When K-Pop idols come to mind, most people envision glamorous figures on grand stages, basking in fan screams and flashing lights. However, in Korea's fiercely competitive entertainment industry, only a handful of groups truly achieve widespread fame and long-term success. A recent feature by Korean media outlet The Fact has garnered significant attention for its exposé on the lives of many "unsuccessful idols" after leaving the industry.
According to the report, approximately 40 idol groups debut in Korea each year, translating to around 200 new idols entering the entertainment scene. Yet, only a select few manage to establish themselves and achieve lasting success. Many more quietly depart the stage, embarking on new chapters in their lives.
Numerous former idols and trainees interviewed confessed that they dedicated their youth to training and the dream of debuting, missing out on typical student experiences like academics, social life, and career exploration. Consequently, after leaving the entertainment industry, they often had to learn from scratch how to integrate into society.
Kim Ji-beom (김지범), a former member of the boy group Golden Child, is one such individual. After leaving the entertainment industry, he now operates an indoor shooting range in Busan, Korea. Kim admitted that he had no knowledge of business management during his idol days. He stated, "When I was an idol, I had no idea about company operations, accounting, taxes, or even government subsidy programs."
Another interviewee, Byun Chae-won (변채원), spent nine years as a trainee at various entertainment companies. Although she ultimately did not debut as an idol, she successfully launched her own business, opening a cafe and bar in Seoul.
Byun revealed that she learned about the Korean government's youth startup loan program while working part-time at an internet cafe. She then used these funds to start her business, which now generates annual revenues of several hundred million Korean won. She lamented, "I had no idea these systems existed. There are actually many resources to help young people, but no one ever tells trainees about this information."
The report also highlighted that many trainees who leave the entertainment industry, especially women, are more likely to face unfair employment opportunities or even exploitation due to a lack of career information and networking resources.
Joo Young-seok (주영석), a former member of the boy group SMASH, became a pastry chef after leaving the industry. He believes that entertainment companies should not only teach trainees how to become idols but also help them plan for alternative career paths in advance. Joo stated bluntly, "Not every K-Pop group can succeed. Agencies should help young people prepare for life beyond the stage early on."
The report's release resonated with many Korean netizens. Many believe that the public often focuses solely on successful and popular stars, rarely acknowledging those who dedicated their youth to a dream but ultimately failed to reach the top.
Other netizens commented that while leaving the entertainment industry might seem regrettable, seeing many former idols and trainees forge new lives through their own efforts is equally worthy of recognition and encouragement.
Beyond the glare of the spotlight, many more young people who once dreamed of stardom are continuing to write their own life stories in different ways.
