On March 10, members of DKB, E-Chan, D1, GK, Heechan, Lune, Junseo, Yuku, and Harry-June appeared on the YouTube channel “휴먼스토리” (Human Story), where they shared their daily lives at their dorm and practice studio while talking honestly about the struggles of being a lesser-known idol group. The video showed the members practicing intense choreography ahead of an upcoming concert in Japan. The group demonstrated their dedication by participating directly in creating choreography and writing music.
During the conversation, member Yuku revealed that the group has not yet reached the break-even point needed to start receiving profit distribution. “If we want to make money, we have to earn more than what the company invests in us,” he explained. “We haven’t passed the break-even point yet, so our settlement is currently 0 won.”
Member E-Chan also spoke cautiously about the financial aspect of being an idol. “Talking about money is sensitive, so we have to be careful,” he said. “But if you want to make money, you should never choose this job. Compared to the time and passion you invest, the money you receive is actually very small.” He added that the group currently spends very little on daily living expenses. “For food, the eight of us solve it with about 20,000 won a day,” he revealed.
E-Chan also explained the high costs involved in idol promotions, noting that expenses such as salon visits, mixing, styling, and album production add up quickly. “Even just going to the salon as eight members costs a lot. Mixing fees, styling costs, and album production expenses are really big,” he said, adding that managing these costs is likely difficult for the agency as well.
Despite the financial struggles, the members expressed gratitude toward their company, Brave Entertainment. GK said, “For seven years, they’ve fed us, given us a place to live, and helped us look good. The company is quite big, and we practice in a spacious place.” E-Chan also reflected on the challenges they faced after their debut. “I thought everything would end once we debuted, but it didn’t. We have to prove ourselves, and that’s very difficult,” he admitted.
He described their current situation as a form of investment they are enduring together. “Since we chose this path, we feel responsible for it and are working hard,” he added. The members also shared their strong bond with each other and their deep appreciation for their fans, BB. They said they trust and rely on one another so much that they would choose to be part of DKB again even if they were born again.
They also emphasized that the support of their fans keeps them going. “If you keep going until the end, anyone can do it. Never give up,” the members said. In a message to their future selves two years from now, they added, “You’ve worked really hard all this time. Just stay healthy.”
The video drew attention online, with many viewers expressing surprise that a group active for several years and even holding concerts has yet to receive any settlement. At the same time, many comments showed support for the members and encouragement for their continued efforts.
DKB debuted in 2020 and is known as an all-rounder group, with members actively participating in songwriting, composing, and choreography creation. Members E-Chan and Heechan also gained attention earlier through the 2016 audition program BOYS24, while the group later placed 4th on the boy group survival program “피크타임” (Peak Time) in 2023.
Sources: Daum
You must be logged in to post a comment.