KCON has received negative attention for allegedly paying artists with exposure and connections rather than money.
According to an exclusive report from Mydaily, agencies of artists participating at KCON LA 2025 were required to cover all relevant costs — airfare, accomodation, rental cars, and meals — for their staff who accompanied their artists. Mydaily noted that the costs totaled up to ₩100 million KRW (about $72,300 USD) for an agency to send 20 people, including the idol members. But one issue that sparked controversy with agencies was the fact that CJ ENM, the organizers of KCON, claimed meals would be provided at the venue, but in reality, this meant that idols were only provided meals if they went back to the venue during their free time.
We knew in advance that we would have to pay for flights and hotels, but when we arrived, we found out that proper meals weren’t provided and we even had to pay for other rental fees. It was shocking.
— Unnamed agency staff to Mydaily
For the idol groups who performed on the main stage such as the M! Countdown performances, CJ ENM covered their flight and hotel costs. But some of the artists who performed did not receive any appearance fees. Rather than paying an appearance fee, CJ ENM offered to cover the price of their flight and hotel, even though they were selling tickets to a large audience. In addition, costs for important auxilary staff such as hair and makeup artists were the responsibility of the agency. Due to this, Mydaily claimed many of the smaller agencies lost tens of millions of won by attending KCON LA 2025.
A representative from CJ ENM responded to Mydaily’s report, stating that the participating artists would be provided networking opportunities and wider exposure to a global audience.
In addition to offering the opportunity to perform for free, we invite local professionals in the music industry and provide both networking and promotional opportunities. The performances and stage content is shared globally through YouTube, Mnet Plus, and other channels. Artists get to interact closely with fans on-site. Their participation is carried out voluntarily based on their agency’s discretion, after considering these benefits.
— CJ ENM official
Mydaily noted that in most cases were there are large concerts with multiple groups, a minimum guaranteed appearance fee is provided, as well as flights, accomodation, and meals being covered. However, this is contrary to what KCON did, and Mydaily framed their approach as exploiting the artists, especially the smaller groups under the pretense of providing them exposure.
