Fans have expressed anger at the company.
Koreaboo
2 hours ago
Admittedly, it is difficult to make money as an entertainer, especially for K-Pop groups, which have numerous overhead costs.
Some agencies treat “trainee debt” as an expense, allowing newly debuted idols to start earning money right away rather than having to pay back the costs incurred for them. For idols under companies that do not do so, idols do not see money until this debt is paid.
AOA confesses to having earned $0 since debuting three years ago
Recently, an active boy group has revealed that despite being active for 6 years, they have not made any income.
In 2020, Brave Entertainment debuted its first boy group in many years, DKB.
DKB | Brave Entertainment
DKB have been active since, making a Japanese debut, embarking on more than one world tour and releasing multiple albums including their most recent Emotion.
On March 10, the group was featured in a video on the Human Story youtube channel, where they spoke about the difficulties of promoting. The video, titled “7 Years, ₩0 Income” — 7 Idols From DKB Reveal Their Struggle While Chasing Their Dream,” reveals just that, as the members openly discuss their financial situation.
Member Lee Chan admits that being an idol is not something that you should pick if you want to make money, revealing that they feed themselves with ₩20,000 KRW (about $13.60 USD) a day.
Talking about earnings is a sensitive topic, so I have to be careful. If you want to make money, you should never choose this job. Compared to the amount of time and passion you pour into it, the money you get back is actually very little. […] For food expenses, the eight of us are managing on 20,000 won a day,
— Yuku
The group have yet to reach their breakeven point, which is explained in the expenses accumulated in their promotions. The group’s dorms, clothing and food appear to be included in expenses, which are increased with the costs of eight people visiting salons for music show appearances, album production, and other music related costs.
However, the members state that they view it as an investment and have kept going on for the fans, with hopes of higher success in the future.
| Human Condition/YouTube
Fans have reacted to the video with anger, questioning the group’s company over the circumstances.
7 years and no income you have to be kidding me . .. like dkb boys get overworked to death just for nothing??? hello brave whats wrong with you!?? 🤬 https://t.co/XokG5OAY3d
— Faz | | | (@fazz_dongiltiny) March 11, 2026
where is all of their money going? WHERE IS IT GOING? DKB is one of the most hardworking groups ever & they haven’t gotten a single cent? & now you’re using that as a sob story? I’m sorry this is insane https://t.co/6BXXt43Gqq
— mary ⋆.°🧸๋ྀི࣭⭑ ∞ #foreverwithmanon (@junseosluv) March 10, 2026
URM. WHAT IS THIS?? 😞 Am I reading the title correctly?? 0 income for the past 7 years?! WTF?! Is this something to really be proud of, Brave?! 😤 So you’re telling with the all concerts, fansigns, merchandise.. DKB have been paid NOTHING?! what.. in the past 7 years?! Where did… https://t.co/p4TI694CDw
— DKB♡Real♡Love 💖 (@DKB_real_love) March 10, 2026
You can watch the full video below.