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.

 

 

[Mrs. Morale]

Cause they know their stupid-ass fans would eat it up despite how bad it is...

[bb8__]

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.

[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.

[deliriousness]

2 hours 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.

This is why idols who wanna act join groups. Honestly, I feel worse for these idols. Because some of them clearly would rather act than be an idol. But they know being an idol increases your chances by a lot. And then they're stuck in this group for 7 years. Probably unhappy. And in some cases, they don't have much performance talent or charisma anyway so it's like... you shouldn't have debuted this way.

[Onetooth]

no duh

not to mention, just cause they're a rookie actor doesn't mean they're any good at acting.  just like how many singers who debut can't sing.

[starsocks]

isn't this old

[WondeReDaisy]

As a kpop and kdrama fan I dont get the idol actor hate. They always say the sam ething "I feel bad for rookie actor who could have had this role" or "idols should just sing and leave acting to actors who are trained for that" Whose to say a rookie actor wuold do better than the idol cast? Whole idols cant act thing has been proven wrong by countless actors who are also idols. Many of them act better than rookie idols and even some actors that have been in industry for years. Plus most knetz drag rookie actors when they get cast as leads as well. "Then its think of sert veteran actor who could have played this role well"

Just let the person play the role. If they do a bad job then drag them for ruining the show. 

I personally like people who are well rounded in the arts. They are not just an actor or singer but also have talents in other forms of art like drawing, painiting, writing, dance, cooking or crafting. Then again I am a fan of old hollywood where the stars came from varying backgrounds in the arts to the silver/tv screens. So I odnt see the big deal in idols being actors too.

[Guest]

I think that we could find a lot of talent in idols too, like Eunji, D.O. and Park Hyun Sik. The problem is tho, the dramas always use A listers, and thats why it costs a lot. For example i knew none of the cast from Waikiki and it was the most enjoyable drama ever. We cant blame everything on the idols, why dont the staff cast new actors too? 

[YEO]

It's obvious why idols got cast more than underrated or rookie actors; their prices are low, global marketing, recognition, and can easily be the scapegoat if the drama flops. Yes, I do feel bad for underrated & rookie actors bc some idols are awful at acting yet land a lead role. However, being a rookie actors =/= better than idol-actors. Some idols are "must-skip" but a lot of idol-actors are pretty good & improving these days. They might not be at some veteran or well respected actors' level but some of them are not far from some overrated A-list & B-list actors.

Edited March 23, 2021 by YEO

[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