Nam Tae-hyun's fate to be sealed in court today (12th)? The story behind the flood of 'EP 1 '90' listings on second-hand markets

The atmosphere outside the Seoul Central District Court today (the 12th) was heavier than ever. It's the day of Nam Tae-hyun's sentencing hearing. This trial, stemming from drug administration charges that have been ongoing since last year, has already seen the prosecution seek a prison sentence. As everyone held their breath, some people picked up on something unusual. It was a few fans, browsing through second-hand trading apps.

Facing detention? 'Rare collectibles' appear on second-hand markets

"Huh, why is this showing up here?" Even before the court's gavel could come down, unexpected listings started appearing on a second-hand trading platform. They were for Nam Tae-hyun's first EP album, '90'. What particularly stood out were items titled [Used] Nam Tae-hyun - EP 1st '90'. Why did one simple second-hand album attract so much attention?

This album was the first project Nam Tae-hyun released under his own name after leaving WINNER. Capturing his identity as someone 'born in the 90s', this EP was, for his fans at the time, a kind of 'reboot' declaration. It's now out of print, and combined with his current image, it's practically considered a 'rare item' among some collectors. And this album started appearing for sale today, of all days, with multiple listings popping up simultaneously.

'Reasons to sell' vs 'Reasons to keep'

Of course, it could simply be a coincidence. But looking at the context, it seems to perfectly reflect the fans' state of mind. According to sources close to Nam Tae-hyun, there's a growing sentiment within some parts of the fandom that "it's time to let go." A look at second-hand trading platforms reveals quite a few items being sold by fans who are, so to speak, 'moving on' from their fandom.

• "If the prison sentence is confirmed, the album's value will plummet." – A cold calculation by some fans.
• "It's like a tax for the time I spent supporting him; time to let go." – A seller's note on a second-hand app.
• "But I still want to hold onto his debut album." – The conflicting feelings of long-time fans who are still keeping their albums.

This phenomenon goes beyond simply buying and selling goods; it reads as a way of 'emotionally closing the chapter' on an idol they once passionately supported. The listings, especially those with specific collection numbers, almost feel like an auction, weighing up the item's scarcity against the value of fan sentiment.

What the number '90' symbolises

Ironically, the album title being mentioned most frequently today is '90'. It's the year Nam Tae-hyun was born (1994) and the number symbolising his musical starting point. But right now, this number seems to be taking on another meaning. The verdict handed down in court today could mark a major 'turn' in his life, and depending on the outcome, the price of these second-hand albums might swing wildly.

As one comment on a second-hand app reads, "I used to stay up all night trying to buy that album..." Fandom is truly a strange thing. What were precious memories for some have now become 'second-hand goods' that others feel they need to clear out. Once the court's ruling is delivered, on the path he walks out, there will likely be a mix of fans who remember his past glory and these second-hand listings that confront the present reality.