Pokemon Card Craze Triggers Korean Shortage and Japanese Investment Survey

South Korean retailers reported a rapid sell‑out of a new Pokemon‑themed EZL transportation IC card. The card, priced at about 5,000 won (≈$5), sold out within four days after launch at CU convenience stores, with 10,000 units sold and resale prices reaching four to five times the original cost. The shortage prompted lines at stores and a secondary market for the cards.

In Japan, a survey conducted by InnoVest of 587 adults found that 85.3% view Pokemon cards as attractive assets, while 58.8% of respondents who had sold cards reported profit from price appreciation. About 42% said they know others holding cards for investment purposes, indicating a growing perception of Pokemon cards as a tangible investment across the region.