Parents reveal hidden costs behind K-pop idol dreams

Park Se-mi / Captured from YouTube channel "Rollingthunder_2025"

Becoming a K-pop idol can cost families up to 5 million won (about $3,700) a month — a price many parents say is both a sacrifice and a gamble, as competition intensifies in Korea’s highly structured trainee system.

Comedian Park Se-mi recently explored the reality behind idol training in a YouTube video released April 14 on the channel "Rollingthunder_2025," where she visited a dance academy and met students preparing for auditions at major entertainment agencies.

In the video, Park experienced vocal and dance lessons and observed a mock audition, but it was her conversations with parents that drew the most attention.

“When my child first said they wanted to become an idol, I thought it was admirable to have a dream,” one mother said. “It’s not easy to find something you truly want to do. If they have that, they should at least try so they won’t regret it later.”

But the financial burden quickly becomes significant.

A parent of three children — two of whom are pursuing performing arts — said, “With dance academies, vocal lessons and even regular subjects like English and math, we spend at least 5 million won a month.”

Another parent raising two children enrolled in similar programs confirmed the cost, adding, “It’s hard to say this is average, but the real question is how much you can support. As a parent, it’s not easy to compromise on that.”

Park Se-mi / Captured from YouTube channel "Rollingthunder_2025"

Beyond money, parents said the uncertainty surrounding their children’s future weighs heavily. While their children focus on debuting as idols, parents often prepare backup plans.

“My child is chasing the dream of becoming an idol, but as a parent, I have to think about other paths too,” one mother said, adding that they were considering alternative careers within the entertainment industry.

Parents also described balancing academics with training, worrying about physical development and even helping choose audition songs that match their child’s vocal range, highlighting the level of involvement required.

The video also offered insight into current audition trends. An academy director said entertainment agencies are increasingly focusing on “physical presence,” while a vocal instructor emphasized that applicants should choose songs suited to their range rather than simply following trends.

“Auditions are not about singing popular songs,” the instructor said. “It’s about showing what fits you best.”

A dance instructor added that confidence is key, saying, “What matters most in dance is energy. You have to show confidence in your performance.”

Korea’s K-pop trainee system, in which aspiring idols undergo years of intensive training before debut with no guarantee of success, has long been known for its competitiveness. The latest discussion highlights not only the dedication required, but also the growing financial and emotional costs borne by families.

As interest in K-pop continues to surge globally, the video has sparked renewed attention on what it really takes to chase the dream — and whether the price is one that every family can afford.

This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.