In a video released on YouTube channel 'SaeGo_F5,' members from different K-pop groups including 2AM's Jo Kwon, 2PM's Jun.K, and GOT7's JB discussed their first earnings with TVXQ's Max Changmin. Jo Kwon revealed that his first settlement payment was only 240,000 won (approximately $180 USD) three years after his 2008 debut, following eight years as a trainee. During that era, companies required idols to repay training investment costs through their earnings, but this changed after the Fair Trade Commission modified its regulations. Jun.K shared that 2PM received little settlement despite significant popularity in their early years, and his first payment of approximately 5 million won was spent on a luxury bag for his mother. GOT7's JB, who debuted after the FTC policy changes, had better conditions and chose to save his initial earnings after consulting with his parents. Max Changmin noted that TVXQ had relatively larger initial payments during their debut period and gave it all to his parents.