VICTON’s Do Han-se exposes reality of idol music show activities “Music shows = debt, hardly any idols get paid”

Recently, Do Han-se candidly shared his thoughts on idol groups’ music show activities through a fan communication platform.

He said, “Music shows are really good, but we don’t make a lot of money. Going on music shows isn’t as effective for promotion as it used to be for second-generation seniors. It costs 10 million won to promote for a week on music shows, but the appearance fee is only 50,000 won.”

He added, “To make a comeback, you have to look cool, so setting up the stage, styling, on-site staff meals, snacks, drinks and other expenses amount to 20 million won.”

He emphasized that it’s all debt incurred by idols.

He also said, “I really respect K-pop artists. They live in a fiercely competitive environment.”

Do Han-se revealed these circumstances due to fans’ requests for him to appear on music shows, saying, “Hardly any idols get paid. You have to be the headliner at the top of the festival lineup. Apart from a few teams known even to non-K-pop fans, everyone is just accumulating debt until their contracts end.”

He added, “If you disband halfway without earning money or complete the 7-year period safely, you’ve endured well. The debt accumulated during activities doesn’t have to be repaid after the 7-year contract ends. It ends cleanly with no debt.”

Regarding this, netizens’ opinions are divided into various reactions.

Those who sympathize with Do Han-se’s detailed explanation commented, “Thank you for promoting even though you’re in debt“, “You’re paying money to promote“, “Maybe it’s better not to appear on music shows if the promotion isn’t effective“, “There must be reasons why some idols don’t appear on music shows” and “Idols must have a lot of worries these days.”

On the other hand, there are also surprised reactions to his overly realistic statements. Some commented, “Since he’s being so honest, it’s hard to ask him to appear on music shows“, “Still, isn’t showing up on music shows something idols should do for their fans?“, “It’s so sad that there’s no stage to make memories with fans” and “It’s true that music shows are a form of fan service.”

Meanwhile, Do Han-se debuted with VICTON in 2016 and parted ways with his agency in April last year after the contract expired. Since then, he has been working solo under his current agency, The Dial Music.

Source: naver