Is a K-pop idols career really over at 30?

depends on the idol tbh

Most idols start exploring different ventures around that age.

So while I wouldn’t say their idol career is over at 30, it’s most likely on a steep decline unless they’re in a legendary group like SNSD or Twice.

Wouldn’t say over but less likely to build on their fanbase! Sadly I think fans are made from early age and solidified later

I was watching Daisy ex member from momoland video and she confirmed at 21/22 she was made to feel old! It’s ridiculous

If an idol is in an established group, then they should be fine. Idols like Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Taeyeon,Blackpink members, Nayeon, Jihyo, MiSaMo can all most likely continue being idols when they're 30.

It seems very unlikely to have a career over 30 if you weren't in a succesful group. Time catches up with most and many just move on to new acts. The fanbase shrinks for an idol as they get older and it seems rare to get a new lease on life as they get older

As a Kpop Idol, 100%! Stats don't lie. Unless you're GD or Taeyeon you have no future after your group disbanded or not as active anymore, and you're a soloist for more than 5 years! At least, not on Charts!

Charts are all about young Idols and new groups, and some Trot singers. Also, the BIG3: IU, GDragon and Taeyeon! That's all.

It's actually 25. Or the year their seven year contract expires, whichever comes first. You aren't seeing many idols outside of the most popular groups passing age 25 and still having any significant activity. When a group's oldest members reach 25 the group tends to go on hiatus...forever.

The industry loves 18-year-olds - easy to rig music show wins for them and they are so happy to be "famous" that they do what they are told without complaint.

Not exactly over. It's just bc when you are older you'll have to "start again" like idols, groups are 99% all about first love, youth, fresh, bg/gf material etc so you need to rebrand again as an older idol, but companies don't really care enough to do this "difficult" task, they prefer to just debut another young group and capitalize in them.

Unless you come from a big group where the fb is loyal it's difficult to try. And the transaction while necessary isn't even accepted by fans sometimes so yeah.

no but times are changing as more groups (well the top groups) continue their idol careers and renew with the same company that they debuted with

I think it depends when you debut. If you are 25 old, you may still be relevant during your 30s, but if you are 15 years old once you debut, it is harder to stay relevant next 15 years