Idols Create Their Own Entertainment Worlds

Idol entertainment personalities are no longer created solely by broadcasting stations. Instead, relationships are first built through official YouTube channels and proprietary content, individual character traits are defined, and memes for fans to engage with are developed. The era when broadcast entertainment programs discovered idols’ charms has given way to a new phase where idols themselves create their own entertainment spaces.

Recently, TWS released “Hwanseung Roommate” as part of their proprietary content series “TWS.” Parodying the format of popular romance reality shows, this content features the group’s actual roommates—Shinyu, Dohoon, Youngjae, Hanjin, Jihoon, May, Hana, E:U, Yiren, and Kyungmin—as they act as each other’s “X” and search for new roommates. The humor comes from their misunderstandings, lingering feelings, and jealousy rather than romantic emotions. What makes “Hwanseung Roommate” interesting is that it goes beyond simple parody. Although it borrows familiar elements from romance entertainment shows, what is actually shown is the dynamic between TWS members in their daily living situation. It naturally reveals who holds grudges against whom, which pairings work well together, and how the members accept one another.

SEVENTEEN’s proprietary show “Going SEVENTEEN” introduced formal entertainment formats starting in 2019, evolving into another iconic brand for the group. By incorporating various formats such as mystery, horror, skits, games, and parodies of old entertainment shows, it became a web-based entertainment series that resonates not only with fans but also with general viewers. As of last year, “Going SEVENTEEN” had produced over 200 episodes, with the total view count for related content exceeding 1.5 billion. The significance of SEVENTEEN’s example lies in how their proprietary content evolved from simple behind-the-scenes footage into a full-fledged entertainment IP. Initially, it focused on showing album preparation and behind-the-scenes moments, but over time it developed its own independent web entertainment structure. Now, “Going SEVENTEEN” serves as an entry point for people who are not familiar with SEVENTEEN, allowing them to become interested in the group through their entertainment content rather than music first.

LE SSERAFIM’s “LENIVERSE” is another example of how proprietary content shapes a group’s character. Unlike their strong performance image on stage, their entertainment shows reveal the members’ silly sides, competitive spirits, and teamwork. This creates a dual image: a disciplined group on stage and a fun, close-knit group in their entertainment content. Fans enjoy this contrast, while the group gains a more intimate side outside of music. MONSTA X’s “Mon Mekedo Go” follows a similar pattern. A group known for its powerful performances and masculine stage image showcases a more casual side through content like eating shows, games, and travel vlogs. For groups with long-lasting fanbases, such proprietary content is particularly important.