Being an idol isn’t easy. Believe it or not, a lot of your favorite idols started with huge debts and are still working hard to pay them off. In order to produce a group and a picture-perfect member, companies need to invest much more money than they can imagine.
While there are celebrations of groups finally paying off their debts and becoming powerhouses, there are a handful of groups that were blessed and paid off their debts right off the bat. While the average group may take anywhere between 2 and 3 years to pay off debt, like global sensation BTS, see the groups that paid off their debts in a matter of months.
TWICE
JYP Entertainment’s beloved group TWICE knocked their debut out of the park from the very beginning. Becoming an overnight sensation, the girls managed to secure 10 CF (commercial advertisement) alongside music sales. The nine members paid off their debut in record time – just under two months. The group continues to show global success as they paired up with Megan Thee Stallion, performed for PINK, Victoria’s Secret’s signature brand, and continue to tour globally in order to further their earnings.
NewJeans
TWICE aren’t the only group capable of rising above their corporate debt. NewJeans was an immediate success and, due to global social media platforms, their songs became Y2K reminiscent favorites that flooded listeners with a nostalgic vibe. They led the trend and had mind-boggling album sales, streams, and bunny-themed merch that helped the group escape their debt in just two months as well.
IVE
With massive hits like “Eleven” and “Love Dive,” it is no surprise that IVE paid off their debts. Considering IVE’s status as Starship Entertainment’s top-tier group, and member Wonyoung’s individual success, it is alleged that IVE is likely to profit-share rather than deal with crippling debt. Repayments were expected to be done within 4 months since they are recorded as one of the girl groups to begin making a significant profit in their first year. Again, member Wonyoung reportedly single-handedly earned an astonishing net worth, helping the group generate roughly 31.8 billion KRW (approx. $23–24M USD) in annual income. Their global success with Columbia Records also pushed them further outside the Korean market.
MAMAMOO
Power-vocal quartet MAMAOO gained recognition for their retro R&B-influenced sounds that catapulted them into success. Their success piloted them towards a debt-free life after one year and eight months. Alongside music sales, the group notably made money from their appearances at local events. MAMAMOO even won the popular vote among university performances, outnumbering PSY and receiving multiple requests. On an episode of I Live Alone, Park Na Rae asked, “When did you start giving your parents money?” to which Hwa Sa replied, “I got my first paycheck after ‘Um Oh Ah Yeh.’ I paid off all the debt and started giving money to my parents after.” She also disclosed her earnings in royalties alone, helping pay off debt.
Girls’ Generation
Deemed the most successful group in 2nd gen K-pop, the legendary nine ladies of Girls’ Generation paid off their debt in record time. Their rookie group period was met with a great reception, and the girls quickly cleared any remaining debt with SM by receiving countless CF deals with major corporations like Intel and LG. They soon became one of SM’s major surplus groups, raking in money and establishing SM’s wealth. Collectively, their earnings are well over $100 million USD (as of 2022 reports), and the members show continued loyalty to SM with Taeyeon, Hyoyeon, Yuri and Yoona having continued to renew their contracts, with Taeyeon renewing as of 2026.
LE SSERAFIM
Despite having a huge scandal regarding bullying accusations at their debut, their agency Source Music and HYBE labels revealed their earnings and industry reports have confirmed the group to have paid off their debt in just a year. LE SSERAFIM paid off Source Music’s debt in the first half of 2023, and the agency has made significant profits from LE SSERAFIM’s activities, with a net profit of 5.9 billion won (roughly $4 million USD).
STAYC
Like the other groups, STAYC had a very welcoming rookie era that didn’t end in flames. The girl group, backed by HighUp entertainment, rose from the ashes with hits like “ASAP” and “Run To You,” and with “Teddy Bear” being their most successful hit. According to reports, the group earned ₩1.12 billion KRW (about $830,000 USD) from January to December of 2023 with just two songs. Splitting the sum amongst the members, each member would have earned ₩187 million KRW (about $138,000 USD) in the entire year. It was noted that the amount is at least five times more than their successful peers’ average income.
Honorable mentions include boy groups such as BTS, who paid off their debt in 3 years, turning things around at HYBE and making them one of the most profitable entertainment companies to date. From merch to music content and various concert appearances, it is no surprise that they have transformed the label into what it is today. Brother group Tomorrow X Together have also successfully paid off their dates, judging from reports surrounding their earnings in just two years. Groups like MONSTA X, Block B, SEVENTEEN, and Stray Kids are all recognized for paying off their debts within 3 years.
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Although the boys aren’t as fast as the girl groups, it is amazing to see such talented groups secure their places and pay off large, stressful debts in one quick swing. Which group surprised you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to watch FREE Korean dramas and K-Pop content on Amasian TV.
