I can't remember who exactly started doing it AND if it started way, way back than I and we all know.
Among the idol groups I followed, WINNER's the recent one I can remember with their single albums "Fate Number For" and "Our Twenty For" in 2017. BIGBANG also did it too way back in 2006 for their debut era (that was later done executed with TREASURE in 2020).
So who started, or re-started, the release of physical albums with only one to three songs at present times? 
Or simply another channel for a quick cash grab before a medium to big one? 
Funny, nowadays it seems like the physical album is the packaging and the photocards are the collectible. 
Nowdays a lot of groups sell as much as they would sell with a mini/full album with single albums. Since It's the only format the agency is releasing for the group and the content is the same apart from the amount of songs, the fans go all in.
Why bother releasing more songs If you can spend less and gaining the same?
Trends change all the time and this is the new trend. To look at it company's perspective, its much more beneficial.
its good for the grp
the single albums sell well
It's something i don't like these days. I prefer to see my favs with only one comeback every year or 2 years but to have a real complete and well-worked album.
This trend of singles and mini albums gives a fast food feeling. I never understood either this tendency to buy several albums for collector cards. If you want pics go to instagram 
it's so wasteful imo
It's applying the Japanese single format to k-pop. For a lot of these groups, this is already how they're operating there.
It's only a matter of time until they copy "the single album comes in three versions with version containing the title track and a different b side" tactic. Cause at that point you've released an overly complicated mini.
It's applying the Japanese single format to k-pop. For a lot of these groups, this is already how they're operating there.
It's only a matter of time until they copy "the single album comes in three versions with version containing the title track and a different b side" tactic. Cause at that point you've released an overly complicated mini.
ah yes, the type a, type b, and then limited editions of those
It's applying the Japanese single format to k-pop. For a lot of these groups, this is already how they're operating there.
It's only a matter of time until they copy "the single album comes in three versions with version containing the title track and a different b side" tactic. Cause at that point you've released an overly complicated mini.
Naurrrr. I hate that for JP releases, you really have to go all out. 
it is more commercial friendly for smaller labels. Cause they cant put out many songs in one mini, the cost of production will be too huge and they might not be able to recoup if sales is not good.
For bigger label, they have no reason to so this. I hate YG for not giving proper mini to Rosé and Lisa. But till this day Im still mad that Blackpink first two single albums dont have physical release.. for collector this hurts
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