Everglow’s Wang Yiren alleges she has not received any income since debut

Wang Yiren of Everglow. Image: Weibo

Wang Yiren, a Chinese member of the K-pop girl group Everglow, 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, March 18.

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 okay 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 program, “Produce 48,” where she was voted as the most visually standout contestant.

Wang has previously been at the center 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 criticizing her for now following Korean customs and Chinese fans defending her actions.

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 on March 21 and 22.