Last August 27, former HKT48/IZ*ONE member Miyawaki Sakura sparked buzz on many Korean and Japanese media sites when she arrived at Incheon Airport.
Miyawaki Sakura arrives in Incheon
On August 28, many claimed that Miyawaki Sakura had been escorted by the same bodyguard team who worked with BTS. When asked about the claims, HYBE Labels just simply answered that they were not unable to confirm.
Japanese media outlets drew attention to Miyawaki Sakura's promising steps after she graduated from HKT48 last June. A Japanese media outlet reported last August 27 that the treatment and the guarantee that Miyawaki Sakura will get from HYBE will be exceptional than what she received from HKT48. There is no reason why she would turn down a great offer from Korea.
The media outlet added that if HYBE plans on launching a girl group with goals to conquer audiences worldwide, like with BTS, the Miyawaki Sakura could exceed Sashihara Rino's salary.
Sashihara Rino is known in Japan as the highest paid female idol in the industry. In 2019, Sashihara Rino's salary has been reported to be around 690 million won or $594,000. According to some Japanese media outlets, industry experts from Japan strongly believe that Miyawaki Sakura has the capability to exceed Sashihara Rino as the highest paid Japanese female idol, that is, if she successfully debuts in the new HYBE Labels' girl group.
At the same time since early last year, rumors about Miyawaki Sakura signing with HYBE Labels have gotten enormous media attention. Thus far, HYBE Labels has neither confirmed nor denied the rumors. They only stated that they cannot confirm any inside details about an artist's exclusive contract. But it is widely believed that HYBE Label is currently preparing to launch a new girl group with former IZ*ONE members Kim Chae Won, Miyawaki Sakura, probably one other member, former "Produce 48" participant Heo Yun Jin, and other two trainees from Source Music.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Former IZ*ONE Member Sakura Reportedly Signs Exclusive Contract With HYBE Labels
Miyawaki Sakura Signs a contract with HYBE Labels
Last August 16, it has been reported that Miyawaki Sakura was negotiating a contract with HYBE Labels and she could possibly sign on to be an artist under the management of Source Music, one of the subsidiaries under HYBE Labels. But some reports stated that Sakura's signing with the company has been delayed because of difficulties in negotiations between HYBE Labels and Sakura's representatives from Japan.
Hearsays about Miyawaki Sakura joining Hybe Labels started circulating in March 2021, when a lot of media sources claimed that Sakura was going to sign on as an artist under Big Hit Entertainment, which manages BTS and TXT. Furthermore, South Korean media outlet Hankyung claimed that Sakura will be joining the company after IZ*ONE's disbandment last April.
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Written by Annie Barmaine.
