As contract renewal season continues for some of K-pop’s biggest names, a clear trend has emerged: Boy groups are largely choosing to stay together under their current agencies, while girl groups are increasingly pursuing independent careers outside of their original labels.
Recent announcements involving NCT 127, SEVENTEEN, TWICE, and BLACKPINK highlight contrasting approaches, sparking industry-wide discussions about the future of longtime idol groups.
NCT 127 is renewed with SM Entertainment
On July 15, SM Entertainment announced that Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, and Haechan had renewed their exclusive contracts with the company. The agency thanked fans for their continued support and pledged to remain a reliable partner by fully supporting NCT 127’s future activities.
Debuting in July 2016, NCT 127 celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The group recently reorganized as a seven-member team after Mark left both the agency and the group following the expiration of his contract in April.
SEVENTEEN Complete a second party revamp
Shortly before NCT 127’s announcement, Pledis Entertainment revealed that all 13 members of SEVENTEEN had agreed to renew their contracts for a second time.
SEVENTEEN signed an early renewal for the first time in 2021, and the latest agreement demonstrates the members’ commitment to continue together despite military enlistments. According to the agency, members currently serving in the Army will finalize their contracts based on their duty schedules.
The group also shared a heartfelt message with fans. “We believed that together there is nothing we cannot accomplish. That is why all 13 of us chose to continue as one.”
TWICE faces another major renewal decision
The situation is very different for TWICE, whose members are currently entering the second contract renewal period.
According to a report published on July 14, member Tzuyu is considering signing with a new agency instead of renewing with JYP Entertainment. JYP responded by stating that discussions are still ongoing.
Last month, Jeongyeon also reportedly met with VARO Entertainment, the agency representing her older sister, actress Gong Seung Yeon. The agency, while confirming that the meeting took place, stressed that no decisions had been taken.
TWICE had already renewed all nine members in 2022, leaving fans wondering whether the group will once again remain together under one company.
BLACKPINK Set up the project
BLACKPINK has become one of the highest profile examples of a hybrid contract model. The members renewed with YG Entertainment for group activities only, while pursuing solo careers under separate management. Jisoo, Jennie and Lisa started their own agencies. Rosé has joined THEBLACKLABEL, working alongside longtime producer Teddy.
Despite the division of individual management, BLACKPINK’s group activities have continued to be very successful. Their DEADLINE World Tour, held from last May to January this year, filled major venues around the world, including:
- Goyang Stadium (South Korea)
- SoFi Stadium (United States)
- Stade de France (France)
- Tokyo Dome (Japan)
- Wembley Stadium (UK)
The tour also made BLACKPINK the first K-pop girl group to headline Wembley Stadium.
Why the different trends?
While each group’s situation is unique, recent contract renewals reflect two increasingly common approaches.
For many established youth groups, remaining in the same agency often provides continuity during military service and allows members to maintain long-term group activities under a family management system.
Meanwhile, veteran girl groups are increasingly exploring deals that separate group promotions from individual careers, allowing members greater flexibility to pursue acting, solo music, fashion and business ventures while preserving their teams.
Rather than signaling a dissolution, these hybrid models have become a practical way for successful groups to balance collective activities with expanding personal careers.
With NCT 127 and SEVENTEEN reaffirming their commitment to their agencies, and the future of TWICE still in question, the latest season of renewal reflects the evolving priorities of K-pop idol veterans.
Whether it’s group-wide renewals or flexible agency deals like BLACKPINK’s, the industry’s biggest artists are increasingly looking for ways to preserve group identities while supporting individual ambitions.
Sources: Daum | Television reportage
