5 most controversial K-pop group breakups, from Hyuna and Dawn’s secret romance that disbanded Triple H, and 2NE1’s Park Bom’s scandal, to Glam’s Dahee blackmailing Lee Byung-hun

Feb 28 , 2022

Learn more about these K-pop groups that disbanded due to controversies. Photos: @cube_triple_h, @official.april/Instagram; @ChnsBlckjck/Twitter

April broke up in January due to bullying scandals, while 2NE1 – often referred to as Blackpink’s predecessor – got in trouble for Park Bom’s drug smuggling

Hyuna and Dawn of Triple H were only active for a year before they were dismissed for going public with their romance, and Glam – BTS’ labelmates at Hybe – only lasted three years

In the K-pop world, band break-ups aren’t a rare occurrence. Every year, countless groups disband for different reasons, whether contracts ending or a scandal – some of which are even cast into international spotlight.

So, which K-pop groups saw their careers cut short due to controversies?

1. April

April disbanded in January 2022. Photo: @official.april/Instagram

After several bullying scandals, girl group April announced their disbandment in January, which did not come as a surprise to many. In early 2021, accusations of the members having bullied former member Lee Hyun-joo surfaced, and although their agency DSP Media denied the claims, the girls faced severe criticism and backlash, leading to halts in both group and solo activities throughout 2021.

Naeun was involved in additional bullying scandals in 2020. Photo: @betterlee_0824/Instagram

Member Naeun, who had endorsements and acting gigs planned, was criticised in particular, as she had also been accused of being a school bully in March 2021. Though the accuser retracted their claims later, they certainly left a stain on the group’s reputation.

2. 2NE1

2NE1 announced their disbandment in 2016. Photo: YG Entertainment

YG Entertainment’s beloved girl group – sometimes dubbed Blackpink’s predecessor – disbanded in 2016. While fans were devastated, many weren’t surprised about the news either. Though the official reason wasn’t announced, fans had anticipated the group’s disbandment due to controversy and inactivity beforehand.

Member Park Bom’s controversy led to 2NE1’s hiatus. Photo: @newharoobompark/Instagram

According to Koreaboo, in 2014, it was revealed that member Park Bom had been under investigation for smuggling drugs through mail in the past, leading to her indefinite hiatus and 2NE1’s halt on group activities. The remaining members took on solo endeavours, and though the group made a surprise appearance at the 2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards, they haven’t promoted as a group since and disbanded in 2016.

3. Triple H