In a surprising revelation that has captivated K-pop fans worldwide, Shinhwa member Lee Minwoo has opened up about the stark financial differences between his group activities and solo career. The veteran singer recently appeared on the popular variety show 'Radio Star' and shared candid details about his earnings over nearly three decades in the Korean music industry.
The Shocking Income Disparity
During his appearance in November, Lee Minwoo didn't hold back when discussing financial matters. He revealed that being part of Shinhwa was far more beneficial financially compared to his solo endeavors. The artist went as far as to describe the income difference as overwhelmingly shocking, emphasizing that he used to earn substantially more during his group activities than he ever did as a solo artist.
What makes this revelation particularly interesting is Lee Minwoo's admission about his popularity within the group. He confidently stated that during Shinhwa's peak, he was more popular than fellow members Eric and Andy. This popularity translated directly into financial gains that initially surprised even him.
The Member Postcard Controversy
Lee Minwoo provided concrete examples to illustrate the income disparities among Shinhwa members. He recalled how stationery shops used to sell individual member postcards, and the sales figures varied significantly for each member. When he examined the settlement statements for these merchandise sales, he noticed something that bothered him.
I sold this much, but we're dividing it equally? Lee Minwoo remembered thinking at the time. This observation led him to approach their director with a bold request for individual settlements rather than equal distribution of merchandise earnings.
Fortunately for Lee Minwoo, his proposal was met with enthusiasm, and the group soon transitioned to individual payment systems. The financial results were staggering - Lee Minwoo's earnings were far superior to those of his bandmates, with Eric surprisingly being the least popular member in terms of merchandise sales.
Surprising Revelations About Member Popularity
The income distribution within Shinhwa revealed some unexpected patterns. Lee Minwoo specifically mentioned that Eric and Andy, both U.S.-raised members, had very low sales compared to other members. This was particularly surprising given Eric's later success in acting, especially after his breakthrough role in the drama 'Firebird'.
Another heartwarming story emerged about member Jun Jin, who once conducted a high-class photoshoot in a desert and received a substantial payment for it. Despite being told it wasn't necessary, Jun Jin equally distributed his earnings among all group members, demonstrating the strong bond that has kept Shinhwa together for so many years.
In a fitting turn of events, Eric later repaid Jun Jin's generosity after finding success in his acting career, completing a cycle of mutual support that has characterized Shinhwa's long-standing relationship.
Lee Minwoo's revelations provide rare insight into the financial dynamics of one of K-pop's most legendary groups. His candid discussion about income disparities, popularity metrics, and the group's adjustment to individual settlements offers fans a glimpse behind the curtains of idol economics that is rarely discussed so openly in the industry.
