Amid the pandemic this year, several K-pop groups decided to part ways following contract expiration. As2022 approaches, girl groups that debuted in 2015 and 2016 are already attracting attention to whether they will renew their contracts or disband.
In the K-pop industry, the term "7-year jinx/curse" started in 2009 following Fair Trade Commission's Act that limits the maximum exclusive contract expiration date to seven years. Following that period, the agency and its artist will then decide whether they want to extend or terminate the contract.
Now that the industry is set to bid their farewell to the year 2021 and welcome 2022, K-pop enthusiasts are focused on girl groups that were launched in 2015-2016 as they herald on their seventh year.
Here Are Girl Groups That Either Disbanded or Reportedly Renew their Contracts Ahead of Contract Renewal Season in 2022:
1. GFRIEND
GFRIEND debuted in 2015 under Source Music, but ahead of their seventh year, the members decided to disband on May 22 this year.
Since then, Eunha, SinB, and Umji have re-debuted as a three-member girl group after moving to Big Planet Made Entertainment
2. Lovelyz
Lovelyz debuted on Nov. 17, 2014, under Woollim Entertainment. Seven years after their debut, the group didn't renew their contracts and will disband on Nov. 16.
Of the eight members, BabySoul except the seven members decided to stay in their agency.
3. CLC
In 2015, CLC was introduced by Cube Entertainment. Prior to their seventh year, Elkie decided to terminate its contract with the agency.
Although there is no confirmation yet, CLC and now Kep1er's Yujin hinted at their possible disbandment during an appearance in Mnet's "Girls Planet 999."
4. April
April also debuted in 2015 under DSP Media. In February, the team faced a huge bullying controversy against Lee Hyunjoo, a former co-member.
Amidst hiatus and legal procedure, eyes are focused on them whether the members will disband or continue to promote under the company.
ALSO READ: LOVELYZ, GFRIEND & More: K-pop Groups Who Couldn't Break the '7-Year Jinx' this 2021 So Far + Artists Who Survived the 'Curse'
5. DIA
Girl group DIA also debuted in 2015 and entered its seventh year. In 2016, original members Seunghee left the group, followed by Eunjin in 2018 and Jenny in 2019.
The group is also gaining the attention of what will happen to the group since it has been a year since the group make a comeback.
6. TWICE
TWICE will also mark its seventh year since its debut in 2022. Although some are skeptical that TWICE will ever disband due to their current popularity and global support, there are internet users who are focused if any members are planning to part ways with JYP Entertainment.
7. Brave Girls
Although Brave Girls debuted in 2011, the four remaining members all debuted in 2016. Ahead of their seventh year, K-pop fans have no doubts that the quartet will extend their contract with Brave Entertainment.
In particular, Brave Girls faced a crisis of disbandment in 2020, but as "Rollin" has been on the rise this year, it has escaped the crisis and is actively working as a four-member group.
8. MAMAMOO
Hwasa, a member of MAMAMOO, extended the contract until June 17, 2023, and Solar and Moonbyul until June 17, 2024. Wheein moved to Ravi's agency, THE L1VE Label. However, MAMAMOO attested that it will continue its activities with Wheein until December 2023.
9. OH MY GIRL
OH MY GIRL's contract is scheduled to expire within a year, but the contract has been extended until April 20, 2025, through an early renewal with five of the current seven, Binnie, Seunghee, Arin, YooA, and Hyojung. The other two members, Jiho and Mimi, are also expected to renew their contracts without difficulty among fans.
READ MORE: RBW Reveals Contract Expiration Dates of MAMAMOO, Oh My Girl, Lee Chaeyeon, ONEUS, and More
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Written by Eunice Dawson
