This 3rd-gen idol exposed the mistreatment that he suffered from his agency during his 6-year career.
Ex-TARGET Woojin Reveals His Salary for 6 Years Didn't Even Reach Minimum Wage
Woojin, former member of the boy group TARGET, took to his thread where he recalled his early days as a K-pop idol.
Here, he warned aspiring idols to make sure to study the law and read the contract prior to joining a company. He also narrated how his lack of knowledge and guidance made him suffer mistreatment.
He explained:
"It's already been 6 years since I debuted. I had a great experience that money couldn't buy at a young age. Thanks to that, I have achieved great success. I think I have grown significantly as well thanks to this.
I started at the age of 16 and devoted eight years, performing over 1,000 times, but during my childhood, I was paid less than the minimum wage and only received a few hundred thousand won every now and then to maintain my dignity."
When a netizen commented that they should have been careful when signing a contract at a younger age, Woojin replied:
"Because a situation like force majeure comes, it is said that even lawyers, prosecutors, and doctors are all subject to fraud, although there is a 'low probability.' (This line is usually a scam by acquaintances)."
Ha then gave the advice:
"As it is a sought-after entertainment, if you exclude the basic skills of dancing, singing, visuals, acting, passion, and earnestness, I hope that your parents will nurture you with the knowledge to deal with adults and the wisdom to judge right and wrong.
Although I know that in reality, it is difficult to take the lead in such an environment.”
Due to the nature of idols who go through a trainee period from young adolescence, the majority of them are ignorant of the contents of the contract, which is full of difficult legal terms.
Some entertainment companies not only do not share contract details with those who only pursue the goal of "debut," but they also cause controversy over non-payment of wages.
Where is Former TARGET Woojin Now? Idol Pursues Dancing & Modeling Career
Meanwhile, TARGET, the group to which Woojin formerly belongs, first debuted in Japan in 2017.
At the time, they achieved the amazing feat of mobilizing 15,000 audiences over 4 days in Tokyo, Sapporo, and Osaka, earning them the title of "Next Generation Korean Wave Idol."
The following year, the group made its official debut in Korea with the release of its first mini album "Alive."
In particular, Woojin showed off his musical abilities by participating in writing lyrics for the title song "Tempest."However, in 2021, he left the group.
Since then, he pursued a dancing career and is also working as a shopping mall model.
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Written by Eunice Dela Cruz
