K-pop girl group Purple Kiss will officially conclude its activities in November, RBW announced on August 4, marking an end to the six-member act's four-year run since debuting in 2021.
The agency stated that after "long and sincere discussions," both the company and members of the group agreed to part ways to support each artist's individual dreams. Despite disbanding, Purple Kiss will fulfill all scheduled promotions, including an English-language album release in late August, Japanese promotions, a North American tour, and a final concert in Korea.
Since their debut with the EP Into Violet in March 2021, Purple Kiss has built a reputation for self-produced music and experimental concepts showcased in singles like "Zombie" and "Nerdy." Their sudden decision to disband just weeks after releasing the single album I Miss My... on July 16 underscored the uncertainty facing groups on mid-tier labels.
Early contract terminations have become increasingly common among smaller agencies, exposing the widening gap between major entertainment houses and their less-resourced counterparts. This is something that more and more fans are starting to see throughout the K-pop industry.
Earlier this year, IST Entertainment's girl group Weeekly ended exclusive contracts after five years, while Yuehua Entertainment's Everglow halted activities in June, a year shy of the customary seven-year contract milestone. Rocket Punch and Cherry Bullet also disbanded despite steady fan bases and regular comebacks, illustrating that consistent output does not guarantee longevity outside the "Big Four."
Music critic Lim Hee-yoon noted the hyper-competitive landscape in Korea, where "tens of new groups debut each year" and domestic listeners often stick to familiar names or algorithm-recommended tracks, making visibility a constant struggle for emerging acts without major-label backing. As production and promotion costs rise, smaller agencies may find it unsustainable to continue funding comebacks that fail to generate sufficient returns.
For Purple Kiss's fandom, PLORY, the announcement offers a bittersweet consolation: a final run of performances and releases to celebrate the group's artistic growth. Yet their premature disbandment highlights a broader industry trend: in an increasingly saturated K-pop market, only the best-funded acts can secure the resources needed to survive beyond the early years of their career.
