Korean idol groups always cost a lot of money to establish, but a new list of numbers making the rounds on the Internet is garnering a lot of attention.

The list, which was posted to the Korean site instiz, shows the amount of money necessary for creating a five-member idol group. The numbers show how much it would cost a five-member group to debut, and explain why less popular idol groups discuss how hard it was to make money until several years after their debut.

The total of living expenses and training expenses for five idols or about-to-debut idols for six months, changed into American dollars, is around $240,000. Most idols train for upwards of two years.

In addition to living and training expenses, releasing an album costs anywhere from an estimated $215,000 to $430,000.

For an idol group with ten members, which would mean several millions of dollars would be invested even before the group debuts. If a group debuts and isn't able to get on any broadcasts, or doesn't make success, it could be disastrous for both small and large entertainment companies.

The numbers are extensive, and also an estimate rather than exact numbers. Idol groups from larger companies are likely to need less money applied to them, since they do not need to rent out practice rooms and often have in house recording studios.

Considering that idol groups are the product and investment of entertainment companies, the numbers aren't actually that shocking, but considering that companies spend thousands of dollars on human beings it is a bit concerning.

Korean idols occasionally discuss expenses, how little money they had prior to debut, and how much they've earned on broadcasts, but rarely discuss how much it cost for the companies.

Comments on instiz are torn between being shocked and wondering which idols make enough money to pay their companies back immediately after debut.