A K-pop girl group has been active for 7 years but is yet to get paid? 

During a livestream on May 17, the members of fromis_9 shared shocking stories. However, all the fan accounts that reposted what the members said were deleted.

One of the revelations was that fromis_9 has not received any salary in their entire 7 years of activity. A fan summarized the situation: “There were quite a few shocking details shared today. Saerom said she has no hope left. Nakyung said she wants to receive her first salary. Jisun wants to wear new clothes… They said a lot, but I’m quite sad because we can’t do anything about it.”

Although netizens feel sorry for fromis_9, some suggest that the members might be referring to not being paid in 2024, as they previously mentioned using their salaries to buy gifts for their parents.

The last comeback of fromis_9 was in 2023, and they haven’t had any activities in 2024, which might explain why the company hasn’t paid them. Some other idols have revealed that they receive salaries or payments every few months rather than monthly. Most living expenses, from food and clothing to housing, are covered by the company.

Netizens left comments: 

• “She said she wants to receive her first salary, meaning they haven’t received any salary in 7 years?”
• “I think they are only referring to this year. There’s no way they haven’t been paid for 7 years. I don’t know how Pledis works, but usually, idols are paid 1 to 2 times a year.”
• “If they mean they haven’t been paid this year, it’s still terrible. It’s already May. Does that mean they’ve had zero income since the start of the year?”
• “If they haven’t been paid, how have they been living?”

When it comes to HYBE’s girl groups, NewJeans, LE SSERAFIM, or the rookie girl group ILLIT, are often mentioned. However, few know that fromis_9 is also part of HYBE. fromis_9, the “younger sister group” of SEVENTEEN, is managed by Pledis Entertainment and debuted in 2017.

Before Pledis merged into HYBE, fromis_9 did well, but a vote manipulation scandal caused the group to struggle. Due to their poor performance, few people recognize fromis_9 as a HYBE group.

Recently, member Chaeyoung lamented during a live session: “Why do we have to wait so long to be active? Why only fromis_9? It’s really sad.” 

After Chaeyoung’s complaint, on May 13, Pledis Entertainment announced the schedule and comeback plans for fromis_9. The company stated that they had received many requests for fromis_9 to appear at university festivals. 

Responding to fan requests, fromis_9 will perform at university festivals throughout May, participate in the Weverse Con Festival in September, the Waterbomb Tour in July, and extend their stage activities until early August.

Source: k14