The issue regarding fromis_9's salaries is continuing online.
On May 20, a Korean news outlet MyDaily reported the reactions of Flovers and netizens to fromis_9's alleged unpaid salaries. According to sources, fromis_9 held a live broadcast on fan platform Weverse and discussed several topics.
During the live, member Park Jiwon shared, "I will receive my first payment within this year." However, her response sparked awkward laughter from the members in the room. After the broadcast had ended, fans drew out shocked reactions online.
The report also remarked that fans couldn't understand that fromis_9, a seven-year K-pop group, has yet to receive their first-ever salary.
The revelation was also shocking to many, as fromis_9 is known to have a strong core fanbase, and can sell out concerts and participate in various events. Outlets relayed that fans reacted in disbelief:
- "Does it make sense that you haven't been paid for seven years?"
- "How is it possible that you haven't been paid when you've been around for a while since debuting?"
- "If fromis_9 can't receive their salary, then how do other smaller idol groups manage?"
However, some netizens reportedly speculated that Jiwon referred to the first settlement this 2024 instead of the entire period since fromis_9's debut.
Furthermore, the outlet shared member Lee Chaeyoung's comment earlier on May 7, stating, "Why are we doing this? I want to do some activities. Why can't we be active for so long, and it's only fromis_9. It's so sad."
To delve more into the matter, MyDaily revealed that the outlet had reached out directly to PLEDIS Entertainment on May 20, but received no response.
The outlet also shared that the agency previously responded to Lee Chaeyoung's statement regarding fromis_9's hiatus and lack of promotions.
"We are processing the preparations for fromis_9's comeback," the agency shared. "This year we plan to present not only music but also various activities such as special photo exhibitions."
In a forum, netizens reacted to the update with frustration:
- "Talk about being careless."
- "The fact that the industry is set up so that you can't get paid right away is just weird, there's just too many weird things about celebrities' contract."
- "How are they living?"
- "So they're only told to work and make money but they're not getting any?"
- "Seems like there are a lot of PLEDIS shielders here."
- "This company has so many company stans."
- "Why did PLEDIS acquire them in the first place?"
- "This is text book slavery. Not getting paid for working while being provided with food and accommodation. That's how slaves used to live."
- "Did someone put gun or something on PLEDIS head to acquire them? Why they treat their GGs so bad?"
- "The fact they were made by Mnet and debuted with any debt at all is insane Mnet makes tons of dollars, there was no reason for them to have any debt at all. This is just straight up slavery lol."
- "This should be a crime."
- "No schedules mean no income. They are literally just wasting away. Idols have a very short window when it comes to promotion, out of sight is out of mind."
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below.
Read KpopStarz for more K-pop news.
KpopStarz owns this article
Written by Israel Monte
