When most people think of K-pop idols, they imagine high-energy performances, dazzling outfits, and packed stadiums. But behind the scenes, some idols are making serious money in a less flashy — yet highly profitable — way: songwriting royalties.
For idols who write or compose their own music, royalties can be a consistent and long-term source of income, even long after they stop performing on stage.
Disclaimer: The content provided on KnowTheirNetWorth.com is intended for general informational and entertainment purposes only. All information, including net worth figures, income breakdowns, and biographies, is compiled from publicly available sources, online publications, social media profiles, interviews, and estimations made by industry analysts.
What Are Songwriting Royalties?
Songwriting royalties are payments given to the creators of a song — this includes lyricists, composers, and arrangers — whenever their music is sold, streamed, performed, or broadcast.
There are several types of royalties:
- Mechanical Royalties – Earned from physical sales (CDs, vinyl) and digital downloads.
- Performance Royalties – Earned when songs are played on radio, TV, streaming platforms, or performed live.
- Synchronisation Royalties – Earned when music is used in films, commercials, or video games.
In South Korea, the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA) manages and distributes these royalties to registered songwriters.
How K-Pop Idols Register as Songwriters
To earn royalties, idols must first be credited for their work and registered with KOMCA. This ensures they get paid whenever their songs are used. Many idols who are active in producing their own music are listed in KOMCA’s official database.
For example:
- G-Dragon (BIGBANG) – Over 180 registered songs, making him one of the top-earning idol-songwriters.
- Suga (BTS) – Known for producing BTS hits and writing for other artists.
- Woozi (SEVENTEEN) – Credited on most of SEVENTEEN’s discography.
The Earning Potential of Songwriting Royalties
The amount idols earn depends on:
- How popular the song is
- How often it’s streamed or purchased
- Whether it’s used in commercials, TV shows, or movies
For example, a song that tops charts in multiple countries and is streamed millions of times can generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in royalties over time.
What makes royalties attractive is their passive income nature — even years later, if the song is still popular, the songwriter continues to earn.
Case Study: G-Dragon’s Royalty Empire
G-Dragon is a prime example of how royalties can build massive wealth. As the main songwriter and producer for many of BIGBANG’s hits like Fantastic Baby and Haru Haru, he earns every time these songs are streamed, downloaded, or performed — even in karaoke bars.
Reports estimate that G-Dragon earns over $700,000 USD annually just from royalties, separate from his endorsement and performance income.
Why More Idols Are Writing Their Own Songs
In the past, K-pop agencies often relied on in-house or foreign songwriters, with idols focusing mainly on performing. But now, more idols are getting involved in songwriting because:
- It gives them creative control over their music.
- It builds a personal brand as an artist, not just a performer.
- It creates a long-term income stream beyond touring and album sales.
Groups like Stray Kids (through their producing unit 3RACHA), SEVENTEEN, and (G)I-DLE are leading this trend.
International Royalties: The Global K-Pop Effect
Because K-pop is now a global phenomenon, royalties aren’t limited to South Korea. A BTS song played in a café in New York or featured in a Netflix series still generates income for its credited songwriters.
Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music make it easier for songs to reach international audiences, increasing royalty earnings exponentially.
The Bottom Line: Royalties as a Path to Financial Freedom
For K-pop idols, songwriting royalties are more than just extra income — they’re a form of financial security. While touring schedules may change and endorsement deals come and go, a well-written hit song can keep paying for decades.
As the industry evolves, expect to see even more idols taking control of their music and building wealth through their songwriting skills.
2 thoughts on “How K-Pop Idols Earn From Songwriting Royalties”