Active K-Pop Group Admits Making $0 After 6 Years, Exposing Harsh Reality

Fans have expressed anger at the company.
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Koreaboo

Admittedly, it is difficult to make money as an entertainer, especially for K-Pop groups, which have numerous overhead costs.

Some agencies treat “trainee debt” as an expense, allowing newly debuted idols to start earning money right away rather than having to pay back the costs incurred for them. For idols under companies that do not do so, idols do not see money until this debt is paid.

AOA confesses to having earned $0 since debuting three years ago

Recently, an active boy group has revealed that despite being active for 6 years, they have not made any income.

In 2020, Brave Entertainment debuted its first boy group in many years, DKB.

DKB_Urban_Ride_group_concept_photo_2
DKB | Brave Entertainment

DKB have been active since, making a Japanese debut, embarking on more than one world tour and releasing multiple albums including their most recent Emotion. 

On March 10, the group was featured in a video on the Human Story youtube channel, where they spoke about the difficulties of promoting. The video, titled “7 Years, ₩0 Income” — 7 Idols From DKB Reveal Their Struggle While Chasing Their Dream,” reveals just that, as the members openly discuss their financial situation.

Member Lee Chan admits that being an idol is not something that you should pick if you want to make money, revealing that they feed themselves with ₩20,000 KRW (about $13.60 USD) a day.

Talking about earnings is a sensitive topic, so I have to be careful. If you want to make money, you should never choose this job. Compared to the amount of time and passion you pour into it, the money you get back is actually very little. […] For food expenses, the eight of us are managing on 20,000 won a day,

— Yuku

The group have yet to reach their breakeven point, which is explained in the expenses accumulated in their promotions. The group’s dorms, clothing and food appear to be included in expenses, which are increased with the costs of eight people visiting salons for music show appearances, album production, and other music related costs.

However, the members state that they view it as an investment and have kept going on for the fans, with hopes of higher success in the future.

Screenshot 2026-03-11 at 3.02.11 PM
| Human Condition/YouTube

Fans have reacted to the video with anger, questioning the group’s company over the circumstances.

You can watch the full video below.

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