[T/W: Mentions of bullying, school violence, sexual misconduct, suicide]

In K-pop, groups experience unfortunate events that are too many to count. This led a notion across the community to develop the idea of "curses," which involves a member leaving, disbandment, and other negative occurrences.

For sure you've heard some famous ones such as the "7 year curse" which generally relates to disbandment, or the "OT12" curse that affects the group's member count.

In today's K-pop, a new notion called "OT6 curse" is slowly becoming notorious, due to six-membered groups being met with unlucky occurrences.

Here are 10 K-pop groups who have experienced the 'OT6 Curse'

1. GFRIEND

In 2021, GFRIEND's disbandment was one of the most shocking news K-pop fans received. The six-membered group consisting of Sowon, Yuju, Yerin, SinB, Eunha, and Umji, stunned fans with their sudden departure as group.

After their contracts expired, the group was let go. Fans still think of their situation that day, since it was odd for them to see their disbandment, despite being active in their music, vlogs, and their last single "MAGO" being an instant hit.

2. (G)I-DLE

On August 2021, (G)I-DLE experienced an unfortunate event since Soojin left the group, due to being embroiled in school bullying rumors.

3. LE SSERAFIM

LE SSERAFIM was initially six members. However, member Kim Garam's school violence allegations took over the internet. Although there was a tug-of-war action whether Garam will stay in the group or not, the backlash was still too high, leading her to leave LE SSERAFIM.

4. APRIL

APRIL disbanded after being dipped in hot water regarding bullying accusations directed towards member Lee Hyun Joo. During the issue, the case was so bad it dug a 2016 post from Hyunjoo, which involved attempted suicide.

5. ONEUS

ONEUS officially became five members due to RAVN leaving the group. After a series of accusation involving sexual misconduct and breaking COVID-19 health regulations, the former idol decided to leave the K-pop industry.

6. PIXY

PIXY was originally a six-membered group, but that changed forever when members Ella and Satbyeol departed from their activities.

7. Hi-L

Hi-L didn't experience an unfortunate event like the others, but is also worth mentioning. Originally six members, the girl group is currently promoting as five since member Soojung left. The reason being is that she will now focus on her modeling career.

8. BlingBling

Bling Bling disbanded in July, 2022 after two years of working together. They debuted under agency MAJOR9, who announced their disbandment and contract termination.

9. AQUA

AQUA's disbanded without a trace or announcement. They debuted under KRAZY Entertainment, which was founded in 2018 and closed off in 2019.

10. MOMOLAND

MOMOLAND is the latest group to experience this "curse." The legendary "Bboom Bboom" singers disbanded after their contract expired. Originally 9 members, it was followed by the departure of Yeonwoo, Taeha, and Daisy. This led them to officially promote as a six-membered group.

11. MONSTA X

MONSTA X originally debuted as a seven-member group in 2015 with members Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Joohoney, I.M, and Wonho. The group was formed through the survival project "No.Mercy." 

However, in 2019, Starship Entertainment announced that Wonho would no longer be a member of MONSTA X following allegations of illegal drug usage.

The rumors were proven to be false in 2020, but he was never put back in the group. He debuted as a soloist in April with Highline Entertainment, a subsidiary of Starship. 

12. INFINITE

INFINITE debuted as seven members - Sungkyu, Dongwoo, Woohyun, Sungyeon, L, Sungjong, and Hoya, in 2010. 

The group maintained their seven-member line-up until 2017. On August 30, Woollim Entertainment confirmed that Hoya would no longer be part of the group after he decided not to renew his contract with the agency. Since then, he has promoted as a soloist. 

13. BTOB

When BTOB made their debut in 2012, they were originally seven members: Eunkwang, Minhyun, Chansub, Hyunsik, Peniel, Sungjae, and Ilhoon. 

However, in December 2020, CUBE Entertainment announced Ilhoon's departure from the group after being investigated for illegal usage of marijuana.

Following his departure, he admitted to all the charges and was ordered a 40-hours drug treatment. He was also made to pay a fine of 126.63 million won for breaking the Narcotics Control Act. 

14. 2PM

2PM made their debut with "10 Out of 10" with seven members: Jun.K, Nickhkun, Taecyeon, Wooyoung, Junho, Chansung, and Jaebeom. Sadly, this seven member line-up would not last long. 

In February 2010, JYP Entertainment announced Jaebeom's contract was terminated following a nearly year-long hiatus. This comes after posts he made from 2005. In the posts, Jaebeom allegedly expressed his hatred for Korea despite being a trainee under JYP Entertainment. 

He made his solo debut in 2012. Internationally, he is more commonly known as Jay Park. 

Do you know any other six-membered groups who have experienced the "OT6 Curse"?

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 13 K-pop Groups Who Welcomed One or More Members after Debut

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Written by Israel Monte