In K-pop, the phrase "7-Year Curse" is popular among idols whose popularity fades or disband after seven years. While fans have known this term negatively, the reason behind this is actually a "blessing" to some idols. How?
K-pop Idols Contract: Company Rules Celebrities Must Follow, Things You May Not Know
In the past, unfair contracts and industry practices caused disputes between celebrities and agencies. However, the new regulation mandated in 2009 sets the K-pop industry in prosperity.
In many cases, exclusive contracts are signed by entertainment agencies unilaterally presenting contracts and signing them on the spot without properly reviewing them.
However, an exclusive contract is a contract that severely restricts celebrities' privacy and entertainment activities of celebrities. Depending on the situation, the career of the celebrity may be influenced.
Among the contents of the exclusive contract, there is an item that says, "The agency provides services related to celebrity business processing."
In this case, this is not only limited to managing K-pop idols' schedules, outfits, looks, etc., but a company can also cast/produce a show and the said celebrity must cooperate, given that it was written in the contract.
While agencies may clarify that they ask for their artists' intention before filming, the younger the idol, the harder it is to raise objections. This is the reason why some fans may express that the show doesn't suit their idol or that they were being given work too much.
Second, some idols can't even work or collaborate with other idols or agencies. If an idol will attend another company's activities, it is considered a violation of the exclusive contract.
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In terms of artists' salaries or payments, the Korean media outlet Biz.Hankook explained:
"Celebrities can only work through agencies and receive a settlement of appearance fees. The agency receives all sales generated by the celebrity's activities into the agency's account and pays the rest of the fees deducted to the celebrity."
Lastly, idols' exclusive contract also said:
"Entertainers are obligated not to engage in entertainment activities directly or through a third party."
In the case of Jessica, a former SNSD member, the female idol claimed she was kicked out of the group, which started a discord after she opened her own business.
In other words, even if the agency's insufficient capabilities adversely affect the celebrity's career, it means that if it is during the contract period, celebrities should only work through the agency.
The Start of 7-Year Curse: Korean Fair Trade Commission States Contract Period Could Run for Maximum Seven Years
As a result of abuse to artists, mistrust and dispute between idol and agency, the Fair Trade Commission enacted a standard contract in 2009. At least contractually, unfair provisions have been corrected, and the number of exclusive contracts has increased according to standard contracts.
In this new standard regulation, the company can offer up to a maximum of a 7-Year contract. This is the reason why idols usually disband or leave their group, company – because the exclusive contract period under the standard contract is up to seven years only.
Luckily, as years go by, some idols chose not to renew with their agency, not because of mistreatment but decided to pursue careers in other fields, such as LOVELYZ, GFRIEND, GOT7, 2NE1, etc.
READ MORE: LOVELYZ, GFRIEND & More: K-pop Groups Who Couldn't Break the '7-Year Jinx' this 2021 So Far + Artists Who Survived the 'Curse'
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Written by Eunice Dawson
