Since Kpop groups always consists of multiple members, how the groups’ earnings are divided also draw attention
Kpop is growing at a rapid pace, and the Kpop group model is attaining immense successes. However, unlike solo artists who earn according to what they earn, a group with multiple members can adopt different methods when it comes to money.
Regarding this topic, former idol Coco and former JYP trainee Gina Maeng has revealed that there are 2 division methods among Kpop groups. The two also discussed in a past vlog that to maintain peace within a group, members have to be careful and considerate regardless of what method they choose.
First, Gina Maeng shared that some Kpop groups decide to split their earnings equally for the first 4 to 5 years of activities. This method, while seemingly fair, may cause drifts within the group if a member is more popular than others. In particular, this specific member will have to work much harder with many more schedules, only to earn the same amount, leading to amiss feelings in both the member and the remaining groupmates.
Many Kpop idols split their earnings equally between members in the first 4 or 5 years
This has happened to the JYP girl group MissA, where Suzy is much more recognized than the other 3 members. In this case, Suzy scored a lot of commercial deals, released solo music, and assumed various acting roles, and yet received the same amount of money at first. The group ended up disbanding, with Suzy still growing further in her solo career, while the rest became much less relevant.
Another former idol also disclosed that the same also happened to AOA Seolhyun and EXID Hani, who had higher popularity, and yet received the same amount of money. Later on in their career, this has changed.
Work more – earn more
Not all groups accept an equitable distribution of income. Some groups decide to pay members based on the number of jobs they do. For solo acts, the performer will get the salary; the groups SNSD, WANNA ONE, and BIGBANG use this method of money distribution. Profits from group activities must still be distributed evenly.
So far, SNSD has always kept the rules of reasonable profit sharing. Members with individual activities will keep their own funds. Accordingly, the person with the highest income is YoonA. The female idol has achieved success in many fields and is increasingly active as an actress.
However, there are disadvantages to this method of division as well. People who earn less money will be motivated to work harder. But it also makes them feel inferior, which causes conflicts within the group.
