Nam Tae-hyun faces court today (12 Mar): Why fans are flooding second-hand markets with listings of his 'EP 1st '90' album
The atmosphere outside the Seoul Central District Court today (12 Mar) felt heavier than before. It's the day of Nam Tae-hyun's sentencing hearing. This trial, related to drug administration charges that have been ongoing since last year, has already seen the prosecution recommend a prison sentence. Just as tension was reaching its peak, some netizens scrolling through second-hand trading apps noticed something unusual happening.
Facing potential detention? Rare 'collector's item' appears on second-hand market
"Huh, why is this popping 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 caught attention was an item titled [Used] Nam Tae-hyun - EP 1st '90'. Why did a simple second-hand album cause such a stir?
This album marked Nam Tae-hyun's first release under his own name after leaving Winner. This EP, embodying his identity as someone 'born in the 90s', was essentially a 'reboot' declaration for his fans back then. Now out of print and coupled with his recent image, it's practically considered a rare find among collectors. The fact that multiple listings for this specific album started appearing all at once, and on this particular day, was telling.
'Reasons to sell' vs 'Reasons to keep'
Of course, it could simply be a coincidence. But reading between the lines, it seems to clearly reflect the fans' state of mind. According to sources close to Nam Tae-hyun, there's a growing sentiment within some fan communities that "it's time to let go." A quick look at second-hand platforms reveals quite a few listings that signify so-called 'tal-deok' (leaving the fandom).
- "If the prison sentence is confirmed, the album's value will drop too" – A cold, calculated perspective from some fans.
- "Paying my dues for the time I spent supporting him, now it's time to move on" – A seller's note on a second-hand app.
- "Still, I want to keep the debut-era albums" – The conflicted feelings of long-time fans who are still holding onto their albums.
This phenomenon goes beyond simply buying and selling items; it reads like a way for fans to emotionally detach from an idol they once passionately supported. Seeing multiple listings, almost like an auction, makes you ponder the value of rarity versus the worth of fan sentiment.
What the number '90' symbolises
Ironically, the album title being mentioned most today is '90'. It's the year Nam Tae-hyun was born (1994) and a number symbolising the start of his musical journey. But right now, this number seems to be taking on another meaning. The verdict delivered in court today could be a major turning point in his life, and depending on the outcome, the price of these second-hand albums might just go through the roof, or hit rock bottom.
As one comment on a second-hand app read, "There was a time I stayed up all night trying to buy that album..." Fan sentiment is indeed a complex thing. What were once precious memories for some have now become 'pre-loved' items others are ready to part with. As he walks out after the court's decision, the path before him will likely be lined with fans who remember his past glory and the second-hand listings reflecting the present reality.