Core Insights - The article discusses the rising popularity and market potential of celebrity trading cards in China, predicting a market size of 27.66 billion yuan by 2025, with approximately 3.587 million consumers involved in the star card market [1][6] - The phenomenon is driven by a combination of social media engagement, consumer enthusiasm, and strategic marketing by companies like Tencent Music, which recently acquired shares in SM Entertainment to expand into the star card business [1][8] Group 1: Market Dynamics - The trading card market is experiencing explosive growth, with a 22-fold increase in transaction volume for celebrity merchandise on platforms like Xianyu since the beginning of 2024 [6] - The average daily views for celebrity trading cards on these platforms have reached nearly 10 million, indicating a strong consumer interest [6] - Rare cards can fetch exorbitant prices, such as 14,000 yuan for a BLACKPINK member's card and 33,000 yuan for a member of the Times Youth League, highlighting the speculative nature of this market [8] Group 2: Consumer Behavior - Young consumers view celebrity cards as "social currency," using them to connect with others who share similar interests, thus enhancing their social interactions [20][23] - The emotional value associated with these cards is significant, as they provide a sense of companionship and connection to idols, which is particularly appealing to fans [20][23] - The collection aspect of these cards drives consumer behavior, with many fans feeling compelled to complete their collections, further fueling demand [23][24] Group 3: Industry Implications - The rise of celebrity trading cards has led to the emergence of a diverse range of related products, such as card sleeves and storage solutions, which are also seeing increased sales [10][12] - Brands are leveraging the popularity of celebrity cards for marketing purposes, with numerous companies launching promotional campaigns that include these cards as incentives for purchases [13][15] - The entertainment industry is benefiting from this trend, as the sales of albums and merchandise are being boosted by the inclusion of trading cards, demonstrating a successful integration of fan engagement strategies [9][10] Group 4: Future Outlook - The trading card market is expected to continue evolving, with potential challenges arising from oversupply and fluctuating consumer interest, necessitating ongoing innovation and adaptation by industry players [29][30] - The overall market for collectible cards, including those based on IPs beyond celebrities, is projected to grow significantly, indicating a broader trend in the collectibles market [19][29]

Core Insights - The article discusses the skyrocketing prices of collectible cards, particularly those associated with K-pop idols, which have become a form of "social currency" among fans [2][5][64] - The phenomenon of trading these cards has evolved into a significant market, with some cards fetching prices comparable to gold, driven by rarity and demand [17][20][88] Group 1: Market Dynamics - The collectible card market originated in South Korea, with the first appearance of such cards in the album of the girl group Girls' Generation [2][5] - Cards are often non-sellable items included with albums, leading fans to buy multiple albums in hopes of obtaining their desired card, similar to blind box experiences [5][20] - The prices of these cards can vary widely, with typical cards priced under 100 yuan, while some can reach thousands, with a notable example being a card from BLACKPINK's member ROSÉ sold for over 10,000 yuan [5][17][20] Group 2: Factors Influencing Card Value - Cards featuring popular members or those with stunning visuals tend to command higher prices, with limited edition cards being particularly sought after [20][30][37] - The rarity of cards significantly impacts their value, with some limited release cards selling for thousands, reflecting the principle of "scarcity drives value" [30][41] - The market is also influenced by the fanbase's size and wealth, as affluent fans are willing to pay exorbitant prices for rare cards [27][30][64] Group 3: Trading and Collecting Culture - The trading of these cards has created a vibrant community, with fans actively buying, selling, and trading cards on social media platforms [5][64] - The rise of "拆卡直播间" (card unpacking live streams) has further popularized the market, allowing fans to engage in real-time trading and viewing experiences [94][99] - Fans have developed skills to authenticate cards, employing various methods to avoid counterfeit products, indicating a mature market with a focus on trust and verification [67][69] Group 4: Broader Implications - The success of collectible cards has prompted other industries, such as food and fashion, to adopt similar marketing strategies by bundling cards with products [73][79] - The trend has also expanded to electronic cards, which are easier to obtain and have become popular among younger audiences [79][82] - The phenomenon reflects a cultural shift where collectibles are not just items of personal interest but also potential investment opportunities, akin to stock trading [51][54][56]