KPOP offers comparing to other types of music? CDs and Vinyls are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to KPOP Albums.
K-pop keeps coming up with new album designs and packaging giving fans many different formats to collect and enjoy. This guide looks at both old-school physical albums and newer digital formats showing how varied K-pop album releases can be.
Table of Contents
Types of Albums
Before we go tackle what types of Packaging are out there, first let’s define what kind of Albums are being release by your KPOP faves.
- Single Album: Has one main track and one or two B-sides.
- Mini Album (EP): Often includes 4-7 songs typically with one title track.
- Full Album: Has 8 or more tracks offering a more complete musical experience.
- Repackage Album: A new version of a previous album with extra tracks or content.
- Compilation Album: A set of songs already out there sometimes with fresh tracks thrown in.
- Special Album: Comes out for particular events like big anniversaries or seasonal themes.
- Live Album: Captures performances in front of an audience.
Physical Album Packaging Types
Now whether your idol/s releases a mini album or a full one, chances are, they will mostly come in different sizes and versions and here are the physical ones:
1. Digipack Albums:
- A simpler, greener take on old-school physical albums.
- You get a CD, photo book, and maybe some photo cards in a slim tough cardboard case.
- Might pack according to members.
- Weighs less, costs less, and takes up less space than your usual physical albums.
- Doesn’t come with as much stuff as the fancy versions.
2. Jewel Case Albums:
- Standard CD album format in a hard plastic container.
- Contains a CD, booklet, and sometimes extra items for fans.
- Tough and well-known; brings back memories for old-school collectors.
- Not as eye-catching or hands-on as newer designs.
3. Photobook Albums:
- Comes with a big photobook and CD.
- Often has extra goodies like photocards or posters.
4. Limited Box Sets:
- Fancy packages that hardcore collectors love.
- Come with physical albums and special stuff like posters, postcards, DVDs, and many more.
- All-in-one and top-notch; just right for die-hard fans.
- Cost a lot and often hard to get.
5. Vinyl Albums:
- An old-school format that’s back for K-pop fans who dig analog tunes.
- Has a big vinyl record with top-notch analog sound and artwork you can collect.
- Hit the spot for sound buffs and collectors; catch the eye.
- Take up space and need a record player to work.
6. USB Albums:
- Record labels put albums on USB drives often making them look like collector’s items.
- These include digital songs, music videos, and backstage footage.
- They mix collectibility with easy access to digital stuff.
- USB compatibility changes; they lack the appeal of old-school formats.
7. DIY Albums:
- These albums let fans build or decorate parts themselves.
- They come with stickers blank pages, and design options.
- Fans who like to get creative can make these their own.
- They might seem less finished than ready-made albums.
Smart and Digital Albums
1. Platform Album:
- Has a photocard holder with photocards and sometimes stickers or postcards.
- Comes with a QR code or serial number to access digital content.
- Works with the “MINIRECORD” app to stream music see photos, and watch videos.
2. Platform Nemo Album:
- So far been mostly released by JYP artists
- A small, card-sized digital album you can carry and that’s good for the environment.
- Comes with photo cards, album art, and lets you download digital content using a QR code.
- Great for fans who like digital music but still want to collect physical items.
- A green option compared to regular CDs.
3. PLVE (Play Live Video Experience) Album:
- A groundbreaking digital album that gives you a full-on multimedia experience.
- Comes with crystal-clear photos, music, and behind-the-scenes videos you won’t find anywhere else.
- Works with a phone app to bring you even more content.
- Might use AR or VR tech to make things even cooler.
4. SMini Album:
- A small, cassette-sized physical album that SM Entertainment came up with.
- Mixes old-school vibes with new-age tech.
- Has a chip inside that lets you get to digital stuff like songs, photos, and videos.
5. Kihno Album (KIT):
- This album combines digital content with a Kihno kit, which looks like a USB device or chip.
- It has an “Air-Kit” to access digital content instead of a CD.
- You can link it to devices through Bluetooth or NFC.
- To use it, you need to get the “KiT Player” app and hook up the Air-Kit to your smartphone.
6. Weverse Album:
- HYBE artists use this type of album.
- You’ll find photocards and a QR code inside.
- To get to the digital stuff, you have to use the Weverse app.
7. Poca Album:
- Gets its name from the Korean word for photocard (“poca”).
- Has photocards with a code to access digital albums.
- Might include other small items to collect like stickers or postcards.
8. AR Albums (Augmented Reality Albums):
- Use AR tech to give fans interactive experiences.
- Fans can use an app to scan album parts (like covers or photocards) and see AR animations, messages, or videos.
- Offer unique experiences that grab attention and look to the future.
- Need specific apps and devices to work.
9. Digital Albums:
- Platforms sell digital albums or offer them as QR code cards.
- You get high-quality digital tracks and videos without physical parts.
- These albums help the environment, cost less, and you can take them anywhere.
- They don’t come with physical items to collect.
10. Holographic Albums:
- This new idea puts holograms or 3D effects into album designs or inclusions.
- Fans use apps or devices to see 3D content when they interact with the album.
- They look amazing and use the latest tech.
- You need special technology to get the full experience.
***
K-pop keeps coming up with new album designs trying to balance fans’ love for physical items you can collect with the ease of digital content (and maybe a bit of poca agenda). No matter if you’re all about digital love traditional collecting, or somewhere in the middle, KPOP will never run out of choices for you to choose from!
If you need albums or merch, we have everything you need! Browse our Merch Collection to see more!