From Super Junior Hankyung to PRISTIN Kyulkyung, what's the reason Chinese K-pop idols chose careers in China rather than in Korea?
Keep on reading to know more.
Where is Joo Kyulkyung Now? Idol's Status After Lawsuit Filed by Pledis Against Her
On July 10, the Korean media outlet Ten Asia updated on the current status of Joo Kyulkyung, a former I.O.I and PRISTIN member.
In particular, Joo Kyulkyung recently posted a picture of how she has been doing on her SNS. In the released photos, the idol showed a bright atmosphere, her first appearance since her last post on June 25.
The outlet highlighted her appearance in the absence of her activities in Korea after a lawsuit against Pledis Entertainment.
ALSO READ: Kyulkyung Releases Statement on Contract Disputes with Pledis Entertainment, Chinese Firm
In context, Kyulkyung suddenly announced the termination of the contract with the company amid her schedule in China in 2020. In response, Pledis stated that the idol violated their contract and requested to fulfill the contract or pay for compensation.
The idol then clarified that she formally requested termination of the contract request in 2019 and pointed out that the problem in the coordination process is one of the reasons she's leaving the Korean agency. She concluded her statement by attesting to fans she will work harder.
Media Outlet Reveals Reason Chinese K-pop Idols Choose Career in China vs Korea
Aside from Kyulkyung, other Chinese idols such as former Super Junior Hankyung and ex-EXO members Tao, Kris and Luhan were also involved in lawsuits against their Korean agencies prior to choosing careers in China.
In 2009, Han Geng explained that the cause was the agency's restrictions on his activities and unfair distribution of profits. The former EXO members then revealed that they experienced discrimination against Chinese members from the agency as well as economic difficulties amid much work.
But why did Kyulkyung and other Chinese idols choose to enter the Chinese market despite the huge "Hallyu Wave"?
According to Ten Asia, aside from unfair contracts, the income from solo activities in China also cannot be ignored. One reason is that becoming a K-pop idol and returning to China guarantees success in their homeland.
"Regardless of the reason, idols who have built up their skills with Korea's 'training system' are recognized in China. To make a debut in Korea, you will learn not only vocals but also dance, acting, and playing musical instruments.
In China, Korean idols are considered to be talented. If they gained recognition through activities in Korea, it would be 'icing on the cake.' The name tag of a 'famous Korean idol' is enough to attract attention in the Chinese market."
The second reason is the income. Unlike K-pop idols who often complained about not earning money even after years of debut, Chinese idols earn more in China.
"Revenue from China is estimated to be eight times higher than domestic activities. This is also the reason why many Chinese celebrities do not agree with their Korean fans."
Some idols who established popularity in China include f(x) Victoria and WJSN's Cheng Xiao. In fact, their income is known to have jumped dozens of times in China compared to their profit in Korea.
Victoria particularly grew as a famous Chinese actress who is also serving as a promotional model for various luxury goods. Cheng Xiao also cemented her name as an actress.
READ MORE: 6 Chinese Idols Who Have Left The K-Pop Industry
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Written by Eunice Dawson
