End of the line: 6 K-pop group contracts ending in 2022, from Twice and Monsta X to CLC and Day6 – who will disband and who will continue into a new era?

Jan 14 , 2022

Twice’s future together is looking strong but iKon seems to be on rocky roads. Photos: JYP Entertainment, YG Entertainment

These groups’ contracts are up this year, but after The Feels made it onto the Billboard Hot 100, Twice’s future is looking good – although fans worry about Mina and Jeongyeon

YG Entertainment’s iKon and JYP Entertainment’s Day6 have been quiet since early 2021, prompting many to wonder whether they’ll continue together or go separate ways

Every year, the K-pop world sees countless new debuts and more fans, but some unfortunate disbandments too. Most idols have a seven-year contract with their company, which has led to what fans call the “seven year curse” – where bands tend to disband or see certain members leaving the group after seven years.

So, who are the K-pop idols whose contracts are ending in 2022? Which groups are likely staying together, and which groups might disband?

1. Twice

Twice recently expanded to the mainstream Western market. Photo: JYP Entertainment

The beloved nine-member group, formed through the survival show Sixteen, debuted under JYP Entertainment in October 2015 – and is still going strong with regular promotions and musical releases.

Just last year, the group released its first-ever English single, The Feels, which marked their expansion into the Western market. The song was so well-loved that it grabbed a spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, debuting at number 83 – a first for the girls. The group has clearly gained worldwide popularity and their journey into the mainstream Western market has only just begun, leading fans to believe that contract renewals will be likely.

Fans have been concerned about Mina and Jeongyeon in particular. Photo: @twicetagram/Instagram

But while the group’s achievements are going strong, many are concerned about Mina and Jeongyeon. These two members have struggled with their mental health over the years and have taken multiple hiatuses. Jeongyeon in particular has been on a break since August 2021 because of her panic and anxiety disorders. As such, fans are worried that they might not choose to renew their contracts.

2. Day6

Day6, including now former member Jae (centre). Photo: @day6kilogram/Instagram