BTS
The card inside the album is random. And that is the first thing to know.
Techbox, Thessaloniki
First: who is their "bias"?
If you are buying a gift for someone who loves BTS, there is one question that solves everything.
In K-pop, a fan's favourite member is called their "bias". Every fan has one – and they know exactly who.
The group has seven members: RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook. Products are often about one specific member, not the whole group.
A product with the wrong member is not "close enough" – it is wrong. Ask who their bias is before buying.
The group's fans are known collectively as ARMY – you will see it on many products.
The photocards – and why you do not choose
This is the most important thing for anyone buying an album as a gift.
Every K-pop album contains cards with photographs of the members – known as photocards. They are a large part of the value for fans, who collect and trade them.
Which member you find inside is random. You do not choose. Two people buying the same album may find completely different cards.
In practice: if you are buying an album as a gift, do not promise they will get their bias. The surprise is part of it – but it is worth them knowing.
If you want certainty about a specific member: choose a product that names them – a figure, poster, keyring or garment. There you know exactly what you are getting.
Why the same album comes in several versions
You will see the same album in two, three or more versions. It is not a mistake and they are not different records.
The music is identical. What changes is the photobook, the packaging and the inserts – and, of course, the photocards you might find.
If you are buying for someone who already has the album: they may want a different version – many collectors gather them all. It is worth asking which they have.
The official lightstick – the most distinctive product
Every K-pop group has its own official concert lightstick. BTS's is called the ARMY Bomb.
It is not a simple light: it connects wirelessly and changes colour in sync with the entire stadium during the show. Thousands of lights changing together.
It is essential for anyone going to a concert – and one of the most wanted gifts for a fan.
What is happening right now
2026 is the year of the return, after a long pause.
All seven members completed their obligations by June 2025, and in July they appeared together on a livestream for the first time in nearly three years – with more than seven million simultaneous viewers.
The new album was released on 20 March 2026, with fourteen tracks – the group's first full album since 2020.
The following day, a live comeback concert streamed exclusively on Netflix, from one of Seoul's most iconic landmarks.
And the world tour is running right now.
It is their first in four years, with dates extending to March 2027. Which is why the official lightstick and tour merchandise are in higher demand this season.
What to choose
- Albums: with photocards inside – random member, and often in several versions.
- Official lightstick: essential for a concert – one of the most wanted gifts.
- Figures: of a specific member – here you know what you are getting.
- Apparel & accessories: teen and adult sizes.
- Posters & photobooks: for a room and for collecting.
- Keyrings & small items: affordable gifts – often per member.
If you do not know their bias: choose something with the whole group or the logo. It picks no member and you cannot get it wrong.
Also in music: Queen.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I choose which photocard the album contains?
- No – it is random. Every album contains cards with member photographs, but which member you find is not chosen. If you want certainty about a specific member, buy a product that names them.
- What does "bias" mean?
- It is a fan's favourite member. The group has seven members and every fan has their own – ask who before buying, because the wrong member means the wrong gift.
- Why does the same album have several versions?
- The music is identical. What changes is the photobook, the packaging and the inserts. Many collectors gather them all – ask which they already have.
- What is the official lightstick?
- It is the group's concert lightstick. It connects wirelessly and changes colour in sync with the whole stadium. Essential for anyone attending a concert.
- What happened in 2026?
- It was the year of the return. The new album with fourteen tracks was released on 20 March 2026 – their first full album since 2020 – followed by a live concert on Netflix. The world tour is under way, with dates running to March 2027.
