Is OT12 'Curse' Real? Here Are 6 Twelve-Member Groups Who Met Unfortunate Events [Updated 2023]
Following the unfortunate endings and events that happened to THESE 6 groups, K-pop fans coined a new term, "OT12 group curse." Is it real?
In K-pop, the "7-Year Curse" is a term used for K-pop groups who failed to reach their seventh debut anniversary without disbanding or a member withdrawing from the team.
However, a new term has surfaced, which is the so-called "OT12 group curse," often used for groups originally with 12 members who shared the same fate of parting ways or losing a member/members.
Here are Teams Who Experienced the OT12 Group 'Curse':
1. EXO
In 2012, EXO debuted originally with 12 members. The group was divided into two sub-units, EXO-K and EXO-M.
Upon their debut, they gradually rose to stardom, especially when they dropped the K-pop anthem "Growl" in 2013.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: EXO Oozes Sexy Vampire Looks in 'Cream Soda' Teaser Images - And Eris Are Thirsting in Replies
Despite the peak of their career, Chinese-line Luhan and Kris filed a lawsuit against the agency in 2014, followed by Tao in 2015.
They eventually left SM Entertainment, leading EXO to be reorganized as a nine-member group.
2. THE BOYZ
In 2017, THE BOYZ debuted under Cre.Ker Entertainment. When they were launched, they enjoyed commercial success, thanks to their stunning visuals and all-rounder skills, including songwriting.
They were still establishing themselves as a rising boy group when Hwall announced his departure in 2019 due to health issues.
THE BOYZ, since then, continued with 11 members.
3. IZ*ONE
In 2019, IZ*ONE was introduced as a 12-member project girl group, created from Mnet's survival show, "Produce 48." The nation-produced team was widely loved not only by Koreans but fans around the world. Due to this, fans originally wanted them to become a fixed group.
READ ALSO: THIS Former IZ*ONE Member Gains Attention For 'Perfect Face' - Who Is She?
Unfortunately, it was reported that the show rigged the votes and debuted members who shouldn't be in the final lineup, leading them to ultimately disband in 2021 after the end of their contracts.
4. VARSITY
VARSITY is a Korean-Chinese group created by Korea's Global K Center and managed by Jungle Entertainment in 2017.
After failing to make a name in the music scene, the group underwent some changes, such as the 5 Chinese members would be managed by Hi Media to promote in China, while the 7 Korean members would stay in Jungle and focus on activities in Korea.
After without much news, member Damon confirmed that the group quietly disbanded.
5. TREASURE
In 2020, TREASURE was introduced by YG Entertainment as a group with 12 members. Aside from being BLACKPINK's brother group, the team immediately secured its place in the music scene with popular songs "Boy," "I Love You," "Darari," and more.
READ ALSO: TREASURE 'Explosive Partnership' with Columbia Records: A Rebirth for the Members?
In November 2022, TREASURE, unfortunately, announced that two members, Mashiho and Bang Yedam, left YG and the group due to health concerns and a change of career, respectively.
6. LOONA
LOONA debuted in 2016 under Blockberry Creative. Initially, the group wasn't making a name in the industry, but thanks to Chuu who entered the entertainment scene, the group gradually recognized for their impressive skills and songs.
However, Chuu, who became a huge contributor to the group's success, was kicked out from LOONA in November 2022 after alleged power abuse against staff.
Chuu denied this claim, and since then, a lot of people and idols working around the idol have been testifying in favor of her.
READ MORE HERE: Yes to Freedom! LOONA Members Haseul, Yeojin, Yves, Olivia Hye, and Go Won Triumph in Lawsuit Against Blockberry
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