How are the locations of idol groups’ dorms chosen?

Idol groups often live near their management company’s location, because the short distance can decrease the time needed to travel from the dorms to the company for training. Moreover, it guarantees that the company can take immediate action if an emergency situation arises. As such, most dorms are located within the Gangnam area.

SNSD and f(x) have dorms which are situated in the Cheongdam-dong area, which is close to where SM Entertainment is located. In 2010, SNSD moved from a small apartment to a bigger dorm, both within the Cheongdam-dong area. Meanwhile, SHINee lives in an apartment in Apgujeong-dong.

JYP Entertainment’s 2PM and miss A also have dorms near the Cheongdam-dong area, close to where JYP Entertainment’s offices are. In February, 2PM moved to a bigger dorm, and each of the members was assigned his own room. According to reports, the 2PM members used to share bedrooms in groups of two to three. As such, they are happy that they are given more personal space with the new arrangement.

Other groups that live near their management companies include T-ara (Nonhyeon-dong), After School (Yeoksam-dong), 4minute (Cheongdam-dong), and BEAST (Cheongdam-dong). In particular, the dorms of 4minute and BEAST are so close to each other that all the chores are done by the same individual.

On the other hand, because the YG offices are located in Hapjeong-dong, Big Bang and 2NE1 also live around that area. Not only are the dorms close to YG, but it also only takes 10 minutes by foot to get to the founder and CEO Yang Hyun Suk’s residence.

A manager of an idol group stated, "A large number of fans always gather near idol groups’ dorms. Not only do they draw on the walls nearby, but they also scream and cheer very loudly. Because of this, if neighbors start complaining that this is causing an inconvenience for them, the idol groups have no choice but to move. As such, lease agreements for the dorms are usually based on renting monthly." The manager also added, "To be able to have the members live together, a place of about 1,100 square feet to 1,400 square feet is needed. These places in Cheongdam-dong often require a damage deposit of 40 to 50 million won (approximately $38,000 to $48,000 USD), with a monthly rent of approximately $2 million won (approximately $2,000 USD)."

source:

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