fromis_9 member Jiwon said she and her groupmates worked for about seven years without receiving income, describing the financial anxiety they faced early in their career.
As per AllKpop, Jiwon made the comments during an Aug. 29 appearance on JTBC’s “Knowing Bros,” where she appeared with Billlie’s Tsuki. Reflecting on fromis_9’s eighth year, she said the group experienced financial hardship because it generated little or no income during its first seven years.
“We went through difficult times because we had no income for seven years,” Jiwon said.
When host Kim Shin Young asked whether the members had not received settlements because there was no income to distribute, Jiwon replied, “That’s right. We worked without getting paid, and I lived off of the allowance my mom gave me.”
Jiwon said the situation affected ordinary expenses, including meals. She recalled feeling anxious whenever she had to pay, worried that her card might be declined because of a low balance. The COVID-19 pandemic compounded the problem by reducing the group’s opportunities to promote and perform.
Maeil Business Newspaper added that Jiwon described herself on the program as “The Magician of Perseverance.” She said the members’ affection for fromis_9 helped them continue despite the difficulties and acknowledged that the group experienced setbacks during the period.
Asked whether the members are receiving settlements now, Jiwon smiled and answered, “A little, now.”
The financial disclosure comes as fromis_9 prepares for another major career milestone. The Chosun Daily, citing an OSEN report, said the group is scheduled to return in July with its first full-length album in three years. Ascend, the group’s agency, said the members are carefully preparing the album to showcase fromis_9’s distinctive energy and musical color.
The upcoming release builds on the group’s reputation for summer hits. “Stay This Way,” released in 2022, earned five music show wins, while “Supersonic,” released in 2024, won four.
After reorganizing as a five-member group, fromis_9 released “LIKE YOU BETTER,” which topped music shows and remained in Melon’s Top 100 for three consecutive weeks, according to the OSEN report cited by The Chosun Daily.
The group also achieved results outside the summer season. Its December remake single “White Longing” reached No. 5 on Melon’s Top 100 chart and won first place on several Korean music programs.
fromis_9 was formed through Mnet’s “Idol School” and debuted in 2018. The group previously promoted under Pledis Entertainment. After the members’ exclusive contracts expired, the act reorganized as a five-member group and signed with Ascend.
Jiwon is also active as the fourth host of the web variety show “Workdol” and is performing as Ali in the musical “Hell’s Kitchen.”
The group’s recent full album, “Glow ME,” features the title track “Vitamin ME.”