Wang Yiren, a Chinese member of K-pop girl group Everglow, has revealed that she has not received any income since her debut six years ago.
"I love performing on stage, but in reality, my income is zero. Since my debut, I have never received any payment — I am essentially a worker earning zero won," Wang said, during a conversation with fans on the online fan platform, Bubble, Tuesday.
Despite her financial struggles, she expressed her commitment to continuing her career.
"I don’t want to quit this job. I work hard to prepare for our concert tour because I want to show our fans great performances. I feel sorry that we haven’t been able to present new songs or stages," she added. "But I’m OK because I still get to meet our fans and have opportunities to perform."
Wang’s agency, Yue Hua Entertainment — a China-based company with a Korean branch in Seoul — could not be reached for comment on the matter.
Everglow, a six-member K-pop girl group, debuted in 2019 and is known for hits such as Adios, Dun Dun and Zombie. Wang first gained recognition as a contestant on Mnet’s K-pop audition programme, Produce 48, where she was voted as the most visually standout contestant.
Wang has previously been at the centre of controversies regarding her political stance.
In December 2020, she told Chinese fans during an online video fan meeting, "I am working hard in Korea to promote our Chinese culture." She later changed her profile picture to the Chinese national flag on Everglow’s official fan community, drawing criticism from local fans.
In January 2022, she faced a backlash after being the only Everglow member who did not perform a traditional Korean-style Lunar New Year full bow during a fan event in Korea, instead opting for a traditional Chinese fist-and-palm greeting.
The incident sparked heated online debates, with many Korean fans criticising her for not following Korean customs and Chinese fans defending her action.
Later that year, in August, she stirred controversy again, by posting a message on her personal Weibo account expressing support for the "One China" policy. The policy asserts that Taiwan is a part of China and that the People's Republic of China is the only legitimate government, which is disputed by Taiwan.
Meanwhile, after a hiatus following the release of Zombie in June 2023, Everglow is set to resume full-group activities with concerts in Tokyo March 21 and 22. – The Korea Herald/Asia News Network
