What do rookie idols do if they're not successful? (a thread)

I find it pretty sad, actually. Sometimes when I’m in the depths of YouTube I’ll find an obscure rookie group that only ever got a debut song. Then no other promotions other than a few performances. Or they’ll get a couple comebacks but go silent.

Are they just done then? I’m sure small companies have trouble getting the money to properly promote them, but I’m just confused on what happens to the idols afterwards. Especially if they have the talent for the industry.

Some groups I can remember off the top of my head are Varsity, T-Bird, and The Pink Lady. I know T-Bird had a controversy when they debuted, but would that have anything to do with it?

I also wonder what these idols could do to gain more recognition. I’m sure there are ways to do cheap promotions. Even just making YouTube videos would be cheaper.

Sooooo, I did a little research...

1. They change concepts. One of the reasons why some groups are overlooked is because the general public don't like/aren't intrigued by their concept. Most cases are innocent groups doing a 180 to do sexy/skin revealing/provocative concepts.

Sistar, Girl's Day and AOA are a testament to this example.

2.⁠Try to go viral. You need to do one thing that makes a big splash across the media and with the technologically advanced market of South Korea, being viral could either make you an overnight sensation or could push you to the top.

Gfriend with their slipping on stages cams and Hani's viral Up & Down cam.

3.⁠Rebrand. This relates to the first one. If the debut or the first initial comeback isn't well received, smaller companies tend to halt activities to avoid further loses. One saving grace is to 'remake' the group. Dreamcatcher was MINX and Cignature was Good Day.

4. Join a survival show. This made wonders for a couple of groups rookie or not. Some groups that are enjoying post-produce hype: Nuest, Victon, UP10's Wooseok and Jinhyun as soloists etc.

5.⁠Become actors. If they aren't breaking through music, they can try doing acting and if things go well they might convert those drama fans into fans of their group. Cha Eunwoo for Astro, Rowoon and Chani for SF9, Uee and Nana for After School etc.

6. Last resort would be leaving the group/company and either starting over with a different company or leaving the industry entirely.

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