The company is accused of “exploiting” fans.
K-Pop companies are there to organize things for their idols, whether it’s events, promotions, travel, and much more. CUBE Entertainment is receiving heavy backlash for exploiting fans when it comes to supporting (G)I-DLE.
Like all groups, (G)I-DLE has a strong fandom as seen at concerts, festivals, and events.
On June 17, CUBE Entertainment released a new post on Weverse. The announcement discussed recruiting “Fan supporters” and explained the role and its requirements.
The text explained that they would organize on-site activities for (G)-IDLE public broadcasts and fan club events. The list of requirements seemed very specific, especially as there was no mention of reimbursement for the role.
“(G)I-DLE Offline Fan Supporter Recruitment Guide
2024.06.17Hello,
This is the (G)I-DLE Fan Club Manager.We are announcing the recruitment of offline fan supporters for (G)I-DLE. Please refer to the details below.
[Offline Fan Supporter Recruitment Period]
From 12 PM (KST), June 17, 2024 (Mon) until positions are filled[Number of Offline Fan Supporters Needed]
n individuals[Offline Fan Supporter Activities]
Managing on-site activities at (G)I-DLE public broadcasts and fan club[Offline Fan Supporter Qualifications]
- Must be a member of the (G)I-DLE NEVERLAND MEMBERSHIP
- Must be 20 years or older (born before 2005)
- Must be available for offline activities without time restrictions
- Must not disclose fan club operations to outsiders
- Must not be a supporter or officer of other artists’ fan clubs, both online and offline
- Must be able to actively participate for (G)I-DLE and NEVERLAND“
When the post was shared on the Korean forum, theqoo, netizens couldn’t get over the nerve of CUBE for hiring fans for free to do promotions and activities that should be organized by their own staff.
- Where’s your conscience…
- CUBE’s trashy behavior is well-known.^^
- Who would do it, LOL
- Isn’t it better to just get a three-week part-time job?????
- Pay people to work.
- Why are they like this when they have so much money?
Even international fans in the comments were angry at CUBE’s decision to “take advantage” of fans, especially as those who can apply have to have already paid for the membership.
just when i was surprised yesterday that cube actually spent money to book a whole plane for yuqi…fans are not for you to take advantage of ??? hire actual staff instead of trying to get free labour https://t.co/z5Yw5Bhrjy
— 면프로디테 (@_jaxtaposition) June 17, 2024
I’ve paid for the membership, actually I pay for everything. And the artists company wants me to work for them for free. I must be available always whenever they need me. I must work whenever they tell me too.
-oh shhhit 😂 https://t.co/Xqb6nx7xls
— GZB_우기우끼끼_2YEON💜 (@RunBabyRunnnnnn) June 17, 2024
cube cant even be bothered to hire more staff to do all this shit bc why the hell would they ask fans to do volunteer work as if fans aren’t busy w their own lives too https://t.co/vpaFx7hCx3
— m (@98ssjins) June 17, 2024
I don’t ever want to hear about Cube privilege again. They can’t even hire staff and have to rely on fan volunteers to get things done in the company. Please be serious for once Cube because your artists are dropping like flies from your company. https://t.co/5Q1VaKaiMj
— 💕💜 (@Tashal55) June 17, 2024
While CUBE isn’t one of the “Big 4,” it is definitely a well-known company and (G)I-DLE is very successful that many assume the company should be afford to properly hire staff for them, rather than taking advantage of fans.
