Third-Generation Idol’s Reasons Why Artists Don’t Always Promote On Music Shows Reveal The Shocking Costs For Performances

Music shows are a staple part of K-Pop. When a group or artist makes a comeback, they will most likely perform it on one or more of the weekly shows.

Third-generation male idol VICTON‘s Hanse shared his reasons behind not promoting on music shows, sharing the huge expenses.

Hanse has performed on music shows in the past, both as part of VICTON and when he made his solo debut in 2021. While each stage was different, it held a special place in the hearts of fans.

Since leaving IST Entertainment and joining The Dial Music, the idol has continued to release music and perform in front of fans worldwide. Yet, netizens have noticed that he hasn’t been promoting his tracks on music shows.

Hanse’s recent posts to fans were shared on the Korean forum theqoo and gained a lot of attention from netizens. In the posts, Hanse spoke about the costs of doing a music show, which was extremely specific, including not just participation but the extras. He explained, “It’s good to do music shows, but well, the investments and returns are unbalanced.”

“Unlike the second gen that I used to watch when I was a baby, the promotional effects of going on music shows are not as huge, but promoting for a week costs about ₩10.0 million KRW (about $7,340 USD), but you only get paid ₩50,000 KRW (about $36.70 USD) in appearance fees.

In my day it was ₩50,000 KRW (about $36.70 USD)”

— Hanse

Hanse then explained about the extra costs outside of actually participating and how they’re all “debt” to idols, including building a set, which costs extra on top of that, along with hair, makeup, styling fees, on-site staff meals, snacks, and drinks, among other expenses. He added that it could all add up to ₩20.0 million KRW (about $14,700 USD)

After sharing how much he respects K-Pop idols for doing and that he is often asked to promote on these shows, Hanse explained that he was just explaining why he personally didn’t do it anymore.

While netizens often want to see their favorite idols and artists perform on these music shows, Hanse’s messages showcase the hardships that can come with it.