4 K-pop stars with ‘limitless’ black credit cards: from BTS members Jin and Jungkook to Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon, these millionaire idols all rock the ultimate status symbol
In the world of K-pop, a black credit card signifies a celebrity’s larger-than-life bank account and immense yearly spending. Only millionaire K-idols can get their hands on these coveted status symbols, if at all. Various sources say these ultra-exclusive cards are only offered by invitation and are not available for order. They are famously known as the “limitless black card” because, as the name suggests, there is no upper spending limit.
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Other than the spending powers granted to owners, black cards also offer plenty of coveted perks. Plane ticket upgrades are said to be among these, as well as coupons and vouchers for luxury brands, and services such as spas, hotels and more.
Four of the most expensive credit cards in terms of annual fees are Hyundai Card’s The Black, Samsung Card’s Raume O, Hana Card’s Club 1, and KB Kookmin Card’s Tantum, according to KoreaBizWire.
While there are no official reports about the black card selection process, it’s believed that only celebrities with a net worth of at least US$16 million and a spending average of about US$120,000 per year are eligible for the coveted card. An impressive net worth has to be coupled with a high-status reputation, especially among K-pop’s elite. After all, it’s called the “biggest flex in the K-pop music scene” for a reason!
So who among our favourite K-pop idols are lucky black card holders, and what do they purchase with it?
Bigbang’s G-Dragon and Taeyang
It’s no surprise that K-pop royals G-Dragon and Taeyang are among the holders of the elite card. A recent Allkpop report revealed that G-Dragon’s generosity (and limitless wealth, of course!) extends to the friends he’s made during his military service.
The K-pop king, who is also known for his stylish fashion looks, reportedly let friends in his army unit use his black card to buy anything from the military base convenience store, as well as nearby internet cafes, during his two-year mandatory military service.
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BTS’ Jin and Jungkook
Global pop stars Jungkook and Jin of BTS are also reportedly black card holders. Eagle-eyed fans have spotted Jin flashing his black card as he paid for the meals at member Suga’s birthday celebration, treating all members of BTS and their staff. This event also coincided with the last day of promotions for their album “Map of the Soul: 7”. The total bill clocked in at around US$730, according to Kpopstarz and Jin paid for it all with his Hyundai black card.
The youngest BTS member was also spotted by fans trying to buy snacks from a vending machine. His payment was rejected … perhaps because his card was too high-end for the humble machine.
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Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon
It’s no surprise that Girls’ Generation star Taeyeon is the apparent owner of an elite card. The singer casually flashed the prized possession in a vlog on her very own YouTube channel as she took her fans through a day in her life. She was seen running errands and splurging on a cosmetics haul with the coveted black card.
Exo’s Suho
Known as one of the wealthiest members of Exo, Suho is said to carry the famous Hyundai Black Card, according to Seoulspace. His wealth comes largely from earnings as an Exo band member, his many film projects, as well as his ambassadorship with high-end luxury brands.
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In May last year, Suho enlisted for his mandatory military service as a public service officer, on the cusp of his 29th birthday.