Understanding the Contract Renewal Landscape
In the competitive world of the Korean entertainment industry, the contract renewal process for female idols can dictate their future careers. When a female idol does not renew her contract, her path back into the industry is subject to various factors.
The Impact of Agency Ratings
Korean agencies categorize artists using rating levels, which significantly influence their chances of signing with a new agency. The classification into S-level and B-level contracts plays a crucial role in determining the opportunities available for returning idols. Well-known figures, like Song Yuqi, are likely to be rated S-level due to their established popularity. Such recognitions can facilitate a smoother transition back into the industry.
Challenges for Lesser-Known Artists
Contrastingly, idols who are lesser-known or have been out of the spotlight, such as Shen Xiaoting, may be classified as lower-tier artists. In such cases, returning to pursue a career might be significantly more challenging. These idols can find themselves treated as newcomers, requiring careful consideration and selection by agencies, which may not always be inclined to offer contracts. Thus, the ease or difficulty in signing with a Korean agency after a hiatus is very much dependent on the individual’s past achievements and current presence in the industry.
