On June 17, a new episode of the popular YouTube series Workman was released under the title “A Job Where You Can Check an Idol’s Salary.” In the episode, fromis_9’s Park Jiwon took on a part-time experience as a bank employee and chatted with workers about their careers and salaries.
While taking a short break with a senior employee, the conversation naturally shifted to compensation and annual income. After the employee revealed their salary first, Park Jiwon appeared surprised and responded: “You really earn well.”
The employee jokingly asked whether she earned two or even three times as much, given her status as an idol. Park Jiwon quickly denied the suggestion, saying: “What are you talking about?” She then shocked viewers by revealing the reality of her financial situation. “If that were the case, I wouldn’t be here. Honestly, until last year or even the year before, I had absolutely no money.”
The singer went on to explain that she did not receive meaningful earnings throughout most of her idol career. “I had no income for eight years after debuting. I lived like a pauper, and it hasn’t been long since I started receiving settlement payments.” Her honest confession highlighted the financial challenges many idols face behind the scenes despite appearing on television and performing regularly.
Park Jiwon added that she has only recently begun managing and saving money seriously. “Now I’m finally working hard to save money.”
Although K-pop is often associated with glamour and success, many artists spend years repaying training costs, production expenses, and other investments made by their agencies before they begin receiving profits. Park Jiwon’s comments resonated with fans, offering a rare glimpse into the economic realities that some idols experience even after making their official debut.
Following significant changes in the group’s management structure, fromis\ 9 has continued its activities under a new agency and has remained active in music and entertainment promotions.
With Park Jiwon now receiving settlements and beginning to build financial stability, fans have expressed support and hope that the group’s future activities will bring even greater success.
