Cosmic Girls’ Cheng Xiao and Kyulkyung Joo from Pristine, active in China
Revenue, on average 8 times higher than domestic activity
A member of the group leaves the group, a radical solution is needed
To become popular in Korea and return to China. This is the method of victory for Chinese idols. Cosmic Girls’ Sungso and Pristine’s Joo Kyulkyung are no longer seen in Korea. There are many problems such as unfair contracts, but the income from solo activities cannot be ignored.
Kyulkyung Joo recently posted a photo of her current situation on her social media account. In the published photo, Kyulkyung Joo is wearing a gorgeous black outfit with a bright expression on her face. Joo Kyulkyung, who showed her face following a long time. This is the reason why attention is focused on his appearance in the absence of domestic activities.
Celebrities who debuted in Korea, but who are active in China are not today’s business. The first was Super Junior’s Hankyung. Debuting in 2005, he suddenly prepared a lawsuit once morest his agency SM in 2009. This was due to restrictions on the agency’s activities and unfair distribution of profits. Kyung-eun Han left the team and continued her activities in China.
The situation is no different for members of the group that gained the most popularity. Popular male idol group EXO. The Chinese members Chris, Tao, Luhan, and Lay are the main characters. They also filed a lawsuit once morest their agency SM in 2014 to void the exclusive contract. The reason was not different from Hankyung.
f(x)’s Victoria and Cosmic Girls’ Cheng Xiao also moved their activities to China. Their choice is the right decision so far. The star castle acquired in Korea is in full bloom in China. In fact, it is known that their ransom in China has risen several dozen times.
In particular, Victoria has appeared in 7 dramas since 2015, including ‘Beautiful Secret’, ‘War of the Gods’, ‘Thousand Years of Love’, and ‘Sister’s First Love’. Evidence of Victoria’s presence in China. Victoria also became a popular star enough to act as a promotional model for various luxury goods.
Whatever the reason, idols who have developed their skills through Korea’s ‘training system’ are recognized in China. If you want to debut in Korea, you will need to learn not only vocals, but also dance, acting, and playing an instrument. There is an atmosphere in China where Korean idols are evaluated as having skills. If you have gained recognition through activities in Korea, it will be an added bonus. The name tag of a famous Korean idol is a decoration sufficient to attract attention in the Chinese market.
Revenue from China is estimated to be eight times higher than domestic activity. This is also the reason why so many Chinese-born celebrities do not agree with their domestic fans. A typical example is the support for anti-US aid (a phrase claiming to be the reason for China’s participation in the Korean War. It protects North Korea once morest the United States).
Chasing following money in a capitalist society is natural. However, it is true that the hearts of the fans who made them their first recognition in Korea are hurt. Opportunistic behavior is not always right. It is no coincidence that the Chinese members, who were close to the new idol group, are disappearing.
Reporter Jun-ho Yoon, Tenasia delo410@tenasia.co.kr
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