Harsh Realities of Show Biz Part 2: Surviving After Girl Groups’ Expiration Dates

Read part 1: Harsh Realities of Show Biz : What’s the Chance of Becoming a Top Star?

◈ Girl group members becoming actors: “I’m an actor now, but was originally a singer.”
Just 15 years ago, idol groups like H.O.T, Sechs Kies, S.E.S, Fin.K.L, Shinhwa and g.o.d aka “the idol renaissance” were at the peak of their careers and enjoyed great popularity. But after some time (usually around 5 years), teams disbanded and many members left the spotlight. For many, the only way to survive in the entertainment industry was to transform into an actor.

A lot of girl group members from the late 90s and early 2000s became actresses. It’s because back then, girl groups had to disband because they got old. S.E.S’s Eugene, Fin.K.L’s Sung Yuri and Lee Jin, Baby V.O.X’s Yoon Eun Hye and Lee Hui Jin, Jewelry’s Park Jung Ah, Chakra’s Jung Ryeo Won and Sugar’s Hwang Jung Eum are few of many who tried to make a successful crossover. They are more well known as actresses now than as girl group members.

Mr. A commented, “The lifespan of an idol singer isn’t 10-20 years. Girl groups last even shorter. Since there are so many younger groups coming out, older groups naturally break up after they become a certain age. Their only means of survival is to become actors and actresses.”