K-pop fans have long been familiar with the resale of goods, photocards, and concert tickets on the secondary market. A defining characteristic of this industry is limited supply coupled with consistently high demand for collecting merchandise and attending events—especially in the case of groups with mαѕѕive global fandoms, with BTS being a prime example.

This has made fan-to-fan trading and resale a widespread phenomenon, one that has become nearly unavoidable within fandom culture. However, while K-pop fans may have grown accustomed to the existence of resale markets, that does not mean they accept or consider them a normal or acceptable part of fandom life.

This is particularly true when it comes to scalping. K-pop fans have repeatedly faced situations in which scalpers deliberately stockpile merchandise or hoard concert tickets, only to resell them at heavily inflated prices for profit. There have also been cases of individuals posing as fans—or fans themselves—reselling goods that were originally distributed for free by artists at exorbitant prices. Such practices have consistently sparked outrage within the K-pop fandom, as they distort and undermine the experience of genuine fans.

Recently, this issue has become especially contentious within the ARMY fandom, centering on the handwritten letters that BTS sent to fans to mark the beginning of 2026. On January 13, a post quickly drew global attention after revealing an online marketplace listing numerous exclusive handwritten letters from BTS, each priced differently, ranging from 1,500 yen to as high as over 11,000 yen.

The controversy stems from the fact that these letters were intended as a token of gratitude for fans’ unwavering support throughout the group’s three-year military hiatus. Prepared by BTS in late 2025, the letters were distributed free of charge by both BTS and BigHit Music. Yet they have now been turned into commodities, openly listed for sale at varying prices. This act not only commercializes a priceless emotional gift but also inflicts deep hurt upon the sincerity and intentions of the BTS members themselves.

What makes the situation even more painful is that the letters were soмєтнing many devoted fans deeply longed for but could not receive. Not all Weverse membership holders were eligible; only those who qualified as GOLD MEMBERS were entitled to receive a physical letter.

This status is reserved for users who have maintained uninterrupted membership for at least three consecutive years within the same region, with each renewal completed within the designated window (from 60 days before to 30 days after the expiration date). Missing even a single renewal or renewing late resets the streak entirely, resulting in the loss of eligibility—regardless of past purchases or contributions.

As a result, many fans who had purchased significant amounts of merchandise, attended concerts, or consistently renewed their Weverse memberships were left in tears after realizing they did not qualify to receive the handwritten letter. Meanwhile, some of those who did receive it have sought to exploit the opportunity for profit.

Once likened to a Himalayan Crocodile Birkin in the world of collectibles for its unparalleled emotional value, the letter has now quite literally become a Birkin in material terms. Sincerity has been αѕѕigned a price tag and placed on sale as though it were a luxury commodity.

In response to this deeply troubling situation, fans have united in anger, triggering a powerful wave of backlash directed at those attempting to profit from the genuine affection BTS holds for ARMY:

- It’s kind of нєαятвяєαкιиg. Even though there were ARMYs who couldn’t receive it. They shouldn’t have applied in the first place. They definitely applied just to sell it. I’m sure of it

- This is really pissing me off. They don’t deserve BTS or deserves to go see their concert. But deep down I knew this would happen because I’ve seen it a lot, people making profits off of BTS freebies. Some only go there to collect & resell freebies.

- F*ck all these people i knew this would happen. you ungrateful hoes i am in your walls

- Why do they even have ARMY memberships? Every one of those letters deserved to be framed and added to a shrine with other beloved mementos

- If i had that letter I would frame it and probably have a shrine. These people got me fυ¢кed up. Very ungrateful selling soмєтнing that was supposed to be special for fans

- I wish Hybe had written our names on it. These are not fans… disgraceful, and those who are purchasing these are disgraceful as well for supporting this

- how r these the types of ppl who received this gift and n not armys who actually appreciate the boys

- If I had gotten that message through the mail, I’d frame it in a shadow box! I sincerely hope these accounts are matched to the WV and sanctions imposed on them! They don’t deserve these messages!

- Are you kidding meeee? People are selling them? That makes me so upset and sad that they are so ungrateful to appreciate the gift.

- the same happened to jk’s gift set, i said soмєтнing about being ungrateful and some armys were saying it’s ok. ok to profit off? if they don’t want them just give them to others who want it and not sell it because you want money

- Honestly anything from the boys would be priceless.. and if I got it I would cherish it forever..

- They are not even army. They are fancams and resellers that need to have their membership always set for this kind of things