Korean performers reap surge in overseas royalties

South Korea’s Federation of Music Performers has reported a dramatic leap in international royalty income, underscoring the accelerating global popularity of K-pop not only for labels and stars, but for performers whose contributions often remain behind the scenes. According to data released on Dec. 4, the organization’s overseas neighboring rights collections reached 1.34 billion won ($910,000) this year, a staggering 193 percent increase from last year’s 460 million won. Neighboring rights are