Rising K-pop group QWER is making headlines not just for their music, but for their revealing discussion about their early days in the industry. The four-member group, signed under the smaller 3Y Corporation x Tamago Prod., recently appeared on the web show “Don’t Forget Your Breakfast,” and opened up about their experiences.
The members of QWER, who have been gaining popularity with hits like “T.B.H” and “Discord,” shared some surprising details about their initial earnings. Despite their success on the MelOn charts and multiple festival appearances, their financial situation has been challenging.
QWER’s debut settlement fee was only $0.90
During the show, member Hina disclosed, “It’s been about 10 months since our debut, and we’ve only received one payment. We did get paid, but it was only 1,200 won ($0.90).” This revelation sparked disbelief among fans and viewers alike.
MC Jang Sung Gyu reacted to this news with shock, wondering aloud if this might be considered a “slave contract.” However, the members laughed off the comment and reassured everyone that they were handling the situation well.
The group also gave insights into their unique dorm life. Instead of a typical agency-provided dormitory, QWER lives in a rented building where each member occupies a different floor.
QWER (Credits: Tamago Production)
The fourth floor serves as a common area, while the fifth is dedicated to practice. CEO Kim Gyeran explained the choice of location was due to the need for soundproofing and a quiet environment for practice, away from the bustling city of Seoul.
Due to high living costs, QWER has had to limit their appearances on music shows. Magenta mentioned, “Setting up for a live show costs more than our monthly rent here.” CEO Kim added that the most significant expenses come from special costs like instrument setup and sound equipment.
Despite the initial scepticism surrounding their formation, QWER has won over many K-pop fans with their music. The group, led by YouTuber Kim Gyeran, includes former internet stars Hina, Chodan, and Magenta, who were previously known on platforms like TikTok and AfreecaTV.
Their dedication and unique approach have garnered them a growing fanbase eager to support their journey.
HyunA, the iconic K-pop soloist known for her bold performances and unique style, recently found herself amid controversy. As she prepares for her upcoming wedding to Yong Junhyung, accusations surfaced that she abandoned her rescue dog, Haetnim.
On September 3, HyunA and Junhyung shared their wedding pictorial on Instagram, which drew significant attention for its unconventional elements. HyunA’s choice of flat shoes and Harley Quinn-inspired makeup in a mini-dress, paired with fishnet stockings, created a buzz. The couple’s affectionate snaps added to the excitement, especially a photo featuring Sogeum, HyunA’s bichon.
HyunA and ex-fiancé, Dawn used to take care of the dog.
However, the celebration took a turn when fans noticed Haetnim, the rescue dog HyunA adopted in 2019, was absent from the pictorial. Speculation quickly spread that HyunA might have abandoned Haetnim, leading to accusations of her being an irresponsible pet owner. This stirred a heated discussion among netizens.
Despite the backlash, many defended HyunA, explaining that Haetnim is under the care of HyunA’s ex-fiancé, Dawn. Fans praised Dawn for his ongoing care of Haetnim, countering the claims that HyunA had neglected the dog. This clarification helped to ease some of the public’s concerns.
“We had prepared to file legal action against the constant personal attacks, spread of false information, and malicious distortions regarding our artist HyunA, but we have consistently shown leniency at the artist’s request. However, since the announcement of the marriage, we have confirmed that the defamation has been carried out indiscriminately to a level that we can no longer stand by and watch. In particular, since the release of the wedding pictorial, the production and distribution of rumours that are completely different from the truth have become serious, so we have decided to take strong action.”
They further emphasized,
“As a minimum measure to protect our personalities, we will take strict legal action against malicious rumours in the future without any warnings, leniency, or agreements.”
HyunA and Yong Junhyung’s wedding is scheduled for October 11, and amidst the wedding excitement, unfounded rumours of a premarital pregnancy have also circulated. The label’s statement clarifies that these rumours are untrue.
HyunA and Yong Jun-hyung’s private wedding was planned amid ongoing public criticism.
The controversy surrounding HyunA highlights the intense scrutiny K-pop idols face, especially when personal matters intersect with their public lives. As HyunA moves forward with her marriage plans, fans and netizens alike await further developments.
