I love all this! Another sociological theory that might help explain this is called ‘embodied posthumanism’, which is somewhere between your specific k/j-pop example, and your sovereignty theory — it’s a partial rejection of the abstraction of streaming music, to take haptic delight in the physicality of hard media: CDs, vinyl, cassettes; even VHS tapes are popular in this way. It’s fascinating that this love of the physical is strong enough to override any appreciation for the fidelity of the media . . . Because nobody in their right mind would choose a cassette or a VHS tape for fidelity!
I’ve been citing Luminate’s previous study to people for some time now, and I’m delighted to learn through your article that they’ve released a 2026 update. Thank you!
Great article Simon. I'm wondering though, based on the numbers, do you know what countries are leading the purchasing of physical CDs? You mentioned South Korea, but there wasn't an indication of what country has the most CD-purchasing individuals. Is it the US? China? Have the numbers changed over the last couple of years with different countries coming out on top? Just curious.
Good question and I don't know. Unfortunately the Luminate report that was the basis of this post only covers CD sales in the US and Canada. Still, I'm sure the data exists :-)
I love all this! Another sociological theory that might help explain this is called ‘embodied posthumanism’, which is somewhere between your specific k/j-pop example, and your sovereignty theory — it’s a partial rejection of the abstraction of streaming music, to take haptic delight in the physicality of hard media: CDs, vinyl, cassettes; even VHS tapes are popular in this way. It’s fascinating that this love of the physical is strong enough to override any appreciation for the fidelity of the media . . . Because nobody in their right mind would choose a cassette or a VHS tape for fidelity!
I’ve been citing Luminate’s previous study to people for some time now, and I’m delighted to learn through your article that they’ve released a 2026 update. Thank you!
Great article Simon. I'm wondering though, based on the numbers, do you know what countries are leading the purchasing of physical CDs? You mentioned South Korea, but there wasn't an indication of what country has the most CD-purchasing individuals. Is it the US? China? Have the numbers changed over the last couple of years with different countries coming out on top? Just curious.
Good question and I don't know. Unfortunately the Luminate report that was the basis of this post only covers CD sales in the US and Canada. Still, I'm sure the data exists :-)