The earnings of vocalist Lim Hyung-joo have been revealed.
On the 25th, Lim Hyung-joo appeared as a guest on EBS1 and E Channel’s ‘Seo Jang-hoon’s Neighbor Millionaire’.
On this day, Seo Jang-hoon asked Lim Hyung-joo, who was the first Korean musician to sign with four major record labels, about his signing bonus. Lim Hyung-joo was taken aback, saying, “I have never talked openly about money. I have only sung in front of the camera.”
Lim Hyung-joo said, “I was approached for the program but declined. I didn’t think I was a millionaire. Then I suddenly thought, ‘If I earn a million dollars, doesn’t that make me a millionaire? I received a million dollars as a signing bonus when I was 20, so I qualify.’”
When Seo Jang-hoon said, “Offering a signing bonus of a million dollars means they recognized your value immensely,” Lim Hyung-joo boasted, “When I transferred to another record label, I received a signing bonus at that level or higher.”
In response to Seo Jang-hoon asking about his performance fees, Lim Hyung-joo said, “Sumi Jo surpassed 100 million per show in 2001, and I surpassed 100 million exactly two years later in 2003.” Seo Jang-hoon then asked, “How many performances have you done since 2003?” Lim Hyung-joo replied, “I think I’ve done about 150 solo recitals. I might have done around 300 collaborations.”
Hearing this, Seo Jang-hoon nodded, saying, “Even if we conservatively estimate, you must have earned over 50 billion. But that’s only natural.”
However, Lim Hyung-joo revealed that he has donated more than half of the money he has earned so far. He said, “I have done a lot of things. I did everything I could. I squeezed out my strength.” He added, “I also realized that ‘even if it’s not money, I can donate my talents.’”
Lim Hyung-joo stated, “Many people think they donate for others, but in fact, it’s for themselves. There are events where I am requested to perform three songs for 10 million won each, and if an event overlaps where I show my first classical crossover performance for children with cancer without a guarantee, I will definitely go to that event. What could be more grateful than being able to help someone?”
Meanwhile, Seo Jang-hoon was surprised to see Lim Hyung-joo carrying various department store gift certificates. Lim Hyung-joo explained, “There are many young artists who are struggling financially. Giving money to juniors might hurt their pride, so I say, ‘I have too many gift certificates. Please use them’ when I give them.” Jonathan remarked, “He’s a truly wonderful senior.”
[Lee Se-bin, Star Today Guest Reporter]
