Exploring the Spectrum: A Comprehensive Guide to Types of Kpop Albums

Cover Photo from Soompi

K-pop fans are like speedy shoppers when their beloved artists release new albums. They don't waste a second; they raid their piggy banks and snatch up those albums, no questions asked! Right?

Kpop albums offer a diverse range of musical experiences. They feature various musical styles, from catchy pop tunes to sentimental ballads and experimental tracks. These albums come in different versions, such as Standard, Limited, Photobook, Kihno, Special, and Compact. 

Here at The Daebak Company, we've put together an easy-to-follow guide that explains what each version and album type means. So keep reading to learn more about the different types of Kpop albums.

A standard version of an album, in simple terms, is the basic release of a music album. It includes a set number of songs chosen by the artist or record label. 

The standard version doesn't typically have any extras like bonus tracks, remixed versions of songs, live recordings, or additional media content that you might find in a deluxe or special edition of the album. It's essentially the core musical content that the artist intended to release as part of that particular album.

Deluxe albums are special versions of an original album, usually including additional content like new songs, live performances, acoustic arrangements, and other bonuses. Some deluxe albums have different artwork, while others use the same artwork as the original release. 

They allow artists to expand upon the original tracklist by releasing cut songs created in the same creative headspace as the original album. This enhances the initial listening experience and offers fans a chance to explore more of the artist's work.

Basically, Deluxe versions with extra goodies make it super tempting.

The compact versio is a simplified edition, primarily focused on the core music content. Unlike other versions of the same album, it does not include additional extras such as posters, photobooks, or collectible merchandise often coveted by fans.

The physical size of a compact album is typically smaller, reflecting its streamlined contents. This can make it more portable and convenient for those who wish to carry their music on the go.

The most significant advantage of a compact album is its cost-effectiveness. Because it does not offer the extra materials found in deluxe or special editions, its price point is usually lower. This creates an excellent option for budget-conscious fans who want to enjoy their favorite K-pop music without spending extra on add-ons.

Digipack is a type of CD or DVD packaging that resembles a book or sleeve cover. It's similar to a jewel case, which is the standard plastic case for CDs, but it typically incorporates elements of paper or cardboard. This design not only makes it more visually appealing but also allows for a more compact size, making it a mini version of the full-sized album.

One of the unique aspects of a Digipack is its ability to be stylized like a book. When you open it, instead of just seeing the CD on one side and a small booklet on the other like in a regular CD case, you may find additional artwork or liner notes printed directly on the inside of the cover. It adds an artistic touch that can enhance the overall experience of owning and handling the album.

Some K-pop albums use Digipacks for special or member versions of albums. In these cases, they often include a smaller photobook than the standard album version. 

The reduced number of inclusions is due to the Digipack's smaller size, but this doesn't diminish the appeal. Fans who prefer individual member versions or special editions can still enjoy unique content tailored to their preferences.

Jewel Case was created in 1982 when compact discs (CDs) were introduced as a new way to distribute music. It became the standard packaging for CDs across different music genres. 

The jewel case is typically made of clear plastic and is designed to protect the disc from damage while also displaying the album artwork. This type of album consists of three parts: a transparent tray that holds the disc, a back card that often lists the track names, and a front insert or booklet that usually contains additional artwork, lyrics, and other information about the discography.

When an album is released in a jewel case version, it means that the CD is packaged in this traditional style. This version often includes the main album tracks and may contain bonus tracks or extra content. However, unlike other packaging styles like Digipacks or special editions, it usually has fewer additional materials or "extras" such as posters, photo cards, or other collectibles.

Kihno versions are pocket-sized versions of your favorite Kpop albums. They're not your typical CDs; instead, they come with an "air kit." These tiny albums are like the fun-sized candies of the Kpop world.

When you get a Kihno album, you won't find a hefty photo book inside, but you're in for a treat with a set of photo cards and some postcards. It's like getting a mini photo treasure trove!

The Air-Kit is like the key to a digital wonderland. To unlock it, all you need to do is connect the Air-Kit to your smartphone and download the "KiT Player" app. It's like your secret portal to the K-pop universe. So, get ready to experience your favorite music in a whole new way with Kihno albums!

Limited album versions are special editions released in a restricted quantity. Sometimes, only a limited number of these fantastic albums get made; other times, they're available for a short while. They are often more unique or elaborate than the standard version.

These limited versions can include extra features like bonus tracks, exclusive artwork, special packaging, or additional merchandise like posters, stickers, or photocards. Sometimes, they might also be autographed by the artists.

Because these versions are produced in limited quantities, they can become collectors' items and may increase in value over time. Once they're sold out, they typically aren't reissued, making them a special purchase for fans.

LP stands for "Long Play." It's a vinyl record format that became popular in the mid-20th century.

Simply put, an LP version is released on a vinyl record rather than a CD or digital format. LPs are larger than CDs, usually 12 inches in diameter, requiring a record player to listen to them.

Many music enthusiasts love these LP albums because they often have a warmer, richer sound than digital music. The larger size of LPs also allows for more extensive and detailed album artwork, which can be a bonus for fans who enjoy collecting physical music.

Nemo versions are like small plastic treasure chests, like those old cassette cases from the good old days. Also known as Nemo Card Album, it is a relatively new type of music album format. Instead of a traditional CD or vinyl record, the music is stored on a card-type smart album. This card can be scanned or tagged to play the content.

When you get your hands on a Nemo version, you'll need to grab the "Nemoz" app from the app store. Use the app to scan that mysterious Nemo card, and boom! You're in for a treat. 

With a scan of the Nemo card, you unlock the digital version, and it's like a private concert in your pocket. Not only that, you'll also score some super high-quality digital photos to enjoy. It's like the album comes to life on your phone!

A photobook version is a special edition where, along with the music, you get a book full of photographs related to the album.

These photos could be of the artists or band, behind-the-scenes shots from the making of the album, images from music videos, or any other visuals that tie into the theme. The photobook makes the album more than just a collection of songs; it becomes a visual experience, too.

A special version is a music release that offers something different from the artist's regular studio albums. This could be in the form of unique content or packaging. 

It might include previously unreleased tracks, live performances, remixes, or acoustic versions of songs. It could also feature collaborations with other artists that don't appear on standard releases. These albums come out for special moments like the band's anniversary, and they're all about showing love to their dedicated fanbase. 

The physical version of a special album often comes with extra items like photobooks, posters, photo cards, or other collectibles. These extras make the album a unique item for fans to add to their collection.

A platform version offers a unique twist on traditional music albums by merging physical and digital elements. But wait, there's more! 

On the back of each photo card, you'll find a QR code and a secret serial number. To unlock it, you need to grab the 1Takes or Mini Record app and enter the code or number. 

Once the QR code is scanned, it opens up a treasure trove of digital content. The type of content available can vary greatly, but it could include the album's music, exclusive videos, interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, digital artwork, lyrics, and much more. This combination of physical and digital elements provides a more immersive, interactive, and engaging experience for music lovers.

The world of Kpop albums is diverse and exciting, offering fans a wide range of options to explore and collect. From the traditional full-length albums that showcase the artistic depth of a group to the minis that provide quick bursts of creativity and the special editions that come with unique merchandise and experiences, Kpop albums cater to various tastes and preferences.