How are idols paid and how much?

[The Greatest]

I really want to know how idols are paid. I know for american record labels the executive producer(s), producer, songwriter, A&R, etc get paid more than the artist in general; since korean companies are even more commanding/controlling I imagine it would be less, especially with the limited creative freedom idols have to actually get a credit in their music. Plus all those streaming services must take a percentage. CFs probably carry the biggest paycheck, but how do those less popular/fortunate make do?

[Gen_ki]

It all depends. Performances (idols perform at festivals and concerts all the time) are the biggest paychecks for nugu idols. 

[Fentyoncé]

Even though they are making more money every year, the average take-home for K-pop groups is $42,940.91.

According to the data, the average K-Pop idol income has increased 72.2 percent in three years between 2010 and 2013. While in 2010 the average salary was 22.64 million won (approximately $20,000 USD), K-Pop idols' average salary more than doubled to 46.74 million won (approximately $43,000 USD) by 2013

 

I know for bigger groups the money lies in concerts and such, and I think a while back there was an article about some of the bigger companies about how they split different sales. I

[Nanners]

Not much. Most of the designer clothes and jewelry you see them wearing are gifts from fans/designers. Some stuff they have to give back.

[momorinxoxo]

I have an idea but I'll leave to it to those who are more expert than me (pro in numbers and estimations) But I'll add some. During their (unpopular idols/groups) debut era, their managers/stylist-nims will borrow expensive outfits, accessories, shoes, and etc. The dream kpop style concerts (the concerts where you have 5 group lineups) contribute bigger paychecks. And if they get to work with big music producers, they'll be given a song and its up to them if they can hit/miss. Sadly, there are nugu groups out there who actually have amazing songs. And yes, a variety show is one the keys to snatching CFs and etc. 

[mirurun]

It depends how big a group is which usually depends on their sales and concerts. Big groups like SNSD can make around $20,000,000 after a successful comeback and a few concerts. And even then they have to split it among the 8 members. But if a group is nugu, sometimes they don't even make half as much. Most idols make around $40,000-100,000 a year.

[lovely_me]

depends on how successful a group is. Album/single sales, how many Concert days, Tours (and how big the halls are and or if them sold out), merchandising, than advertising and CF, it all will split at member unit, than  solo schedule like MC/ Musical will be added. It all gets + and - (what u brought in and what cost did u caused) and paid ones a half year. The more successful the group is and u as person, the more will u get paid. (but this all after u did paid all  debits of yr training days back, before a special sum gets minus for yr debits)

[The Greatest]

I remember seeing that $40,000 a year and going   depressing esp for nugus and idols in big groups. Reminds me of Olympic athletes who spend literally all their time training yet don't receive much for earning a medal (if at all).

[coolcoolcool]

It depends on the group and the idol. Big groups such as SNSD and Big Bang make a lot, about 20 million$ but they get only a small precentage of the money because they split it between the members and some goes to the song writers, stylist etc. Groups with average successes don't make much more then the average person in Korea. Money comes from sales and concerts, but  mostly CFs and solo activities

[skcebl]

Lower end groups, particularly girl groups, get most of their income traveling around to festivals and university shows.

[echobunny]

it's fair to say that 90% of idols in korea can not make a living with only being an idol.

most groups have to recoup what agencies have invested in them, that can take years since additional costs are constantly added, but even then the agencies don't split the money fairly.

where does the money come from, music sales? not really, even a big group like exo gets only 5% of album sales. concerts? you would need a big fandom to regularly give concerts and make money off of that, about 50-70% goes to the artist (they can make some money by performing at festivals). variety shows/dramas? yes, this is one very important field for idols especially variety shows. they get appearance fees and can keep most of it, while management of course always gets their share as well. cf's? this is something only 'famous' groups can make money off, and they make good money with big cf deals, whether it's fashion brands, electronics or food.

so variety and cf's are the bread and butter for idols, who don't have a fandom big enough to support them by going to their fanmeets and concerts.