How do kpop companies make money. The first social AI video platform that makes cutting-edge video generation accessible to everyone, on OUR terms. May 6, 2025 · K-pop idols are known for their glamorous lives, stunning visuals, and sold-out concerts—but how much do they really earn? While the global K-pop industry is worth billions, not every idol enjoys massive paychecks. There are mainly 3 ways musicians make money: Selling the rights to their discography. Charting is nice but they just simply dont pay anything to the point of truly prioritizing it. Jul 26, 2024 · The industry is betting on a new internationalized business model that could be a make or break moment for the idol music genre. Jul 19, 2023 · Thanks to the success of BTS, Kpop entertainment companies are reporting all-time high profits and pop groups are getting global exposure. Still, Korean agencies usually work through foreign publishing companies that do the job to connect them with the right producers. Nov 18, 2023 · Kpop entertainment companies spend a lot of money building their Kpop star’s brand image. A place to ask your K-Pop questions. I know a lot of older generation idols couldn't make a lot of money because the contracts were like inhumanely Kpop companies pay these shows for their artists to perform on them (though there's rumors big companies don't have to pay). For Western artists, touring is pretty much the number one way to make money. Quick googles say that 1 play on Spotify is less than a penny. K-POP is not just about talent—it’s about **a well-structured system designed by entertainment companies** to create the biggest stars. Idols currently under contract usually get their basic needs met by the company but some may take part time jobs during longer hiatuses, and depending on the company the money spent to support them comes out of the money they make Here are Top 7 Biggest Kpop Companies. Securing their future is a smart move that idols are aware they must do during their prime. Apr 14, 2022 · READ MORE: How Much Money Do TWICE, ITZY, aespa & More Make a Year? Average Annual Salary in JYP and SM Entertainment Examined For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz. Mar 10, 2025 · Discover how K-POP idols earn money, from album sales to brand deals, and find out who the highest-paid idols are in the industry. Established in 2016, it operates as a subsidiary under the Kakao Corporation. Grazy Grace used to be a famous rapper in Kpop. Feb 21, 2025 · Below is a curated list of some of the best Kpop companies for foreigners that are receptive to foreign trainees and provide the necessary support for their development Mar 16, 2023 · Their exceptional devotion and readiness to spend money on their beloved groups have turned K-pop groups into extremely profitable ventures for their companies. Plus Somi and Zion T from TBL. CF deals rise from being popular = more of an audience being reached = more cf deals = more money in your individual pocket (and a cut for the agency). But in general, a group’s share of X profit will be divided per contract between all members. From auditions to global marketing, **agencies control every aspect of an idol Jul 18, 2022 · Somi 's debut was hardly some massive success, so if you're genuinely a new kpop company you'd already be questioning the value of the product. 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. Also (Part 1),Trainee/Idol Debt & Expenses,trainee debt,trainee expenses,How much are idols/trainees paid?,Profit distribution?,idol debt,how much do kpop idols make,how much do kpop trainees make,how Oct 1, 2021 · There have been many people in the entertainment industry, former staff or former idols sharing real stories about the actual amount of money they made as K-pop artists. Depending on the company, the exact amount and type of payment can vary, but trainees typically pay either a fee to join the agency or a percentage of their income as they become successful idols. The growth of K-Pop has doubled over the decades, which makes everyone ask: How much money do Try our new app: Aire Video. Thanks to their devoted fans, popular K-Pop artists are able to sell millions of albums at a time and generate revenue through Aug 15, 2025 · The K-pop business is booming and more Q2 2025 music earnings report takeaways, including the effect of foreign exchange and volatility in ticketing. You can get help with Identifications, Recommendations, Explanations, or Discussions about K-Pop music, artists, genres, content, or industry/cultural issues. on the other hand, western acts are usually doing festivals and opening for other acts until they gain enough of a fanbase and gp recognition to do a tour. As far as I know, Kpop groups (barring the top groups like SNSD, Big Bang, etc) do not seem to make a lot of money from album sales (at least relative to North America). One reason that K-pop trainees have to pay is because many companies finance their trainees’ development, which includes providing them with K-Pop (Korean popular music) is a musical genre consisting of pop, dance, electropop, hiphop, rock, R&B, and electronic music originating in South Korea. P, Block B, and BTS (when they were smaller of course). Which agency came out on top with the most money between January and March this year? Read on to find out. May 19, 2024 · Finding the average salary of a Kpop idol is going to be nearly impossible, as some are multi-millionaires while others are in debt to their company and making no money. Feb 1, 2024 · K-pop, a global phenomenon, has captured the hearts of millions with its catchy beats, interesting performances, and, of course, the charismatic idols. Jun 16, 2020 · Ever wondered which among YG, SM, JYP, and Big Hit pay the biggest salaries on the average for their employees? K-pop enthusiasts might also get curious as to how much their favorite idols get Nov 11, 2022 · A reporter turned YouTuber released a video revealing the shocking amount of money idols get paid for music show appearances compared to what it costs. First, a quick breakdown of terms: K-Pop company finances are measured via three key figures—revenue The most obvious way to make money as a K-Pop idol is through music. I hope someone here can answer my questions. But have you ever wondered how much these global brands pay their employees? Well, wonder no more because a recent report released by the Data Analysis Retrieval and Transfer System has revealed how much each company from the “Big 3” pays their Jul 19, 2024 · Do you have to pay to be a K-pop trainee? Under most contracts, trainees and K-pop idols are required to pay back their management agencies for the cost of singing and dancing lessons, their wardrobes and living costs, among other things. How Do K-Pop Companies Make Money? Have you ever wondered how K-Pop companies turn their artists’ talents into global success and profits? In this video, we’ Mar 24, 2023 · It's important to note that K-Pop idols all have unique/complex contracts with their management companies, which means the money generated from these endeavors will somewhat vary. Oct 22, 2024 · Behind the glitz and glamour of K-pop lies a business reality driven by fierce competition and substantial financial investment. And these days, with Instagram, brand ambassadors, and all the other type of gig I feel like idols have even more way to make their own money. Once we crunch through the numbers, you start to find out that some idols don't Oct 29, 2021 · Between SM Entertainment and JYP Entertainment, which company and artists have a higher average annual salary? In a recent report of Korea's financial regulator, the amount of money K-pop artists A place to ask your K-Pop questions. Oct 21, 2025 · There's one question that many K-pop fans find themselves asking: How much do K-pop idols make? The answer isn't as simple as an hourly wage - Korean music artists usually have to pay back debts to their entertainment company first before they can see any sort of profit for their hard work. Many fans are curious about the earning divisions in Kpop groups Regarding this topic, former idol Coco and former JYP trainee Gina Maeng has revealed that Entering the K-pop industry as a music producer From the outside, it most likely looks like entering the K-pop industry is almost impossible without direct contact with one of the Korean labels. Any idea as to what percentage of tour profits actually goes to the group? So, this is some tip just to make money online as a K-pop fan, Hope This tip help you guy. -Debt includes: Training fees (classes, instructor salaries, room and board),… Apr 9, 2018 · It is no secret that SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, and JYP Entertainment are considered the top 3 agencies when it comes to K-Pop artists. We have gathered plenty of information for you to solve your queries on kpop idols’ earnings. This lets the producers collect a wide selection of demo samples to Jul 31, 2023 · Ever wondered what your favorite K-Pop idols make off those streaming numbers you help rack up with endless repeats of your favorite songs? The South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has set a designated unit price for music streaming, and it paints a fascinating picture of K-Pop economics in the era of digital consumption. After looking at recent sales figures and profit margins for the five agencies, however, netizens noticed that there was still quite a discrepancy even between the top companies. Self-producing doesn't mean costs are always lower No, it literally does; the cost of song production is lower when idols do it themselves. Do idols get paid a fixed monthly salary? During comebacks: - are idols paid if they guest on variety shows / radio shows? Who pays them? The agency or the Aug 4, 2023 · Selling kpop albums you no longer need is a great way to make some extra money. May 17, 2021 · All of K-Pop’s “Big 4” companies— HYBE, SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and YG Entertainment —have now revealed their revenue and profits from 2021’s first quarter (Q1). TODAY'S VIDEO: How kpop companies are using paid messaging apps to take your money Hey guys! I am really excited about today’s video, which kicks off a mini series on my channel titled: all the Aug 6, 2021 · You may have heard that K-Pop songwriters can earn big if their songs top the charts, but how true is that really? In a new interview with AYO on YouTube, JYP Entertainment composers KOBEE and Holy M revealed what their earnings are like. Here is another video from a former Kpop idol talking about how idols get paid. Artists who perform do get paid, but it's a very low amount. Jan 20, 2024 · READ MORE: How Much Money Do TWICE, ITZY, aespa & More Make a Year? Average Annual Salary in JYP and SM Entertainment Examined For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz. They're not necessarily paid by the song. Kakao Entertainment Kakao Entertainment worth $400 million & holds the seventh position among Korea’s most prosperous entertainment enterprises, boasting a market capitalization exceeding $400 million. I only count 14 active idols in YGE (Treasure and BP). Check them out here! Ever wondered how K-Pop companies turn their investments into successful global brands? In this video, we'll explain the main ways these entertainment agencies generate revenue from their Jun 22, 2024 · K-pop groups make money through various avenues. Yes, K-pop trainees typically have to pay in some way. Sep 13, 2022 · Kpop is growing at a rapid pace, and the Kpop group model is attaining immense successes. ” How do Kpop entertainment companies make money? Kpop Tours and Merchandise Sales These tours generate money through tickets but Mar 5, 2016 · Although there are countless idol groups and agencies in the K-pop industry, five companies have stood out above the rest in terms of size and popularity. 7. While K-pop idols shine on stage, producers navigate Jan 6, 2024 · Recently, a post on Theqoo provided intriguing data about the earnings of staff in the Big 4 entertainment companies – HYBE Labels, JYP, SM, and YG Entertainment. But, the tl;dr version (very, very loosely) is that, unless you're from a top tier group, you probably don't get paid much, if at all. 👉 Watch Me Ranking K-pop Company Worst To Best! [ https://www. Which K-pop agency gives the highest salary to idols? For example, JYP, SM, and YG are the top three agencies and give To find out how much money Kpop idols make, first, you need to understand how income distribution works in Kpop. ). Nevertheless, I'm quite TODAY'S VIDEO: How kpop companies are using albums to take your money Hey guys! In my previous video, I started mini series, exploring some of the ways in which kpop companies are trying to take Nov 14, 2022 · JYP Entertainment has reported its sales and operating profits for the third quarter of 2022. I was just wondering how kpop idols make money. Some members may also make money from things like song royalties (separate from their share as performers) and individual activities (hosting, acting, CFs). Apr 2, 2023 · Someone needs to add up all the idols and "celebrities" of these four companies and figure out which companies are being generous and which are being cheapskates. The entire kpop system relies on the company making their money back before the idol gets paid. According to the company's quarterly report published… 73 votes, 105 comments. This will continue until you reach the break-even point – where you’ve finished paying your debt and can now begin making money! Companies for Kpop idols were notorious for underpaying talent as "talent investment fees" however they do make much more from brand deals but the 50mil is not too crazy at all from the talent agency You won't get any real answer on how much idols make because that's the same as asking how much actors make. Considering that most kpop groups make money touring rather than through album sales, and that companies benefit the most from album sales, companies have been making bank off their artists this pandemic. Although SM, YG, FNC, JYP, and Cube are all very large and A place to ask your K-Pop questions. Jun 24, 2025 · International kpop fans can participate in the bidding process, but they cannot buy and sell their shares due to financial regulations in the country. I am curious about how kpop idols are paid by their agency. Some groups agree to share $ from individual activities May 4, 2021 · What are the most effective Kpop marketing strategies that companies implement to skyrocket the popularity of Kpop artists? Learn more! Musicians, KPop or otherwise, barely make any money of charts. Jul 10, 2020 · For any kpop trainee that debuts, all the money that you earn will be going to the company until you pay back that debt. After all the group earnings, label distribution and royalty on a song are very different and confusing in the kpop industry. Apr 11, 2019 · K-pop girl groups, unfortunately, often don’t have it as easy as their male counterparts. They also make revenue from views, though that's not as much. Discover how much these talented artists make, the factors influencing their income, and the various revenue streams that Aug 25, 2020 · Is Kpop a business? The genre known as K-pop outside of Korea can actually more accurately be characterized as a specific entertainment business model, with a strong export-oriented focus, for a genre of music that Koreans know within the country as “idol music. Basically, if you ran your own K-Pop company, what would it be like? By this, I mean: * Funding (I know the Korean government gives you a bit of money if you start your own business, but probably… Jan 8, 2025 · kpop entertainment companies motivations in this guide focusing on their goals and unique approaches in the global music industry. At first glance, i REALLY dont like how JYP is only paying 70B won while YGE is paying 98B won. However, one thing i never understood is why do idols join small or unknown companies? Basically companies that have debuted no kpop group before? Isnt it such a huge risk, why would they take it?. What are your takes on how K-Pop idols earn money? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Dec 17, 2022 · How do entertainment companies in South Korea pay their artists? Like most Korean entertainment companies in South Korea, they have rules and agreements in the contracts with their artists where some or maybe most of the income that their artist gains will go to the company. bigger companies? How do artists or groups from small companies fund their projects / at what point do they start earning money? On my mind are B. That's 16 total not including whatever counts as a Sep 13, 2025 · How Do K-Pop Agencies Make Money Outside Music? Have you ever wondered how K-Pop agencies generate revenue beyond music sales and concerts? In this video, we'll explore the various ways these Jun 20, 2012 · Without a doubt, more and more K-pop idol groups have been sprouting up in the Korean music industry. “There’s this kind of unwritten rule in K-pop I’m still trying to understand where male acts earn more from album sales and touring, and female acts tend to make most of their money from endorsement deals,” Benjamin says. Idols from bigger companies get more exposure and more opportunities to make money in the form of acting, CFs, etc. In 2024 alone, the K-pop industry generated over $12 billion in global revenue, driven by music sales, sold-out stadium tours, merchandise, streaming, and increasingly, brand partnerships and content licensing. There are just some of the factors that affect how K-Pop idols earn money. kpop groups are actually very lucky in this regard because i’ve noticed that quite a few groups are able to hold fanmeets and even do small tours in their first year or 2nd year. Popular ones will get a few hundred, not well known ones likely won't break $100. As long as you have enough money to pay the termination fee you can break any contract, idols can break their contract too if they have enough money. But Apr 17, 2025 · Favorite South Korean singers and groups worldwide 2024 Popular online music services for K-pop worldwide 2024 Most successful K-pop companies in South Korea 2024, by sales revenue Jan 1, 2023 · It is a common question in the kpop world “ how much do kpop idols make in money?”. Revenue: The money earned from selling albums, concert tickets, merchandise, and streaming services etc. In general, most Jan 5, 2025 · Whatever is the case, it’s inevitable that the majority of K-pop idols simply can’t pursue this career forever. Oct 23, 2024 · ‘K-pop is all about money’ While K-pop idols shine on stage, producers navigate challenges behind the scenes, especially when securing the funds to sustain their artists' careers. In addition to some of the things mentioned some will do things like stream on Twitch or AfreecaTV or do the Instagram influencer thing if they're popular enough. Once a Kpop artist becomes a star, they are encouraged by the Kpop Entertainment company to promote their music, videos, and tours on their social media channels. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Mar 9, 2025 · Ever wondered how K-POP agencies turn trainees into global superstars? The world behind K-POP idols is full of **intense training, strict management, and strategic promotions**. you Hello. Most money in kpop is to be made through royalties and selling productions, so all the producers make bank, even if the idols fail, because they sold their song to a company. In fact, an idol’s income can vary widely depending on factors like popularity, agency contracts, endorsements, and more. Don't quote me on this but the goal of every artist, whether kpop or western, the main goal of touring is to sell the merchandise. Learn how to sell kpop albums, plus where to sell them to get the most money! I feel like sometimes we can have a idealized perceptive on how much idols can make, how much profit they get from their activities, etc. You will hear about many K-pop idols who, once they start making money, start investing in their own businesses and real estate. Nov 14, 2023 · HYBE has become the powerhouse for top idols in the K-pop industry and has emerged as a global player in the music industry thanks to the popularity … Jan 5, 2025 · Whatever is the case, it’s inevitable that the majority of K-pop idols simply can’t pursue this career forever. I know some agencies pay living allowances. Jul 2, 2023 · we delve into the fascinating world of K-pop idols' earnings and paychecks, shedding light on the financial aspects of the industry. Butyeah. Aug 22, 2022 · Nope, BTS or Blackpink don’t top the list – from mega music deals to epic endorsements, find out which Korean artists are making bank the fastest Ik big company idols usually have a lot of opportunities after disbandment in entertainment industry but I wonder if they make enough money to live comfortably for the rest of their lives (at least enough for them to don't have to work for office jobs except being a producer, etc. After a hiatus, she decided to become a YouTuber and quickly gained attention with the videos revealing the behind-the-scenes stories of the entertainment industry. Together, KOBEE and Holy M have worked on songs for ITZY, GOT7, and Stray Kids, as well as tracks for other companies’ artists (including ONEUS, UP10TION Jul 10, 2023 · Through the "Korean Cowboys" podcast, two former K-Pop idols set the record straight about whether or not companies take all the money groups earn. Expenses: The money… Debuting under a mid-tier company such as Cube, Woolim or Starship can be more hit or miss when it comes to creating successful kpop careers. Feb 2, 2022 · Hello, I feel like the title is self-explanatory enough. Merchandising: selling branded goods like clothing, lightsticks, and posters. Obviously Kpop still has physical album sales, but the amount artists get from that varies from company to company. most artists make most of their profit from touring. A random extra is obviously going to make a lot less money than a lead actor. Also, I'm assuming that most of the money they make goes towards paying their stylists, make-up artists, choreographers, the company, and towards paying for their food, stage Jan 29, 2018 · - Acts signed to the Big 3 (SM, JYP, and YG) get paid as soon as they debut -The other companies, generally have the "break-even" standard: Artists don't earn wages until their debt to their agency has been paid off. It really depends on the contract, which depends on both the group and the company. A. Kpop groups are an insanely bad investment generally speaking so why are so many unknown/unstable companies debuting them? I know they get money from album sales, concert revenue, sponsorships etc, I’m just curious if the pay is divided equally among members (I know there’s some type of pay discrepancy for non Korean idols), do they get a salary pay? How does this vary between small companies vs. I also know some idols owe their agencies a lot of money (training, other expenses). Beyond the glitz and glamor, there's a burning question: How much do these K-pop idols actually make? May 1, 2025 · The Billion-Dollar Boom of K-pop Trainee System In just over a decade, Korean pop music (or K-pop) has evolved from a niche regional genre into a global cultural force. I think that some companies have trainee debts (I don't know if it's still a thing). The exception is people like Jang Jin-young who are signed under a company and produce in the company's name. Aug 11, 2023 · Looks like K-Pop is booming in 2023! The numbers have been crunched for the Big 4’s total profits and revenue for the first half of 2023. Nov 20, 2023 · The standard kpop group will make more money from touring, then album sales, then CFs, and lastly digitals The exceptions are groups in their early stages of their lifes, those groups can't tour Jul 3, 2025 · To arrest declining revenue from albums, K-pop agencies are turning to concerts and merchandise sales to shore up their balance sheets. You 'd need this imaginary soloist (or Somi in this example) to make enough money consistently to build up your assets over a few years. Music sales: both digital and physical album sales contribute to their income. Concerts and tours: live performances and world tours are significant revenue sources. Also, companies can't sell their trainees to other companies without trainee's will so maybe Wonyoung didn't want to join source or source didn't think she would fit the new group. Engaged in a diverse array of ventures, Kakao Entertainment encompasses Apr 28, 2025 · How to become K-pop trainees: do you really have to join global auditions? Here’s the real process—and apparently, it’s NOT just talent. It does depend a bit on what company you come from (the Big 3 aren't as big on this as smaller companies with less resources/influence, for example). Artists mainly make money from two things: cf deals and touring. In addition to music, K-Pop has grown into a popular subculture, resulting in widespread interest in the fashion and style of Korean idol groups and singers. amk1 in jdd nzo oev7w eeirpuf 7gyko se9 wbha 6hp