Nam Tae-hyun faces court today (12th): Why fans are flooding resale sites with his rare 'First EP 90' album
The atmosphere outside the Seoul Central District Court was noticeably heavier than usual today (12th). It's the day of Nam Tae-hyun's sentencing hearing. The trial concerning his drug administration charges, which began last year, has reached its conclusion, with the prosecution already seeking a custodial sentence. As everyone held their breath, a few keen observers noticed something odd unfolding elsewhere: some fans were busy scrolling through second-hand trading apps.
Facing detention? Rare collectibles appear on resale platforms
"Wait, why is this here?" Even before the court's gavel could come down, unexpected listings started popping up on a major second-hand marketplace. They were for Nam Tae-hyun's first EP, '90'. What particularly caught the eye were items listed simply as [Used] Nam Tae-hyun - EP 1st '90'. Why all the fuss over a single used album?
This album marked Nam's first release under his own name after leaving WINNER. An EP embodying his identity as someone 'born in the 90s,' it felt like a declaration of a 'reboot' for his fans at the time. Now out of print and intertwined with his current public image, it's become something of a 'rare item' among collectors. And yet, today of all days, multiple copies of this very album started appearing on the platform simultaneously.
'The case for selling' vs. 'The case for keeping'
Of course, it could be pure coincidence. But reading between the lines, it seems to reflect the complex state of mind among his followers. According to sources close to Nam Tae-hyun, a sentiment of "it's time to let go" is reportedly spreading through parts of the fandom. A quick look at resale platforms reveals a steady stream of listings signalling what fans call 'tal-deok' (a portmanteau for 'quitting the fandom').
- "If he gets a prison sentence, the album's value will plummet anyway" – The cold calculation of some fans.
- "Paying my dues for the time I supported him; now it's time to move on" – A note left by one seller on the app.
- "Still, I want to hold onto his debut album" – The conflicted feelings of an old fan choosing to keep theirs.
This phenomenon seems less about simple buying and selling, and more like a way for fans to emotionally 'declutter' after their former idol's fall from grace. The appearance of multiple copies, almost like lots at an auction, makes you ponder the delicate balance between an item's scarcity and the value of the sentiment once attached to it.
The double meaning behind the number '90'
Ironically, the album title on everyone's lips today is '90'. It represents Nam Tae-hyun's birth year (1994) and the starting point of his musical journey. But right now, that number seems to carry another weight. Will the court's verdict mark a turning point in his life? Depending on the outcome, the price of these second-hand albums could swing dramatically.
As one comment on a resale app read, "I once stayed up all night trying to buy that album…" Fan sentiment is indeed a fickle thing. What was once a cherished memory for some has, for others, become just another second-hand item to offload. As he walks out of the courtroom, the path before him might be lined with fans clinging to past glories and the stark reality reflected in those online listings.