In K-pop, South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission requires entertainment companies to sign artists to contracts lasting up to seven years, which aims to protect them from exploitation by their labels.
However, while this regulation is meant to protect artists, it also gives rise to the so-called “seven-year curse”, a phenomenon in which an idol group disbands, loses core members, or fails to renew contracts in its seventh year.
This year, those who debuted in 2018 will have to face the aforementioned curse. Unfortunately, many of them have already disbanded before even reaching their seventh anniversary; therefore, the focus is now on the currently active groups.
fromis_9
fromis_9’s contract with Pledis officially ended on December 31, 2024. Although the group has not disbanded, fans are curious whether the members plan to reunite under another label or go their separate ways.
In 2022, Jang Gyuri left the team to focus on her acting career.
THE DOORS
ATEEZ will celebrate their seventh anniversary in October. But first they will have to decide whether to renew their contract with KQ Entertainment in August.
“I’m talking to the members a lot and discussing with the company from various angles. I can’t tell you exactly right now, but there’s still a lot I want to show you,” Hongjoong positively told MK Newspaper when asked about their recent discussion.
(G)I-DLE
(G)I-DLE – with its remaining members Soyeon, Minnie, Miyeon, Yuqi and Shuhua – remains stronger than ever as it announced that it has already renewed its group contracts with Cube Entertainment in December 2024.
Former member Soojin left in 2021 due to bullying controversy.
Stray children
Among the groups that debuted in 2018, JYP Entertainment’s boy group Stray Kids also became one of the forerunners in renewing their contracts before their expiration in 2025.
The group consists of eight members – Felix, Hyunjin, Bang Chan, Lee Know, Han, IN, Seungmin and Changbin – following Woojin’s departure in 2019.
STRANGE
ONEWE, a boy group launched by RBW, also signed a five-year contract extension in April last year. The quintet will continue to promote together until March 2029.
Saturday
While some teams have already decided to continue their journey in the music scene, some smaller groups like Saturday are facing the dilemma of a non-guaranteed contract renewal.
The girl group, known for the song “BByong”, was originally an artist under SD Entertainment. However, it turned out that they had moved to Yoonso Group after their initial building closed.
Fans are worried about their future as their last release was still in 2023.
DreamNote
Underrated girl group DreamNote’s last activity dates back to October last year. Although they were still active, its supporters fear they will split this year if no progress is seen.
