NCT Wish and RIIZE Pioneer K-pop’s Keyring Album Trend with Tech-Savvy Collectibles
The K-pop industry has once again redefined music merchandise with the rise of keyring albums — compact, collectible items that combine fashion, technology, and music into one fan-favorite package.
These mini albums, often disguised as plush keychains or stylish accessories, have captivated Korea’s MZ generation (Millennials + Gen Z) by offering portable music access alongside exclusive fan content. With NFC chips and QR codes embedded in the design, fans can unlock digital tracks, videos, and messages simply by tapping their smartphones.
NCT Wish Pioneers the Trend with “Wichu” and “Pop-chu”
NCT Wish launched the trend with their debut keyring album “Wichu,” a plush accessory embedded with an NFC chip. Fans could tap their phones to access songs and digital content, turning the cute keychain into an instant sensation. The product quickly sold out and drew attention from casual listeners and dedicated collectors alike.
Riding on the success, NCT Wish released a sequel, “Pop-chu,” combining fresh music with another collectible design. These releases not only boosted sales but positioned the group as trendsetters in a new wave of merch-driven fan engagement.
RIIZE, J-Hope, and NMIXX Join the Keyring Album Movement
Following the buzz, RIIZE launched voice keyrings for their full-length album Odyssey, offering pre-recorded voice messages from each member and QR codes for music streaming. Shaped like the group’s mascot plushies, these collectibles strengthened fan connections through interactivity and personalization.
BTS’s J-Hope and girl group NMIXX also released their own versions of keyring albums, incorporating exclusive audio, visual content, and more, proving the format’s growing popularity among top-tier idols and major labels.
Once seen as a quirky experiment, keyring albums have become a legit merch trend—offering a compact, stylish alternative to bulky CDs while reflecting K-pop’s flair for innovation, digital access, and fan connection.
