IOI's Choi Yoojung opened up about how profit distribution works in idol groups and shared the harsh reality of idol earnings after nearly 10 years in the industry.
Recently, Kian84 visited Choi Yoojung's home in a new video titled 'With Choi Yoojung,' which just dropped on the Youtube channel 'Life84' on the 23rd. Since Choi Yoojung is currently preparing for a solo album release, the two had plenty to talk about.
When Kian84 asked if she gives her mom allowance money, Choi Yoojung replied, "Not very often, but I do whenever I can." She added, "Once I receive my settlement payment, I'll be able to give her some soon," and then laughed about how she told her mom just yesterday, "I think this album is going to do well," to which her mom jokingly replied, "Let's stay close."
Since Choi Yoojung is now hitting her 10th year since debut, Kian84 naturally brought up the income situation. He asked, "Hasn't it been 10 years since your debut? Shouldn't your earnings be pretty good by now?"
But Choi Yoojung completely shattered the illusion and honestly replied:
"Unless you become extremely successful, it's actually not easy to make a profit."
Kian84 was totally shocked by her answer and countered, "But weren't you successful? You placed 3rd on 'Produce 101,' released a solo album, and even did musicals. 'Produce 101' wasn't just watched by idol stans, it was a national phenomenon." Choi Yoojung replied, "We didn't realize it at the time. We only understood how big it was after it ended."
If you haven't been keeping up, IOI recently reunited for the first time in 10 years, and they've been generating massive buzz after their new song 'Suddenly' sweep the #1 spot on music charts.
Then, Kian84 went for the ultimate question: "If you make 100 million KRW in profit, how much would you actually get?"
Choi Yoojung broke down the reality of the corporate structure, explaining:
"Inevitably, they cut a huge chunk out. Everyone has their own agencies, and then there are the members too. I just get whatever is left over."
Hearing how crazy the split is, Kian84 noted, "There has to be something left for you too. Otherwise, how can you stay motivated?" But Choi Yoojung made it clear that the reunion was purely about the bond, not the paycheck. She said, "If everyone only thought that way, we wouldn't be able to reunite," and revealed, "Our reunion actually fell through twice before."
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