K-Drama staffs reveal why producers prefer to cast idols over rookie actors

[satoori]

K-Drama staffs reveal why producers prefer to cast idols over rookie actors

Past comments made by K-Drama staffs are resurfacing among netizens.

On popular online community forums, past comments made by a group of K-Drama staffs in 2016 is redrawing netizens' attention. The opinions had to do with the increase of idols over rookie actors in small screens, and the anonymous interviewees revealed some insider info regarding the idols' pay and employability.

 

One staff 'A' shared that it is natural for casters to eye the idols even during the audition process: "The competition is heavy and the idols prepare a lot more compared to the rookie actors. And, there are many idols who are good at acting nowadays. But, it's also true that the idols get more attention from the onset, even if they may not be so good at acting."

"When asked to showcase their individual talents, the idols are more than ready. They are so good at singing different types of songs, and since their companies train them from the very beginning, their talents surpass the rookie actors by a lot," added another staff 'B'.

Another info that the public doesn't seem to know, according to the staff members, is the fair amount of pay that both the idols and rookie actors receive. They say that some people mistakenly believe that the idols receive much higher pay, which is not the case. 

"Recently, a K-idol appeared in a successful drama, and the pay was very reasonable. Though, I heard that this company usually asks for lower rates. The pay for the idol was known to be only 5 million won (~less than $5000) per episode. There was also a different top-class idol who received only 2 million won per episode at that time," revealed anonymous staff 'C'.

Meanwhile, staff 'C' revealed that a popular girl group member from a mid-size company had asked for 350 million won per episode, which was "preposterous". 

Furthermore, the staff agreed that the producers cannot ignore the idols' marketability overseas and the amount of media attention they bring.
"Even if I were them [the director], I would choose the idols, too," said anonymous staff 'E'.

 

Comments:

1. Yeah, some of the actors aren't that good at acting these days anyway.

2. We have to start accepting the fact that idols receive a lot of training because they are sculpted to be global celebrities.

3. The only issue is that certain companies blatantly ask the drama producers to give their idol a lead role without an audition process..."

4. Hm...

5. What's the deal with being angry about seeing idols on screen?! They are celebrities, too.

6. Placing myself in their shoes, I'd also choose idols any day. CR.

 

 

[satoori]

1 hour ago, bb8__ said:

I feel really bad for these rookie actors who spend years trying to learn the craft only to be sidelined by idols...it's the same when you have famous actors voicing animation, voice actors spend years trying to develop a range of voices only to be sidelined by say Chris Rock and paid millions.

The main reason is recognition even if they don't want to admit it, it gets them publicity for their show.

In relations to Korea; Honestly I don't feel as bad. The entertainment industry is competitive. Many young Koreans who are interested in acting go the idol route specifically so they can increase their chances of landing acting roles. Many idols are professionally trained and/or taking acting lessons too. 

Pay-wise, idols tend to be paid less. Lastly the producers here did not deny recognition. They admit they can't ignore the idols' marketability overseas and the amount of media attention they bring.

 

Edited March 21, 2021 by satoori
words.

[satoori]

6 hours ago, choiyujins said:

isn't this old

here's the korean source - dated 2021.03.20

https://www.insight.co.kr/news/329961