KPOP started to become recognized on a global scale during the second era. This is where boy and girl groups like TVXQ, 2PM, BIGBANG, SUPER JUNIOR, WONDER GIRLS, 2NE1, Girls Generation, and T-ARA dominated the KPOP industry. Social media just began connecting international fans to the world of KPOP, but it was not as organized yet as it is now. Buying merchandise like albums, lightsticks, and photobooks was difficult to do as there was a need for worldwide shipping. The number of steps to follow and the number of fees to pay seem a little over-the-top for fans, even the “capable” ones.
But during the third era where groups like BTS, GOT7, BLACKPINK, and TWICE dominated the KPOP industry, everything seemed to ease a little bit. The “digital age” made it easier for everyone. Songs and whole albums can now be bought digitally, even through your mobile phones. Online KPOP stores multiplied dramatically in just a span of a few years. And shipping companies developed new and cheaper ways to deliver items all over the world.