BTS on how much money a Kpop idol makes (truth from an actual KPOP idol) | STORYTIME

[@HenryPrinceMak]

Please subscribe & share this video to support your boy “ME!” new videos coming out every week! Subscribe & comment to win autographed KPOP merchandise! Got7 Jackson autographed merch winner will be announced next week! P.S join my notification squad if u want me to love u looooong time!

[@hiimkiwi3047]

Henry Prince Mak of course i want to support my boy. awesome video as always :)

[@nikki15ism]

Henry Prince Mak I liked, subscribed and now commented lol. So, how can I get am autograph from Jackson? Haha😶😶😶

[@BeluBarakat]

If i dont get to win the autographed merch by jackson, can you at least tell him to come to Argentina? lol i love how down to earth you are even when you talk about how you were an idol and all that, you still sound humble, that is really nice to see

[@saraigomez5149]

Thy best kpop vids and good that koreaboo said that i support forever.

[@nikki15ism]

Henry Prince Mak and would there be a way for us to get autographs from Suga??😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@moonminholisa6140]

I can't imagine going through all of that harsh training and lifestyle and then risk not getting paid for it. It's so risky and I respect them for following their dreams.

[@nikkibd7345]

most just perform it seems. Writing and producing seem like a better + performing= paying job. Just studying a dance someone taught you and reading over lyrics that someone else wrote for them. Then having a vocal coach telling them what to sing and how to hit those notes no wonder they don't get paid ish. They actually gotta pay for so much is aka debt =coaches, studio time, food, housing, clothes, everything!! Plus the company gotta get a chunk for they connections in the music industry.

[@bulletproofdiamondwinstar9470]

I think people who choose the artist path are those whose families are already rich, those from poor families and don't have much to lose anyway, those who are lonely AF and want recognition regardless of how much they earn, those who are only good at performing arts, and last but not least, those who are so passionate about performing arts it's their life. I'm pursuing it b/c I'm the loner wtih no steady career sadly.

[@DivineAtheistWannabe]

Diana Ortega we all know that the companies exploit the artists. Been like that since forever. That's why they recruit them since they're young kids, who don't know any better. And they have huge contracts that last many years Being a Kpop star i's more for fame/ego/passion than anything else.

[@heenimho860]

formula1racer&fan4life hachiroku Kpop idol or not all men are forced to go train in the military

[@chickenmcnuggets9238]

So true. Plus kpop idols are getting younger so if they start training at 13 years old and went through 10 years of training only to be told by the company that they won't make it to the stage.. 23 years old with huge debt and possibly low qualifications/bad results because of all the effort spent on their dreams and passion.. Or even gastric issues for constant starving to maintain their weight etc. They probably end up relying on their parents to repay their debt eventually..

[@ZynaXOXO]

VAV, Pentagon, B.A.P, Victon, SF9, Romeo, ToppDogg, B.Heart, The Rose, A.C.E, CLC, Dream Catcher, 24K, Seven O'Clock, Nick&Sammy etc... They all need more love

[@woni2592]

SF9, CLC! I STAN THEM!

[@Taetaemonie]

A.C.E , B.A.P , C.L.C

[@kimborassecondwife]

+ Nu'est, Imfact, Boyfriend, KNK, Block B, Victon...

[@todorxki6241]

y'all be sleeping on my boys VAV stan them pls

[@dogbone00]

YAS PENTAGON I LOVE THEIR MUSIC

[@joshdove]

That's so disappointing 😔 Support your favs especially if they aren't as successful

[@loveydoveyash7221]

👍🏼

[@loop4764]

You should Definitely talk about the disbanded groups. I don't know what happens to them after, what happens after the contract isn't renewed.

[@brittanycantonwine1398]

Blubbi agreed

[@expensivegirlissuperior4205]

Agree

[@satsuki8615]

To clear some things up: BTS means *BEHIND THE SCENES* so it’s not a BTS(the group) related video. Pls don’t say he uses BTS for views ‘cause he’s putting his time and effort to explain it to us and share the story with us. K that’s all bye.

[@eliberp]

honestly kpop is rlly dark place to work in

[@abstracta2.043]

eli edits fr the diets,hair dye,choreographies,talk shows,radio shows,TV shows just so much I'm proud of bts

[@bluesafir3769]

Ikr

[@uglypotata6110]

I love day6 because of "your beautiful " song but they might not make money

[@PassionPno]

Actually it's the same in the West. Just watch Jared Leto's documentary 'Artifact.'

[@4nakayam]

Agreed. Boys and girls with kpop dreams are just too innocent. They don’t know

[@bigstunna2049]

*This isn't fair at all* These idols work 10x harder than western idols and barely get paid

[@kingkha9363]

Agreed but when has life ever been fair?

[@bigstunna2049]

King Kha yea but when Logan/jake paul has more money than most boy bands I have to point it out

[@mingiwang4622]

PREACH

[@jk-py6fm]

You can’t compare K-Pop to Western pop, It’s a whole different system, and western artists do work their butt off. Don’t discredit western artists... How many idols groups do you actually see here in the West? Exactly...

[@abstracta2.043]

Kat bts

[@Alysaah]

So basically if your not in the big 3 company, you don’t really make any money unless you get really lucky to get really popular. Even if they are famous and make money it’s still not enough for how hard they work imo.

[@abstracta2.043]

Lemon 레몬 yah like bts but v showed us his tie collection that had some Gucci in it so I'm wondering if he bought that or if the company did

[@taikoyaki5920]

you must be new if you think BTS is "suffering" like the average groups. you can't rlly count BTS here. BTS is one of the top bgs in SK. not to mention that they're making it big in the US and many other countries, so they're raking in a lot of $. they even live in a private, expensive area that they bought a few months ago

[@k.2283]

Hope kpop idols will live like american stars, they deserve it.

[@taikoyaki5920]

Jeonghan the Beautiful Giraffe They rlly do :/

[@tinajena697]

Christine Nguyen I think that she meant before bts were famous bcz it took them four years before getting their first win and getting the appreciation that they deserve

[@DoMemeJoon]

I hope people who want to become a kpop idol now have a better insight of how it really is, that it isn’t all just happiness.

[@Matheo1223]

i still want too I don't care for the money lol

[@heenimho860]

Doing what you want is happiness

[@ohiomcdonald9009]

@@Matheo1223 oh really? So how you gonna pay all the things that you need? Food phone ect. Are you gonna ask your parrents for money ? What a joke

[@Matheo1223]

@@ohiomcdonald9009 well no but it's my passion to sing and I wouldn't do it for the money but I would still work hard to reach my dream so what I was trying to say is that I wouldn't sing for the money but for my dreams

[@jas8831]

Ik its going to be hard but i just want to make my dream become an reality

[@FishoeShoe_da_great]

"Please, show a little love for the middle tier groups". This is something we have to learn. We should not only show love for middle ones, but just every group and artist in general. Hating and insulting won't help at all - I think we've seen enough of what happens when we are disrespectful towards certain artists.

[@Ateezwooyoung]

detecтιve• ғιѕнoe• Problem is most Fans don’t care.

[@luhansnipples]

Ah man, it's so hard being an idol and this is why I try and support every group but I'm broke asf lol

[@shymoon3750]

luhan's nipples I never imagine Luhan has wise nipples 😂.

[@jeanetteliu6821]

help I can't chose a bias maybe Rapmonster I can relate to ur username. The more I watch them the more I love them.

[@nevermindiana]

tbh i had an idea of those not so famous kpop groups and how they were doing, but now that you just literally gave us the real tea makes me want to cry because damn, that's fucking sad:( i can't even imagine how many people are in groups still waiting for some spotlight and love in return for their hard work. Who would've though that dreams costs a lot? sigh. I wish i could give them a big hug seriously, there's a load of groups who deserve love and attention too so please if you can give them at least 5 mins to listen a song or two it would make a difference, i guess thank you Henry for doing this💕

[@bulletproofdiamondwinstar9470]

Yeah dreams cost a lot. My first dream didn't work out so now I'm onto my 2nd dream which is music. I might be broke forever. Many people work in jobs they don't really like for the money. My mum said most people don't like their jobs. Most can only choose between money or passion. The ones who have both are the luckiest batch in the world, but even people like BTS are burned out and lost a lot of rest.

[@goldenrose6437]

These two comments are the most truth said, sadly. :/

[@heenimho860]

I feel like that’s why foreign trainees tend to go to the big three companies especially because they themselves already spend a lot of money just going to Korea so there’s a larger risk for them. Their family isn’t there if they stop training, they aren’t as familiar with the country,

[@The1Road1Runner]

@@bulletproofdiamondwinstar9470 That's really good what you said. I like that. And it actually brought a tear to my eye because I'm in the same boat. And what you said, I've heard that same thing too that most people don't like their jobs and we only have a choice between money or passion. But the passion part, that's still very hard for me to accomplish and I still don't understand why.

[@2243cbl2]

All the tea your spilling. You probably saved a few people from selling their lives away.

[@ShanaJahsintaWalters]

Very true.

[@hellothere4485]

That's right ☕

[@bulletproofdiamondwinstar9470]

I'd still go for it, but I think I would only audition for my bias' company, or companies with my fav groups.

[@eikanikki6269]

Bulletproof Diamond WINSTAR and that's how we fucc up child , please dont if you dont actually have the passion and strengh (coming from a ex trainee who trained for 5 years)

[@bulletproofdiamondwinstar9470]

Eika Nikki, I 'm not auditioning to be a trainee. I'm already training and auditioning to be an artist. My college education of 5 years would probably be wasted if I stay here anyway.

[@lianebro4986]

the yoongi montage got me hooked. edit: I still remember when bts were so broke that they had to use their producers or staff in their company in their music videos as extras because they didn't have enough money to pay for extras. its also the reason they don't have their own cars and have to use their managers.

[@yoongiiscute8844]

Liane Bro i was hooked too

[@zinmawnantin9921]

*3 dollars*

[@Leafylea]

Kookies Jams hahaha

[@Lycheenes]

Im reech

[@mqveri1381]

You like this chain? Three dollas

[@iloveyouminyoongi8631]

😂😂😂

[@kpopmusicallyvids7741]

Kookies Jams LOL

[@kat3574]

Please talk about company's forcing idols to do surgery and the whole debut system

[@paulinaschulz9570]

“underrated“ groups or groups that are from small companies deserve more love and money and appreciation....

[@kusuma2664]

Damn, no wonder people say WannaOne's Kim Jaehwan who was an independent trainee is riiich. All that money WannaOne makes as the hottest rookie group at the moment goes to himself and the companies that manage W1 only while other members have to share it with their own agency too and that money is used to pay their training debt😟

[@chocolatecoffee2356]

okay so when bts debuted big hit was already in debt, so that means during bts blow up, big hit had to pay of their debts first, so i think my boys must have officially started earning during BS&T era oh boy i really understand now why being in big companies is profitable Respect to all kpop idols who solely debut only for their passion of music and dance

[@judithl1919]

Army Springday love probably jimin was the first to paid his debt since he had the shortest time as trainee

[@ilovemusic6762]

Ik😞

[@cecil3585]

That means namjoon and yoongi had the biggest debt??? But they earn much bcs they have songs listed by their names....

[@EunhyukieLoveELF]

This is the first time someone is so truthful about this sensitive topic. Thank you so much... I hope this raise awareness about how hard it actually is

[@ibmthe]

It's sad how all the groups and idols work so damn hard and get paid so little in the end :\

[@Motionwarning]

You should start making a series of videos spilling all the tea about what happens backstage in Kpop, like how do idols date each other, their lifestyle on and off the stage, how do companies exploit them, etc, etc... there's so many topics you can talk about and you have the advantage that you've been there and done that! P.S. I was a fan of your group since the moment I found out you were going to debut, but I was very sad to see you guys did not do too well.. I have two questions, did you pay off your debt? Do you keep in touch with your members?

[@kanokekage8664]

This is one of the main reasons y I stan most underrated groups

[@melissa.m478]

Kanoke Kage Stab??😲 why?

[@vinushasharma]

Stan*

[@melissa.m478]

oh okay that makes sense XD I stan too a lot of underrated groups

[@kanokekage8664]

I meant Stan !!! >~< not stab

[@melissa.m478]

Kanoke Kage hahahahaha it's okay It just looks really dark when you use the word "stab"

[@hiimkiwi3047]

this is a saddening thing to hear...i’m just glad i buy the albums/support the smaller groups i do...obviously i can’t support every group which is upsetting but im glad i can support a small majority of them!

[@jessyalpirez6553]

I love this channel very much because it makes me understand how kpop groups struggle and how this industry works. It is a very tough industry....WOW.

[@xsavagelovex]

I actually find it super interesting to learn about kpop idols and what they go through behind the scenes.... This makes me feel really bad for the underappreciated/unknown idols...

[@anyb2138]

Izzaberrypie me too...

[@iamnoone8084]

Respect to the small company idols 👐

[@yumithefox3210]

oooo a video on what happens to disbanded groups sounds really cool

[@aina_rv]

ㅠㅠ I want every k-group to get much recognition coz they all work so hard... Sadly we can't help them all :(

[@BT-vv1il]

The big problem is that there isn't going to be a middle tier anymore. It's the same with the economy of many countries as well. The top tier will always have media coverage, will always get hype. So even if their album or song isn't actually that good compared to another group, because they got lucky and got success earlier, they can still get sales due to their popularity and media coverage. The middle class artists then have to either get lucky and break the barrier to get into the top tier, or in the end fall down and finally disband.

[@akanshabaruah103]

Ya actually.....

[@sehnisweet343]

This video proves that idols truly do this out of passion for music and entertainment, not for the money.....I knew that idols aren't payed very much compared to expenses, but I had no idea that you guys were in so much debt. It must be very hard for groups with a lot of members, huh?

[@karyuetng6296]

lol when i actually forgot BTS originally stands for behind the scenes *looks at title*

[@blessmeachoo3992]

Idols work so hard and barely make a living out of it , that really sucks

[@mil6801]

To all the people saying "Why is BTS in the title?" .. it means 'behind the scenes' 😂

[@minmin9712]

I just remembered BTS that they started from a small company.

[@somi3077]

okay but can we take a moment to comment on how GOOD he looks in this video. I mean let’s be real, he looks good in every video too.

[@cassiea.3542]

I support a lot of groups that are considered “average”. The fact that most idols don’t make a lot of money for themselves is really sad 😞

[@boucherat135]

And that is why yall should show love to 24k, toppdogg, imfact, bigstar, a.cian and so many other grps

[@TheMistyMolly]

I really enjoy these behind the scenes videos. So many people don’t know what idols face and I think this is a great way to spread what’s really happening. Hopefully this will eventually cause some sort of change for the better :)

[@Tk_jh]

*"I don't want to name any groups. But you know who they are, right?"* I know so many and that makes me sad :(

[@DavidSmith-ki2we]

Tk_Jh can u tel me a few? I don't really know any

[@goinbulilit3846]

thats why i hate those trolls, antis, haters, judgemental fans who love to bring down idols.

[@user-wb1sx3vb3o]

must be hard for seventeen, no? there's 13 of them so they would have to divide all that money equally. not to mention that they trained for quite a long time too. but its good that they produce & choreograph their own stuff

[@princess100s]

yeah I think they have less debt to pay off but overall each member probably gets really little money.

[@Sara-fm2bo]

And Pledis was so fucking broke

[@05emwwas14]

yes. but they choreograph themselves and woozi helps with the composing and making the lyrics so it lessens it a bit but still its hard for them.

[@DefineMorena]

They're making a decent amount of money. I believe Wonwoo mentioned in one of the lyrics of their songs which they haven't officially released that they don't have to do part time jobs.

[@KcKc13]

Mingyu and Coups both had jobs pre-debut, plus many of them did MVs and backup dances with other Pledis artists, so I think they put that money towards their own debts. Plus, although Henry said it's split 90-10, I've also heard from former trainees that profit is negotiable in the contract, so I don't really know if his figure applies to everyone. Yes, Seventeen is really big, but since they have less staff to hire, and sell a lot of physical CDS which pays better than digital copies, they seem to be doing pretty well. 😊 They almost certainly broke even already, and of course members get royalties for choreographing, writing, composing, etc.! I know people are saying in the comments that songs still belong to the company even if a member composed it, but I was always under the impression that artists made the royalties AND their regular cut when they write songs, and then the company gets what their portion is afterward, at least in the US. And that also seems to apply to Akmu, at the very least. Chanhyuk, who writes and composes, makes like $100k more than his sis Suhyun for e.g. Anyway I'm sure the split is a bit hard having 13 people, but I think they're lucky to already have a higher percentage than most groups usually get. I hope so. ☺️

[@mornenao]

There many KPop groups, and also many of them are underrated. They probably aren't the best, but they're all working really hard to achieve their dreams, we may or may not know how hard it is for them. Each group (or solist) needs the love and support of people so they can continue. I know we can't stan every single group out there, but we can always give them a chance, or at least one of them. All of them should be appreciated and respected by their hard work and effort. ♡♡♡

[@JasiiJasii]

This is why I support A.C.E. 👍 Please show love to smaller groups from smaller companys! 💕

[@xsavagelovex]

Meine Lieblingsbücher I support A.C.E too~

[@am.r0317]

It breaks my heart that i wish ace wouldnt be this underrated because they are sign with beat and no one knows the FUCK ABOUT THEM! I actually crossed with their ig in 2016 and looked up their covers and was in love ever since but it isnt just ace. Such groups as 24k, Rainz, Toppdogg, B.A.P, and so many moor groups desrve more recognition that what they do have. Even if my all time favorite groups are Ikon, Winner, And monsta x(who finally are becoming super extra famous) I love looking and finding new talent in kpop. Because have u seen what happened after produce101? So many boys are doing successful that isnt wanna one! Like Jbj HAD THEIR FIRST WIN ALREADY!!!! Sewoon and samuel have already two eps, Mxm is doing fine and now its time to give love to our kids Rainz

[@viviicristii]

Recently I've been watching The Unit and I'm so surprised at the talents that get "left behind" because they weren't from a big company or their company didn't expose them at all.

[@gracerobinson11]

It does make me sad to hear that new/small companies can't pay their members. It makes me appreciate those small less know groups more. Also I'd love to know what happens to disbanded groups. What happens if the group disbands before they can pay off that debt???

[@Escaparrac]

1. They are still in debt and they need to work as trainers if they are capable. 2. Family has to pay the debt. 3. If it's management fault, they may forgive the debt.

[@ritikayadav4370]

This literally made me cry. How awful their lives be off set or off screen.

[@stillsimo]

Tbh I sometimes wonder if he’ll end up in trouble bc of his videos :\ idk I really hope that’ll never happen

[@selena774]

Simonetta he probably won't. If a none-disclosure was never signed when he left, then he's allowed to speak about it all. I mean, he's been careful about it all up till now. Nothing really rude, just the truth.

[@reyrey5259]

I don't think he will there is a lot of people that makes videos like these

[@taetaeisthesun_1249]

ARMYs here who think he was talking about BTS have you not realized BTS THEM-SELF SAID BTS STANDS FOR 'BEYOND THE SCENE' NOT BEHIND THE SCENES SO STOP GETTING MAD AT HIM FOR PUTTING BTS INTGE TITLE WHEN IT OBV MEANS BEHIND THE SCENES

[@darlingsmith5]

I always get so emotional when I think of ALL the groups who get almost no recognition or that "flop" because like it's not fair! And yeah the world isn't fair, but I feel like there should be a better system cause it feels like to some extent it's unfair and there rly isn't a point to debut so many new groups rather than help and put more time/energy to ones already in existence...

[@thecynamoon8067]

Finally someone sayd it loud, thank you very much! I hope k-pop fans will be knowing more about their idols the sad side of their fame. I wish tere will be more people like you and I am curious how do people from SM see all this about you said in this video. I would like to hear it from Amber for example. Thats true, k-pop idols usually get expensive gift from fans, but thats sad most of them couldnt buy it themselves. You did well as a k-pop star, however I understand you and your decision to leave it; k-pop industry is getting more scary, more people just care about money, of course its buiseess but dont forget that there are people who cares about them not money. Keep well Henry & Im waiting for more creative videos from you!

[@stantalentstansf9304]

ugh i already knew about the debt but hearing prince mak talk about it makes me sad :,( he deserved so much better, all of these idols deserve better,,, i stan so many underrated groups and i’m constantly worried about disbandment,,, also i’m always wondering when they’ll comeback,, it’s very sad to see these people you idolize struggle with all of these hardships,,,,,

[@CarlaLciel]

What happens to the debt when the group disband? And what happens with the 80~90% of the money the company takes? Wouldn't that money be used to pay the promotions, the staff and all that stuff? And If you are a trainee in a company and then they cut you off, you don't pay anything for the time you were training there?

[@suhailanaz]

Carla I HOPE MAK SEES THIS COMMENT!

[@antiawarenessawarenessclub]

Big 3: hellish pressure and standards Everyone else: will take all your cash Idols are really something else. I can see why fans' love is so precious to them. They're getting underpaid in other aspects

[@mounaamir2392]

B.A.P made 10 Million Dollar in their 2 years after debut and got only 16K each on their first pay ! TS got 90% and BAP 10% but the problem is the agreement on concerts were 50/50 still TS only stole it its freaking BAP they will not shut up about their rights so they had the lawsuit and everyone hated them for it...Im really so proud of them my babies ! love and support all groups not only the famous ones.

[@itsmebluue_]

Yeah, please love the not-so-famous groups everyone, they deserve it so much ♥ (For example, check Victon, ToppDogg, Boyfriend, VAV... Please)

[@user-km7il6sx6t]

ASTRO

[@swagbiscuit5282]

Btob boyfriend

[@jessp5775]

ASTRO hit it off but they suddenly went down the slope in popularity T^T

[@chloe-jo8og]

PENTAGON!!

[@mishapsmakemagic]

Buy physical albums for not as popular groups!!!! Some groups sell less than 5,000 copies of their album, which makes their debts higher because more money goes into the production of the albums than money that comes in from people buying the albums. It is the most direct way to support your idols, because things like streaming passes support the companies like Melon and not as much goes to the idols or their companies. And if you're luckier and have more money, go to their concerts when they come to your country!! Buy the merch, help the show sell out, because the groups make more money this way. But the easiest way to support them monetarily is to buy the albums! Just $20 can go a long way in the long run and can help your favorite groups make actual money!

[@linuogu4299]

suddenly I am not sure if I dodged a bullet when I failed my recall audition... I mean so many people dream to be idols but to think that this means you might be in debt for life if you don't manage to get to the top... wowzie.

[@aditya3465]

We need more videos like this and education about the inside lives of idols... All the fans can see is Glitz and Glamour. Especially young generations need to know what might happen if they choose to leave everything and become a trainee. I am happy that groups like AOA are making some money but I am sad that Cho A left the group due to depression and insomnia. Please talk about mental health in kpop idols' lives.

[@MadisonHarvill]

Now I feel bad for everyone.

[@a_inspirit5400]

Henry be spillin that tea. And that tea is hella hot

[@rosesarerose1530]

Yepppp im late tho 😭😭😭😭😂😂👌 its 2019may24

[@unadiabla4247]

guys ! he put BTS because it also means Behind The Scenes, not the group!

[@hafsahayathh]

sarahi the rat ! Subtle click bait lol 😂

[@nicolajohanna7883]

Interesting to hear. GD was in Germany last year and one ticket costed about 150€. So if the show was sold out, this were about 1,5- 2 million Euros, which means about 1,8 million USD... This is insane!

[@Koko96]

Yes, underrated group seriously need more and more love

[@johnnypay1473]

Kokomato96 yes

[@snisa92]

Even BTS, I think after run era(3rd year) where they start having own endorsement like puma that they finally break even. Because I heard that they still use managers as extra n their director's car for run music video. Its quite logic, coz bts always used a lot of back up dancers for their performance plus they make a lot of music videos to built up their music videos storyline. I'm glad now they seem live in luxury now. However, nowadays more and more companies keep on debuting groups that have large number of members from 9-13. I think it is so selfish. Imagine how much actually the members earn. For example, seventeen. Although they are known as among of top kpop group, with 13 members, how much actually they earn?? I heard that they finally got 3 bathrooms(correct me if i'm wrong) from only have 1. It still not enough I think....

[@GiovannaGiav]

BTS started to tour super fast, one year after debut. It was so fast people complained back then, but if it wasn't for those concerts they wouldn't have broken even so fast, BigHit was so close to bankrupt back then. I think we will never know how is their contract with BigHit, but they for sure started to make money with RUN era when they signed with PUMA and their contract will be renewed this year contrary to other companies that have contract for 7 years (though I think they renewed already before the Wings Tour). BTS is so rich now it's actually scary, ony their deal with LINE store will is too big to even start making counts.

[@snisa92]

Giovanna G I do think right now they are so rich. They even talk about investment in their latest season greeting. The fact that they can easily make donation for love myself campaign and give 3% of their albums profit for all upcoming love myself albums. Seoul management said they are so lucky for signing BTS before they blew up at AMA. So, I bet endorsement deals BTS sign contracts after AMA must be so expensive such as Mediheal, Lotte Duty free shop, BTS superstar, etc. I'm remember that HOT member gave advice to jin and jimin in please take care of my refrigerator that never let go any endorsement deals because you nevet know what will happen in future. I think it is true. Right now, people cant see actually how much actually they make coz they still live together and they still dont buy something like cars so we cant really estimate actually. However, based on suga can easily support his parent to open restaurant before they decide to close it bcoz his mum health then V in gifting his parent a car make me believe they earn a lot of money. They even easily give each others expensive gifts. V giving jin handmade designer cloth for jin, RM giving jimin expensive jewellery, etc. I heard that psy earn about 30-50mil when he was in US. So, imagine for BTS. Plus, RM and suga are the one that involve the most in their album production... so with millions album their sold, I bet RM and suga are the richest among all of BTS members....

[@π_π-η1τ]

Taetae lol for sure woozi is reallY REALLY rich,, the royalties he gets on songs is $$$ idk for the other members tho, but they also seem to be rich. I remember woozi saying he is VERY satisfied with the royalties he earns from the last song ioi released and that's just ONE song,, so tbh, i'd say seventedn is doing quite well... i feel bad for other large membered groups tho ;-;;

[@saraht4693]

The entire bighit entertainment runs with the money bts make, they're rich but I highly doubt they're super rich. ( its just my assumption and I've got no idea about it)

[@glr888]

How about NCT?!

[@ashbury4308]

I really didn’t realize how hard it was for these groups. Not giving up my current likes but for sure going to check out more unknown or not well known groups. I want give them love too ❤️ If you’re working that hard you deserve it

[@user-ug6lo3qd9u]

Dont hate him for putting BTS into the titel. BTS means B-behind T-the S-scene

[@tvxyzn]

Many fans think that some idols are wealthy cause of the gear or clothes they have but majority of the time, it comes from sponsors and fans. In my opinion, Taehyung got some of his Gucci (if not most of what we see him wearing) from Army. That’s why fandoms are a huge thing in kpop. They are the support line for making our groups look good and having the latest gear. P.S I am not saying Taehyung can’t afford it, now they are doing really well for themselves. But it wouldn’t surprise me if they broke even around end of 2015 to 2016.

[@whimsy_petal]

Tee bts are really rich now even bighit payed off their debt

[@hananea7375]

This is why they decided to stop accepting gifts from fans recently. They don't need it anymore since they're well off now and it would be unfair if they kept accepting very expensive gifts from fans.

[@RN_2000]

다옡히 we know but even me think they didn’t break even until the last of 2016

[@kris.........]

Now sponsors...THAT is a topic I'd like to see covered. I don't know if anyone is brave enough to go there, sadly.

[@whimsy_petal]

They live in the most luxurious apartments in korea of course they’re rich and I don’t think bighit spent on them that much since they were going bankrupt at that time bts supported themselves they had to work and even borrow money from their parents

[@KookieOverOreos]

Please spill the tea haha

[@tvxyzn]

Also lots of love for groups and artist who are underrated. Can’t imagine having to work hard just to pay a debt to show your passions to the world. Huge admiration for them.

[@bongmoon2343]

Tee THEY UNDERRATED BECAUSE THEY DUMB

[@TaYLoRBReaKouT]

Thats why these concerts are freaking expensive

[@chrystalj9571]

i honestly wish more people understood this about kpop before they go and audition thinking its going to bring them million of dollars.

[@lifetobelived9102]

This is what is messed up about the entertainment industry. Artists should have at least a minimum salary. If a company has really done all it can through active promotion and has done everything right and still the group is not making any money then they should release the artists so they can move on to do other projects and the company doesn't need to keep on artists that are not making them a profit.

[@redmuggle7346]

It's not like I don't want to support those underrated groups. If any group or singer (popular or not) came out with good music, then I'll support by streaming, sharing, downloading their song. If their whole albums are bops I'll consider buying their physical album too. Good music are subjective too. Been into this kpop scene for mostly 10 years and there's only one group made me want to buy their whole physical albums. Btw, great topic! First time here and I do add JJCC's song into my playlist before hehe. I've subscribed! Hope u'll give us great content ^^

[@juliangarcia7469]

Damb the never ending debt sounds a bit like Student Loans 😫😟

[@amandeeprishi3733]

I was thinking the exact same thing.

[@jojolofoploco]

WTH!! That is worker exploitation!! The company is basically pocketing 80% of the salary for themselves while they keep making the idols pay for every expense!! This is ridiculous! Why don't fans rebel and try to bring change to this industry! This is not something we should be ok with, the solution is not keep supporting your idol and hope they make it, you are just feeding and maintaining this system that way! It will never change this way. We are the fans, we feed this industry. We have a say in this things!

[@LesHallyuleriesdeMrARD]

jojolofoploco 4ever BTS ARMY You are right !!! 😠😠😠

[@kingkha9363]

its not worker exploitation worker exploitation is getting paid less than they should be getting paid they are making money but it just goes to paying off their debt which is also used to earn them money its just a bad cycle

[@yennavaneeuwijk1890]

Here we go again with the "WHY MENTION BTS IF U AINT GONNA TALK ABOUT THEM" comments. Its 'behind the scenes' everyone.

[@the_kpopmom7813]

Thank you, Henry, for being so upfront and honest with us fans. We love you always!

[@DBCuzitis]

Soooooo.... The companies 'invest' in the groups pre-debut and during their rise. When the groups start earning money the company takes 80% for themselves ($$ profit) and give the groups the remaining 20% but take it back to pay off their accrued debt? Sounds awesome for the companies. The companies would quickly recoup their investment and start earning money while leaving the groups struggling to pay off a bogus debt. No wonder the companies churn out so many KPop groups. The members may be in debt and struggling but their companies are cruising happily.

[@kingkha9363]

what "Bogus debt" are you referring too?

[@lukasblake7462]

I'd love to know what happens to disbanded idol groups. Please make a video on this

[@bookend3835]

Kpop fans should support & stan underrated groups as they might turn out to be underdogs in the future 😅

[@Enthusitwat]

lol don’t get triggered bc the title says BTS and you’re expecting BANGTAN. BTS meant behind the scenes wayyyyy before bangtan was around. plus. behind the scenes just makes the title WAY TOOO LONG. k bye

[@chelseaello8263]

seokjin kim I thought he was using them for views.

[@Anonymous-oo4sv]

seokjin kim PREACH

[@MandyMister]

Everytime I get fooled by that "BTS" in the title xD

[@ForeverAKissMe]

Yes yes please talk about that topic !! I'll be waiting for your next video ! and thanks a loooot Prince Mak you infromed us very well about almost everything that no fan or someone who did not get the chance to be apart of k-pop would ever know Thank you.

[@DeeDellimore]

I was JJCC fan from the beginning and was so sad that you guys like disappeared. Love the honesty! It's time someone came out with the truth. I wonder though won't you get in trouble for spilling not just the Tea but the coffee, juice, and 김치찌개 on these companies?

[@hopeski123]

bruh BTS was the acronym for behind the scenes first, dont get your knickers in a twist.

[@bigstunna2049]

jungkooks third chin I know people act like film industries just copied the acronym from a kpop group 😂

[@jonaesutton5558]

WOW!! So in millenial terms: the company is the credit card company, you have a card with them that you've used to pay for living expenses etc. but you're not making money, so every little bit of money you earn goes into paying off your "card" until you're in the clear

[@ccw8494]

Kpop has become overly saturated that it makes it difficult of groups to break through. So many groups are debuting every year making it hard to keep up. Most of the newer Kpop groups I've never even heard of unless by accident. In regards to money and breaking even, I believe all idols know this. Kpop groups are, after all, manufacture from beginning to end; are groom, molded, and trained and that requires a lot of things. Finance has to come from somewhere. Idols are essentially a companies investments just as the idols hope the company will do them well in promoting and treatment. We have to keep in mind its a risk for both. If the group fails then both (company and group) fails. If they are mildly successful then only the company benefits by regaining some of its finance back. If the group is very successful then both will benefit. When a group make it big, it wins big. I'm assuming thats why so many people and companies seek the kpop/entrainment industry. P.S Henry is low-key Army. Or hopping on the bandwagon, either way thanks for the support.

[@boredweirdo5051]

I've always thought being in a kpop group isn't as great as some people think it is. It must be really stressful and scary. I think especially girls have a really hard time as an idol. I hope the big stars haven't changed because of the fame and fans, I don't know why but sometimes I think that some idols could have bad personalities. Sometimes people change when they gain more power. Thats a fact, look it up. Even tho they might act all nice and quiet in front of a camera we have no idea how they really are. I really hope things like drxgs, prxstitutes, sxxual assault and fakeness aren't as bad as they are in the american music industry.

[@blumontage]

Omg a video about what happens when a group disbands sounds amazing, I subscribed immediately when I heard that lmao, thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@necha6099]

Stan Monsta X, i want my boys to eat well so support them buy their albums, they really deserve it guys:/

[@yohanetakemysoul9962]

necha monbebe

[@GiovannaGiav]

I can assure you, MX is one of the groups that are more solid right now because of tours and they are actually growing so fast in Japan. Even if they don't do well on charts they surely broke even last year with tours. The best way to help them is making their concerts bigger every time and buy albums. Also Starship has the support of Loen, which makes it a solid company, so they are starting to get more cfs.

[@necha6099]

well after today's concert im not sure if starship is solid if they send their group to london for a funny kpop festival where only 700 ppl bought tickets :((

[@JodiWong]

reminds me of how nu'est said they didn't break even by the time they were on produce and it was 5 years after their debut ;-;

[@scarletssideaccount6492]

💔

[@dt4654]

Produce 48 is currently paying the trainees like $100 per episode which will more likely go to paying off their debt.

[@LS2chickie]

I just wanna hug them all tight and give them waffles

[@hyuneminroll]

Y’all this is why you should stan Hotshot, A.C.E, N. Flying, Rainz, JBJ, masc and SO MANY MORE!! STOP SLEEPING ON THESE SMALL COMPANY GROUPS!!

[@crystalhobii7304]

Makayla Moseby CLC too this girl group deserve so much !! 😁

[@taegimelody6276]

GUYS!!! BTS HERE MEANS BEHIND THE SCENES NOT THE KPOP GROUP BEHIND THE SCENES!! BEHIND THE SCENES OMG. . .CHILL

[@youryandere4734]

Taegi Melody haha further in the vid I forgot I clicked this because of BTS, lol

[@kookiesandsometae2708]

Gyus? You mean guys? 😂 but no need for the capitals. Not to be mean.

[@youryandere4734]

Star Light chill😂

[@mstoriag]

I really wish more of the smaller groups were given more love. There are so many amazing groups that just aren't given a real chance :(

[@juyan7244]

I'm so glad that you make these videos. I think this is actually making kpop fans and nonkpop people realize how much work goes into kpop and how much idols and trainees suffer. I think these videos help us appreciate kpop even more. Thanks @Henry Prince Mak. 😊

[@Oula]

I think it'really meaningful that you're making those videos about kpop industry. There's one thing that I'm personally curious about - fansigns and gifts from fans. Can idols actually keep the gifts they're receiving? Like can they keep the valuable stuff that fans give them like designer outfits etc.? and what if someone sends them cash?

[@zoomer-express]

Oula They can. At least the bigger groups. If I remember correctly SK had banned gifts after a certain cost...

[@chocolatecoffee2356]

they do except gifts and cash im not sure

[@hanseolin3173]

'Shut up Siri. Shut up' I laughed at this one😂