Recently, VICTON's Hanse shared insight as to why idol groups don't need to appear on music shows to promote themselves and their new music.
During a Bubble conversation with his fans, Hanse elaborated that the return on investment for idols participating in these music programs often doesn't justify the effort involved.
He shared, "Music shows are very nice. They're good. but then the profitability is not so good." He continued, "It's not like the promotional effects are huge, like how it was for the 2nd generation seniors I used to watch when I was a baby. It costs 10 million KRW (~7,320 USD) to attend music shows for a week, but you get paid 50,000 KRW (~36.59 USD). lol. I don't know if the amount increased these days but during my time, it was 50,000 KRW (paid) per team. It was like that."
He continued to share, "On top of that, when you make a comeback, you need to look cool. So you have to build the stage set, plus include hair and makeup, styling fees, staff costs, food, snacks, and drink costs. So it'll cost 20 million KRW (~14,634.12 USD). That's all debt to idols." He added, "This is why it's a game that's impossible for most teams. Instead of appearing on these music shows, it's better to use that money to film another music video. These are things I didn't necessarily need to share but some people were curious."
Hanse also shared, "But then they have to do it because they need to promote lol. I really respect K-pop idols... They're the people living in a fierce world. Whenever I release a song, you guys ask me to appear on music shows. So I'm just sharing with you guys why we don't appear on music shows." He continued, "There are very few idol teams that get paid. Except for the idols who become headliners at the top festival lineup or gain recognition from the public not only their fandom, most of the teams' contracts expire with just debt left."
He revealed, "If you disband in the middle without earning money or you complete the 7 years, then you endured well. You don't need to repay the debt if the contract expires after 7 years."
Korean netizens commented:
"Only companies with existing capital can continue to do well. Everything from one to ten is made with money, so it's no wonder that even though they may not be as talented as their seniors, it's the idols from large agencies who are dominating."
"This is why these idols only appear for two weeks to promote."
"Is this the reason popular groups don't appear on 'The Show' or 'Show Champion'?"
"I used to be VICTON's fan...but hearing it blatantly like this makes me feel sad. I wish they all succeed in each of their positions."
"I'm glad he revealed things so realistically. It's not right for them to suffer and be at a loss like that."
"That's so honest of him."
"I work at one of the big 3, and it's 200,000 KRW (~146.35 USD)."
"With such candid explanations, it's easier to understand the struggles they must go through :( Fighting to all idols!"
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Wow! So, that's how music shows work. It's added debts to idols.