Every year, there are innumerable fresh debuts, more fans, and regrettable disbandments in the K-pop world. The majority of idols sign seven-year contracts with their companies, which has contributed to the “seven-year curse,” in which bands frequently break up or have members leave after seven years.What K-pop stars have contracts that expire in 2022? Which groups are most likely to remain united, and which ones might split up?
The popular nine-member group, which was created as a result of the reality competition Sixteen, had its JYP Entertainment debut in October 2015 and is still going strong with frequent promotions and music releases. The group only recently entered the Western market with the release of The Feels, their first-ever English single. It was a first for the girls when the song debuted at number 83 on the Billboard Hot 100 list due to its widespread popularity. The band’s admirers believe that contract extensions are likely because of the group’s undeniable rise to international fame and the fact that their ascent into the mainstream Western market has just recently begun.
Day6 is a JYP Entertainment-affiliated group that made its debut in September 2015 and has since put out a number of popular songs. Sungjin and Young K, two of the four current members, are currently serving in the military. Dowson, the youngest member, is scheduled to enlist on January 17. Although Wonpil, the last remaining member, has not officially announced his enlistment, supporters anticipate he will likely join Dowoon this year because he will be 28 in April, the minimum age required by South Korean legislation for men to enlist.
After being founded in the reality television competition Mix & Match, the group made its YG Entertainment debut in September 2015. The group hasn’t done anything since releasing a new digital song in March 2021 and participating in the competition show Kingdom: Legendary War in April of the same year. Since member Bobby and his non-celebrity fiancé abruptly announced their engagement and welcomed a child in late 2017, iKon’s future plans as a collective have remained unknown, and contract extensions are still up in the air.
Starship Entertainment’s Monsta X, another group created through a survival show, made their debut in May 2015 and has since enjoyed tremendous success both locally and abroad. The remaining five members of the group, who released their second English album, “The Dreaming,” in December 2021, are still making progress with promotions even though the group’s leader Shownu is presently doing his required military service. Even though no official statements have been made yet, the group’s future is bright, and contract extensions seem inevitable.
Keep reading IWMBuzz.com
