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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?
STORYJi Won Chung
- 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
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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.
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
Another group under JYP Entertainment, Day6 debuted in September 2015 and has since released several hit songs. Two of the four current members, Sungjin and Young K, are currently serving in the military, while the youngest member, Dowoon, is set to enlist on January 17. Wonpil, the remaining member, has yet to announce his enlistment, but since he turns 28 in April – the maximum age South Korean laws requires men to enlist by – fans believe he’ll likely join Dowoon in the military this year.
