Speaker A
What really happens to unsuccessful K-pop groups?
Unpopular K-pop groups face low pay, long waits, unpaid bills, and debts, revealing harsh realities behind the industry.
Key Takeaways
- Unpopular K-pop groups endure difficult working conditions and low pay.
- Financial struggles are common, including unpaid bills and debts.
- The industry has harsh traditions that impact less successful idols.
- Supportive agencies can alleviate financial burdens by waiving debts.
Summary
- Unsuccessful K-pop groups often perform first on major shows like Music Bank.
- After their stage, they must wait hours in a hallway for popular groups to finish.
- They greet the PD only after popular groups wrap up.
- Payment is about 100,000 won (~$80) per entire team, not per member.
- Many idols go long periods without pay, leading to unpaid dorm bills and utility cutoffs.
- Some members use balconies as makeshift refrigerators due to lack of electricity.
- If groups disband, idols may face debts from training and debut expenses.
- Good agencies are those that waive these debts for their idols.
Chapters
Full Transcript — Download SRT & Markdown
Speaker A
A former K-pop idol revealed.
Speaker A
On major shows like Music Bank, they're usually scheduled among the very first performances.
Speaker A
But as tradition goes, after finishing their stage, they're required to stand in a hallway for hours.
Speaker A
Waiting for the popular groups to wrap up, just so they can greet the PD alongside them.
Speaker A
Their payment around 100,000 won, roughly $80.
Speaker A
Not per member, but for the entire team.
Speaker A
Since many idols go long periods without pay, unpaid dorm bills can sometimes mean no gas or electricity.
Speaker A
In extreme cases, members even use the balcony as a makeshift refrigerator.
Speaker A
Finally, if groups disband, idols may also face debts tied to their training and debut expenses.
Speaker A
In this industry, agencies are often considered good if they choose to wave those debts.
Topics:K-popunpopular K-pop groupsK-pop industryidol strugglesK-pop debtsMusic BankK-pop paymentsK-pop agenciesK-pop idolsK-pop hardships
