For those that don’t know, Makestar is a sort of crowdfunding site made for Kpop groups. Companies post a group’s information, usually about a comeback or item for sale, and allow fans to donate money with perks attached to higher donations.
Makestar’s home page
For example, Stellar, have a project for a ‘Fan Special’ albums that is currently on-going. As you can see below, they have exceeded their project goal by more than $40,000.
Some of the donation perks include Honorary Producer for the most basic donation($0.99) all the way up to invitations to Stellar’s showcase, music video filming and a meal with the group($832.20). It is safe to say this has been a success for Stellar, as most projects on Makestar are.
Glancing through the website it is easy to see that the groups that are holding projects are not the most popular. However, popularity and talent are not synonymous which is why this website’s services are so important. It is easy for groups, especially girl groups, from small or new companies to get lost in the sea of the dozens of groups that debut every year. Most groups are able to establish a fan base and with Makestar that fan base can directly support any future efforts the group makes.
Makestar also follows through on all promised items from a support. For the project supporting Astro’s photobook project Makestar updated as goals were met, most recently posting information regarding a promised subway ad for Astro’s first anniversary.
It is important to keep in mind a successful Makestar project does not guarantee success of a group. High4 have had successful fundraisers, however, after leader Sunggu announced his departure from the group, Makestar announced that the current project would be High4’s last album. Internal issues within companies or groups can cause even the most fruitful projects (High4 raised $37,000, 427% of their goal) to end in failure. Similarly, WA$$UP reached their project goal and are planning on releasing an album despite the departure of 3 members, including UPRS Season 2 runner up Nada.
In short, money cannot solve all a group’s problems. However, barring that there are no other issues, a service like Makestar can help groups who are having a hard time financially stay afloat longer. By placing power in fans’ hands, it shows that there are people who want to see a group survive to produce more content.
Sometimes it comes down to your favorites wanting to know whether or not they are still your favorites by using this style of platform.
Would you look down on your favorites if they had to fundraise to make comebacks?
Photos: Makestar.co
Disclosure: KCRUSH has contributed to and will continue to support the fundraising efforts on Makestar.
—-Ke’Anna Bullard
User Review
( votes)Related Articles
Best 3rd Generation K-Dramas
After the 2nd K-drama generation gained a solid footing in the international entertainment industry, Korean writers started gaining an audience for their twisted and heart-wrenching plots. The ensuing 3rd K-drama generation between 2000 and 2009... Read More
Best K-indie Artists
Just like K-Pop, K-Indie is making such a buzz not only in Korea but on the international music industry. The Korean indie industry has over the years gained massive fans, especially since most k-Indie artists have their musical pieces in English... Read More
Best 2nd Generation K-Dramas
After the 1980s K-drama triumphant entry in the international scene, the 2nd generation of K-dramas stormed the entertainment industry with more complex, captivating, and out of this world storyline and acting skills. With the world becoming... Read More
Five Girl Groups to Watch in 2023
It’s hard to believe it’s February already, but here we are! With a month behind us already, it’s time to consider who we should keep our eyes on throughout the year. While 2022 was the year of NEWJEANS and Le Sserafim, 2023 may provide us... Read More
Best 1st Generation K-Dramas
Although Korean dramas started airing in the 1950s, the K-drama wave began within the early 1980s, especially with the introduction of color television and a surge in Korean broadcasting companies. The steadily enhancements in industrialization and... Read More
South Korean Artists Who’ve Performed in North Korea
Relations between North and South Korea have been frosty for decades. The two Koreas are still technically at war, engaging in more of a frozen conflict currently. While the countries do not get along and tempers have flared over the years,... Read More
Best 2nd Generation K-Pop Groups
K-Pop idols have been a core aspect in the spread of the Korean wave, ALSOfamously known as Hallyu wave. The 2nd generation of K-Pop groups, ranging from around 2003 to 2011, was amongst the most contributors to the global spread of Hallyu... Read More
4 Underrated Co-ed K-Pop groups
The facet of co-ed group is a rare phenomenon in the K-Pop world. However, the existing co-ed groups have showcased their diversity and earned respect in the K-Pop entertainment industry. Some of the legendary groups that laid a solid... Read More
4th Generation K-Pop Groups
The 4th generation of K-Pop groups is made up of bands that debuted from 2017 to date. With the successful globalization of the 3rd generation groups, the ensuing 4th generation are taking the world by storm. Not only are these newbies... Read More
Best 3rd Generation K-Pop Groups
After the 1st and 2nd generations of K-Pop groups successfully set a foundation for the Hallyu wave, an upsurge of K-Pop bands sprung up during the 3rd generation. The 3rd generation, which is the timeline between 2012 and 2016, comprises of... Read MoreOur Advertisers
Leave a Reply