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group roles and why your fav isn’t getting “mistreated”: a thread :)
disclaimer: no hate to any of the idols i mention in this thread. im just explaining the process!!
The Korean Idol trainee process is one of the most vigorous and competitive industry processes in the world. It often takes many years for a trainee to even be considered for a debut.
As a trainee, after you are accepted and evaluated, you are given a schedule of training for throughout the day. Through time you improve on things such as Dance, Vocals, Producing, and much more.
So imagine: You’ve trained for years and have finally been accepted to debut along with a group of other trainees. Here’s what happens next..
Depending on the content of a contract, the amount of control an idol has on their own brand can vary. In some scenarios, group roles are determined with the input of the debuting idols themselves.
The Leader - Appointed group leader. Is the spokesperson for the group when communicating with management. Most groups have one.
Main Vocalist - Usually has the best vocal technique, given the most difficult parts.
Lead Vocalist - 2nd best vocal technique. Sings choruses along with Main.
Sub Vocalist - Supports the Main and Lead. Their parts are usually after the first verse/chorus.
Lead Vocalist - 2nd best vocal technique. Sings choruses along with Main.
Sub Vocalist - Supports the Main and Lead. Their parts are usually after the first verse/chorus.
Note: I’ve done some research on certain group’s positions and some of them don’t seem completely accurate. Please remember that these positions aren’t the only determining factor in lines/screentime!!!
Main Rapper - Gets most of the rapping parts. Usually writes their own raps.
Lead Rapper - 2nd best rapping technique.
Sub Rapper - Is better than the non-rapping members but isn’t as good as the Main or Lead.
Lead Rapper - 2nd best rapping technique.
Sub Rapper - Is better than the non-rapping members but isn’t as good as the Main or Lead.
Main Dancer - Has the best dancing skills, often has a dance break
Lead Dancer - 2nd to the Main(s), usually is up at the front
Lead Dancer - 2nd to the Main(s), usually is up at the front
So many people undermine the importance of this position...
Visual - Considered most attractive by Korean standards
Visual - Considered most attractive by Korean standards
Face of the Group - Purpose is to bring the attention of nonfans to their group. When most people think of said group, they think of this member..
Center - Often placed in the center of dance formations, gets the most attention from the audience..
Center - Often placed in the center of dance formations, gets the most attention from the audience..
I’ll say it one more time: These positons are NOT the only thing that determines how many lines or how much screentime someone gets... They are not set in stone
So, how are trainees considered for each position? Well, let’s say we have Lalisa Manoban, who is exceptional in dance and rapping. With ease she will become a main/lead dancer or main/lead rapper.
Does that mean she will get the most lines? Surprisingly, the answer is no. 
Most lines, screentime, and center-stage time is given out based on POPULARITY. If Lalisa is a good rapper and dancer but the fans don’t connect with her, she will get less and less lines. It’s simple.
But if Lalisa has a good stage presence, is charismatic, and attracts many fans, she will get more and more lines. More lines = more screentime and more center-stage time!!
Another very good example: Jhope of BTS. He is one of the top male dancers in the industry right now. Despite this, he doesn’t have much center-stage time, let alone rap lines. Why is this? Because he isn’t as popular as the other members.
However, less lines doesn’t not automatically mean “mistreatment”. Just because someone doesn’t have many lines doesn’t mean money isn’t put into other things for them backstage.
If an idol is a Sub-Vocalist, Lead-Rapper, and Visual, their budget is spent on:
1) Rapping lines
2) (Possible) Vocal lines
3) Visual Styling
Believe it or not, the visual position is very cost worthy!
1) Rapping lines
2) (Possible) Vocal lines
3) Visual Styling
Believe it or not, the visual position is very cost worthy!
The conclusion here? Most fans think that because their fav idols aren’t getting much lines, they aren’t making as much money compared to the others. Or, if they don’t have lines, effort and money isn’t being spent on them backstage. Both are very wrong.
It’s totally okay to want to see someone you love on screen more. But “mistreatment” goes beyond that. In most cases, mistreatment is sueable by law. If you truly think an idol is being mistreated, don’t expect them to resign their contract.
Every idol has something to provide to their audience. A Sub-Vocalist with limited popularity isn’t going to get many lines. Even a Visual with limited popularity isn’t going to get much screentime. It’s just the way it is. :(
I hope this thread made sense!! Thanks for reading it all the way. I really really enjoy talking about this stuff with you guys 
*** Adding a bit more onto this thread because there are a few special cases!!
With that being said, sometimes there are idols who are talented and popular but still don’t have many lines. This is because of GROUP BALANCE.
I will be using an example. Solo stans are not welcome here btw
Taehyung is BTS’s secret weapon. He is attractive by both western and korean standards, a good dancer, a good vocalist and his stage persona is magnetic. The amount of new fans he’s brought in during Dynamite alone is not a simple feat.
However, this results in his stage persona being too overbearing. He could easily outshine all the members with ease. But this is a seven member group, and the goal is to make them equal. Solution? Cutting lines and screentime :/
This happens even with other members such as Jhope. Jhope is one of, if not, the best dancer in the group. He often isn’t going full out during performances as to not take away attention from the other members.
Is this considered mistreatment though? No. It is decided in group effort and often varies from release to release. If you overpower your group they’re going to force you to “tone it down”. Welcome to the harsh world of the music industry...
[END.]
