‘Impossible to get BTS Army bombs’: K-pop world feels pain of global chip shortage

Light sticks, the glowing wands fans wave during concerts, have become pricier and harder to get amid the global semiconductor crunch

The cost of fanlights used by followers of mega-band BTS has increased by US$2 to US$59 from October 1

Reading Time:2 minutes

Fans arrive for a concert of the South Korean K-pop band BTS in Saint-Denis, France. File photo: AFP

Published: 7:00am, 9 Oct 2021Updated: 8:18pm, 9 Oct 2021

As top K-pop bands get ready to go back on stage or live stream new shows after being sidelined by the pandemic, their fans discover the global chip crisis has also caught up with the world of catchy tunes, glitzy outfits and elaborate dance routines.

Light sticks, a must-have accessory for hard-core enthusiasts of South Korean pop, have become pricier and harder to get due to the shortage that has hit production of anything from smartphones to cars.

The glowing wands fans wave during concerts and virtual events are fitted with so-called microcontrollers for power management and to pair with a phone to change colours, and highlight how far the squeeze has rippled through various industries and aspects of everyday life.

The price of light sticks, used by “Army” or fans of mega-band BTS and referred to as “Army bombs”, has increased by US$2 to US$59 from October 1, Hybe entertainment-owned Weverse Shop said, blaming the “persistent global semiconductor shortage”.

Fans cheer during a K-pop concert in Seoul, South Korea. File photo: AFP

“I sure hope prices won’t get too high since a lot of Army and other fans too cannot afford such prices,” said Pervushina Elizaveta, an entertainment company employee and a BTS fan from Estepona, Spain.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x