"Are They Broke?" — Popular Idols' "Sad" Activities Leave Netizens Heartbroken
A new trend involving K-Pop idols has fans sadden by their potential financial statuses, questioning if they are able to make money.
K-Pop Idols and the TikTok Live-Stream Economy: A Look at Compensation and Well-being In a recent TikTok video, K-pop enthusiast DizZzyPop raised concerns about the financial realities faced by K-pop idols who frequently live-stream on the platform. The video, uploaded on June 1st, 2025, has already garnered significant views and engagement, highlighting the widespread interest in this topic. DizZzyPop observes that many idols who stream are from less active groups or companies, leading them to question whether these idols are adequately compensated for their time and effort. "It does make you think about how much money they're actually making doing this for a couple of hours a day," DizZzyPop states in the video. This raises concerns about potential exploitation and the pressure on artists to generate income through these platforms. The video also touches upon the potential for discomfort among idols due to the volume of donations they receive. DizZzyPop notes the ease with which anyone can donate, raising questions about the potential for inappropriate interactions or pressure. This video serves as a starting point for a larger conversation about the ethical considerations of live-streaming within the K-pop industry and the need for fair compensation and protection for artists in the digital age. The growing popularity of this video underscores the importance of addressing these issues to ensure the well-being of K-pop idols.
A new trend involving K-Pop idols has fans sadden by their potential financial statuses, questioning if they are able to make money.