Would kpop fans still bulk buy albums if photocards didn't exist?

Yes, some would, as there are still fansigns to consider.

Quote from KaiRismatic

As kpop fans love to collect photocards, do you think they wouldn't bulk buy albums, excluding group orders, if photocards didn't exist?

Yes because of fanmeet lottery. If not that it would be for the dick riding contest of my fav has to be number 1 and get every award ever near sports team levels of delusional cult mentality

I think photocards play a huge whole in stimulating people to want to have a copie/some copies of the albums, but I don't think It's the main reason that stimulate bulk buying. Because It's easy to buy photocards separately.

I think It's the own competitiveness in fandom culture and fansign/videocalls

hmm some would but I do feel some would still bulk buy for the sake of their favs

Also someone mentioned fansigns/calls... that is another reason for bulk buying that would still happen.

To a much lesser extent

Quote from KaiRismatic

Separate photocards without albums are so expensive

I tried to buy one but then I saw the price and I'm ok without the missing photocard

But you will only bulk buy If you have money too. If you have money and your main reason to have an album is just photocards, isnt it better to buy separately than having tons of albums that you don't even know If will get repetitive cards?

Yes to go after achievements like they already do

I guess it would depend on whether the photocards were sold separately from the company or just not sold at all...

but certain fans especially those with money - it wouldn't matter either way

only for people who tried to get into fansigns. otherwise i don't believe so

Yes, but not as much.

Even aside from getting into fansigns, there are some fans that care much more about helping their faves do well on the charts. And if you (or more likely, your parents) have the money to waste and you don't have other hobbies instead... I think this would still persist among particularly competitive fandoms.