The contracts of these nine popular K-pop groups will expire in 2023.
1. ASTRO
ASTRO debuted on February 23, 2016. Their exclusive contracts with Fantagio Entertainment are expected to expire in February 2023.
The group has maintained high-quality releases since their debut. The group continues to grow with each comeback, partially thanks to member Cha Eunwoo's booming career as an actor. ASTRO is gearing for a comeback on May 16.
2. NCT
For the members that debuted in 2016, their exclusive contracts with SM Entertainment are expected to expire in 2016.
Several NCT members are expected to start contract negotiations in 2016. Specifically, the original members of NCT U, NCT Dream, and NCT 127 will be undergoing discussions. These members are Taeil, Taeyong, Doyoung, Ten, Jaehyun, Mark, Yuta, Winwin, Haechan, Renjun, Jeno, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung.
Additionally, Johnny will most likely undergo contract negotiations at the end of December 2023, as that is when he joined NCT 127.
3. PENTAGON
PENTAGON made their debut in October 2016 under CUBE Entertainment. Their exclusive contract with the company will likely expire in October 2023.
Their last comeback was in January 2022, with the mini-album "IN:VITE U" and the lead single "Feelin' Like." Currently, member Hongseok is undergoing his mandatory military service.
4. SF9
SF9 debuted in October 2019. Their exclusive contracts with FNC Entertainment are expected to expire in October 2023.
Currently, two members of SF9 - Inseong and Youngbin - are completing their mandatory military service. On June 29, 2022, SF9 will release their Japanese best album, "The Best ~Dear Fantasy~."
5. VICTON
VICTON debuted in November 2016 under IST Entertainment. Their exclusive contract with the label is expected to expire in November 2023.
VICTON is gearing for a comeback on May 31, 2022. The boy group will release their seventh mini-album, "Chaos," and its lead single, "Stupid O'Clock."
6. BLACKPINK
BLACKPINK debuted in August 2016 under YG Entertainment. Their exclusive contract will likely expire in August 2023.
While there have been rumors of a BLACKPINK comeback in 2022, no details have been confirmed. BLACKPINK's last comeback was in October 2020, with their first studio album, "THE ALBUM." It has been nearly two years since the group released music.
7. WJSN
WJSN debuted under Starship Entertainment and Yuehua Entertainment in February 2016. Their exclusive contracts with their representative labels (the Korean members are under Starship while the Chinese members are under Yuehua) will likely expire in February 2023.
The Chinese members of WJSN have been inactive since 2018, as they returned to China for their individual activities. On the other hand, the Korean members are currently competing in the Mnet survival show, "Queendom 2."
8. MOMOLAND
MOMOLAND debuted in November 2016 under MLD Entertainment. Their exclusive contracts with the company are expected to expire in November 2023.
MOMOLAND's last comeback was on January 14, 2022. The girl group released the English single "Yummy Yummy Love" in collaboration with Dominican singer Natti Natasha.
9. Brave Girls
While Brave Girls first debuted in 2011, the group's current members were added to the line-up in 2016.
Brave Girls' last comeback was on March 14, 2022, with the mini-album "THANK YOU" and a lead single of the same name. They are currently competing in the Mnet show "Queendom 2."
Was your favorite group part of this list? Tell us in the comments below!
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Written by Alexa Lewis
