5 K-pop Groups That Fell Victim to the Infamous '7-Year Curse'
If you're a K-pop fan, you may have heard of the infamous 7 Year Curse. This pertains to a group's seventh year in the industry which many fans dread, as this is the standard length for idol and group contracts, and usually means that idols have to undergo contract negotiations with their companies. And for whatever reason, numerous groups aren't able to successfully get through contract negotiations and end up disbanding after seven years.
In fact, many have become victims of the curse and ended up disbanding after seven years in the industry. With that, here are some of the K-pop groups that couldn't beat the 7 Year Curse.
1. CLC
CLC
One of the K-pop groups that didn't get a happy ending was CLC. The former girl group made their debut under Cube Entertainment back on March 19, 2015 with their first mini album "First Love." Originally, the group debuted with five members, with Elkie and Eunbin later added to the lineup in 2016.
By the end of 2020, CLC's promotions went downhill. In December 2020, Elkie filed to terminate her contract with the company, and was officially no longer part of the group by February 2021. Sorn soon departed from the group as well in November that year. With CLC losing members and having no new group promotions, they eventually disbanded on May 20, 2022 after seven years.
2. B.A.P
B.A.P
B.A.P was one of the groups that many felt had a lot of potential in the industry. The group made their debut in January 2012 with their single "Warrior," but in November 2014, all of the B.A.P members filed a lawsuit against their company TS Entertainment. The lawsuit drew attention as this was the first time an entire group went into a legal battle with their company.
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The B.A.P members filed to nullify their contract with TS Entertainment, citing unfair profit distributions and working conditions. Although the members and the company were able to settle the lawsuit by 2015, with B.A.P continuing their promotions under TS Entertainment, the group members eventually left the company one-by-one. All of the members left by February 2019.
3. miss A
miss A
Second generation girl group miss A made their debut under JYP Entertainment on July 1, 2010 with their hit single "Bad Girl Good Girl." miss A went on to become one of the top girl groups of their generation, having recorded the fastest music show win at just 21 days, as well as accumulate numerous awards.
Unfortunately, as the years went on, each of the members began focusing on their budding individual careers. As a result, the members began withdrawing from the group, with JYP Entertainment announcing miss A's disbandment after over seven years in December 2017.
4. APRIL
APRIL
APRIL made their debut back on August 24, 2015, becoming DSP Media's first girl group launched since Fin.K.L and Rainbow. Through the years, the group had several lineup changes, which already became a reason for them falling victim to the 7 Year Curse. But in 2021, the entire group became involved in a bullying scandal after claims were made by former member Hyunjoo's brother.
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The entire year became rocky for the girl group and its members, who became targets of heavy backlash which resulted in the members losing endorsement deals and acting roles. After over a year of not having activities, the group officially disbanded in January 26, 2022, just a shy away from seven years.
5. 2NE1
2NE1
One of the most heartbreaking disbandments in K-pop was from legendary girl group 2NE1. 2NE1 debuted under YG Entertainment in July 2009 with their mini album "2NE1." The group went on to become one of the best girl groups in the industry, known for their music and experimental fashion. However, the group was forced into a hiatus following Park Bom's drug scandal in 2014.
Many thought the group was making a return after they surprised fans with their first performance in over a year at the 2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards. However, Minzy announced her departure from YG Entertainment in 2016. Eventually, the group ended up disbanding in November 2016. Despite disbanding, the members still remain close, and even performed with all four members at this year's Coachella festival.
Which disbandment were you sad about?
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Written by Robyn Joan
