CJ Enm’s Kcon the 2025held from 1 to 3 August at the Crypto.com Arena and Convention Center in Los Angeles, it presented 34 k-pop acts shows in several phases. Among these, the X Stadium, highlighted as a space for increasing and gender debutants, is now under control, not for its training, but for its alleged exploitation of the participating artists and their agencies.
Despite the promotional narrative of CJ Enm emphasized “A door for beginner artists and cultural exchange“, The professionals are revealing a different story. According to reports, the agencies were necessary to cover all the associated costs, including air rates, accommodation, car rentals and even meals, both for artists and for the staff. An employee has estimated that, for a team of about 20 years, the total outlay has approached ₩ 100 million KRW (approximately $ 76,000 USD).
“We expected to pay for flights and accommodation. But when we landed, we realized that the meals were not covered and we had to rent our cars. It was shocking“Said a representative of the agency.
While CJ Enm says the meals were “supplied on site“, The relationships indicate that the artists had to go to the headquarters even during the inactivity times only to eat. For agencies or smaller trainees with full programs, this represented a serious inconvenience.
Adding to the dispute, some acts on the main stage: they are linked to Mulodunto M.– His flights and accommodation covered by CJ Enm has. However, even those teams have often not received performance commissions. Their compensation has arrived in the form of an exhibition, despite the fans who buy tickets to see them live. In the meantime, the essential style and make -up costs have not been subsidized, further pushing the smallest agencies in red.
CJ Enm replied reaffirming the value of the event, “In addition to the free performance opportunities, we offer exposure to representatives of the international music sector, promotional confusion and global digital distribution through YouTube and Mnet Plus. Participation is a voluntary choice made by each agency.“
However, critics claim that this shot masks a systemic imbalance, one who uses the aspirations of the beginner acts and the smaller companies for the gain of CJ Enm. Contrary to other international k-pop events that generally cover the basic expenses, KconThe model was labeled as “dream sold as a debt trap. “
However, not all of CJ Enm’s fault. Some say “Nobody was forced“And those agencies”*They chose to participate, even if this meant debt, because others would take the slot.*”A different source added:”*There were countless groups they wanted but they could not afford it. Even this “possibility” is not accessible to everyone.*
While the K-Pop industry continues to expand abroad, this accident highlights deeper questions about those who really benefit from global phases and what cost.
Sources: Netizenbuzz
