Kim Jaejoong (Hero Jaejoong) recently revealed the total cost he spent to launch a K-Pop group. He said this when he appeared on a new episode of the Netflix variety show titled "Try? Choo-ry!". It is known that Jaejoong has recently successfully debuted a girl group called SAY MY NAME.
Now, the former TVXQ member has revealed that he is preparing to launch a boy group. In the new episode of "Try? Choo-ry!", Choo Sung Hoon asked if it is possible to make money, even though it is difficult for an idol to achieve success. Jaejoong explained, "The best scenario is for the group to start making a profit about three years after debut...
It is expensive, it costs about 20 billion won a year to run two teams." Jaejoong refers to the K-pop industry system, where agencies have to make significant pre-debut investments. This process includes finding members, training them for years, and producing content, all before generating any revenue.
The expenses start at the casting stage, where agencies visit K-pop academies around the world or hold auditions overseas, incurring costs for staff travel, lodging, and venue rentals. Some agencies even invest tens of billions of won up front by creating and producing their audition TV programs.
Once trainees begin their training, the costs skyrocket. Training includes not only basic lessons in vocals, dance, and rap, but also camera techniques, foreign language classes, and even cosmetic training. Once debut is confirmed, the agency also provides dormitories to minimize travel logistics.
In the early stages of debut, expenses increase more sharply. Due to the fierce competition among newcomers, pre-release singles and multiple music videos have become standard strategies, which increases the cost of content production. In addition, social media marketing costs have soared to tens of millions of KRW.
An industry insider noted, "Nowadays, social media marketing plays a vital role in the success of rookie groups." The source added, "Spending just 100 million won won't help much. The gap in marketing budgets between big and small agencies is so significant that people are now talking about a 'marketing wealth gap' in the industry."
At a recent press conference held by a South Korean music organization, an official stated, "The idol life cycle has been shortened to just 2-3 years. The effort to successfully debut and promote a group in a short time is enormous. Even small and medium-sized agencies spend between 1-10 billion won for 1 group."
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