Among 12 K-pop groups, including TWICE, MONSTA X, OH MY GIRL and more, that debuted in 2015, who will successfully overcome the "7 Year Curse" in K-pop?
In 2022, it is the season for idol groups to renew their contracts, particularly those that debuted in 2015. This is in accordance with the standard contract established by the Fair Trade Commission, which states that the idol group will move together with a seven-year exclusive contract at most.
As a result, this is also called the "seven-year curse," an important time for the survival or reduction of the group to be determined.
Disbandment, Member Withdrawal Among K-pop Groups Who Debuted in 2015: OH MY GIRL, APRIL, More
Unlike the fandom that guarantees the group's survival, some groups have been disappointed by the disclosure of whether they will renew their contracts.
On May 9, OH MY GIRL Jiho announced her contract expiration with WM Entertainment and at the same time, her withdrawal as a member of the group.
As a result, OH MY GIRL will be reorganized into a six-member group and resume its activities.
DAY6 also suffered the same dilemma, wherein Jae announced contract termination with JYP and departure from the band in January 2022.
DIA, who is set to update on their contract renewal this year, also had Somyi leaving the group in January.
On May 11, the group announced its disbandment after their final release.
ALSO READ: These 4 K-Pop Groups Disbanded in Early 2022
While fans of the aforementioned groups conveyed their sadness over a member's departure, GFRIEND and APRIL, who debuted in 2015, already gave fans a sense of loss due to their disbandment even before their 7th anniversary.
GFRIEND first announced their disbandment in May last year, whereas APRIL broke the news on January 28 this year.
In regards to CLC, the group that was, unfortunately, "abandoned" by their agency was also close to pursuing separate ways. In 2022, Yujin, currently the leader of Kep1er, revealed that the group had their unofficial "disbandment."
As of now, four members already left including Sorn, Elkie, Yeeun and Seungyeon, leaving Eunbin and Seunghee as the current members of CLC.
Groups Who Already Renewed Contract, Currently In Discussion With Agencies
Among the 12 groups who debuted in 2015, SEVENTEEN and N.Flying will happily celebrate their 7th debut anniversary as they relieved their fandoms last year when all members renewed their contracts together.
As for MONSTA X, their agency Starship announced that only three of the six members had renewed their contracts as of the moment. For this reason, MONSTA X fans are focusing on the other three members' future decisions.
On the other hand, iKON, UP10TION and TWICE have not been updated until May regarding the renewal of the contract.
However, TWICE which is active as a global group without any changes in members is receiving great attention. In the case of TWICE, as the members' activities were frequently suspended due to health reasons, there will be a lot of consideration in their future moves.
READ MORE: What is 7-Year Curse in K-pop? Know How K-pop Idols' Contract Works
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Written by Eunice Dawson
