In an unexpected turn of events, Nam Wong, a member of the moderately successful boy group SHINE, has taken on a second job as a bus driver. This surprising career shift for the idol, signed under the...
In an unexpected turn of events, Nam Wong, a member of the moderately successful boy group SHINE, has taken on a second job as a bus driver. This surprising career shift for the idol, signed under the small label StarBeam Entertainment, was confirmed on December 12, 2025, sparking wide discussion about the financial challenges faced by K-pop artists. Nam Wong's Dual Role: Idol and Bus Driver Nam Wong, 26, has been juggling his career as a K-pop idol with his new responsibilities as a bus driver in Seoul. Reports from Koreaboo indicate that Wong also has the qualifications to drive taxis, further diversifying his income sources. His group, SHINE, debuted in 2019 with the mini-album Bright Lights , but despite a solid fanbase, they have struggled to achieve major commercial success, with their highest-charting single, "Twilight", peaking at number 63 on the Gaon Digital Chart in 2021. The Financial Realities of K-Pop Stardom This development sheds light on the stark realities of the K-po...