Forcing idols to pay their ‘STAFF DINNER’
In Korea, there is a word called ‘Gapjil’, it is an expression referring to an arrogant and forceful attitude or actions of people in South Korea, who have position of powers over others. Music shows ‘gapjil’ has been famous along K-pop fans, as the idols and the companies have mentioned it openly. One of the most famous ‘gapjil’ of the music shows, were making idols to stand and wait for hours to see music show producers after the show. They had to wait for long period in their makeup and stage outfits until they can meet the music show producers. However, this custom has vanished as COVID-19 occurred. They couldn’t have all the artists in the small hallway, so it was removed.
Unknown ‘gapjil’ of music shows
Making artists to wait in the hallways were well-known action. However, as HYBE and MBC’s 4 years of a conflict has finished more ‘gapjil’ have revealed. According to Hankyung, the news outlet’s article it was shocking.
(To read the original Korean article: click here)
They made the team that won first place to pay for the after party dinner. If it is after party dinner for the artists, it may work. But according to insiders, it was the ‘staff dinner’. While the performance fee is around 100,000 to 300,000 won, they have to serve hundreds staffs’ meal, just because they won the 1st place. So it is unfair custom, making music shows in higher position.
Looking forward for the change
The power struggle between broadcasters and agencies was not a special case, because it had been around for a long time. However, unlike before, when most agencies took a step back due to promotional effects through broadcasting, HYBE drew an apology from MBC. Furthermore, they formalizing the reconciliation between the two companies, and directly pointed out unfair practices. So others in the industry and people are looking forward maybe music shows might change.
