On November 18, SM Entertainment surprised fans with an announcement on Red Velvet’s official social media, revealing a free photocard giveaway event to celebrate Irene’s debut solo release.

However, demand quickly exceeded supply, leading to frustrations among fans as resellers and other attendees rapidly claimed the goods at SM's Kwangya store.

Fans flocked to the Kwangya store, eager to grab a photocard from Irene’s solo debut, only to discover that stocks were limited. Although some fans were lucky enough to obtain them, others were disappointed when the supply ran out almost instantly.

Not only that, the limited stock even led some fans to complain about resellers who quickly began listing the photocards at inflated prices online. These individuals immediately uploaded the photocards selling them at 60,000 ~ 70,000 KRW (~43.10 USD to 50.27 USD). 

SM Entertainment initially announced they would be releasing more photocards the next day but then concluded the event. 

When Irene discovered the issue, she immediately took action, going to SM Entertainment with a request to release the source art for the photocards so more fans could participate in the celebration of her album and they would not be victimized by the re-sellers.

She explained through the fan communication app Bubble, "I didn’t expect the Courage Talisman (photocards) to be this popular…! I think it’s right to share it with everyone who needs a bit of courage, so I’ve asked the company to release the source photos! Those of you who came to pick it up at the company today got your dose of courage a little early! The gift will be available at 8 PM, so please wait just a little longer!"

Just as Irene stated, SM Entertainment released the source photos for the photocards so that fans could print them on their own.

Korean netizens were impressed with Irene's kindness, attentiveness, and genuine concern for her fans and how quickly she resolved the issue.

Netizens commented:

"Wow, she's so sweet."

"Her fans are so lucky how she quickly took care of the issue."

"I can't believe she released the original art."

"She even told them the size so her fans can print them."

"Irene treats her fans so well."

"Irene is the best."

"This is really impressive."

"She was like, 'I'll be back' and went to request the source art from the company."

"I love how she takes care of her fans so well."

"It's so impressive how she went straight to her company and told them to release the original art."

"Good thing she did this so that these re-sellers can't take advantage of her fans."

"She's so awesome."

"Other idols should release the art too."

"The way she said the fans who were able to get the photo cards first got the dose of courage a little early is so cute too."

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