4 K-Pop Groups That Could Face Disbandment This Year

The K-Pop industry is known for the infamous “7-year curse,” a term that refers to the common disbandment of groups around seven years after their debut, usually due to the end of their initial contracts. As 2025 marks the seventh year since several groups debuted in 2018, fans are very interested in the fate of these artists.

Here’s a look at some groups that face the curse this year.

1. APEX

APEX, previously known as Like A Movie, debuted in June 2018 with the digital single “Twillight.”

Over the years, the group has experienced line-up changes, gaining and losing members. The current five-member line-up most recently returned in July 2024, following the name change, but they have held events in Japan recently and remained active on their social media accounts.

These are positive signs that the group could continue after this year, as many groups from smaller agencies often use the “silent disbandment” approach.

2. DreamNote

DreamNote debuted in November 2018 with “Dreamlike,” initially an 8-membered group.

Through the years, their activities have varied in frequency, though they most recently celebrated their sixth year together in November 2024, releasing a Japanese and Korean single the previous month.

Many fans are hopeful the group will remain together after this year, especially as they have not yet released a mini-album.

3. Saturday

Saturday debuted in June 2018 with “MMook JJi BBa” sporting a seven-member line-up.

The group has had multiple line-up changes, and are currently active as three while member Juyeon is currently inactive. The group’s last single album release was in 2023, but held events in Japan in November 2024.

Previously, it was believed that the group may disband, but with the recent activities, their future plans are hard to predict.

4. ATEEZ

ATEEZ debuted in October 2018 with their first mini album Treasure EP. 1: All to Zero. The group have remained extremely active, growing in worldwide popularity and completing multiple world tours.

As ATEEZ themselves have declared their intentions to remain a group for the foreseeable and long-term future, their 7-year curse could possibly involve a departure from their agency, KQ Entertainment, dependent on their contract negotiations.

A group that faced the curse last year, THE BOYZ, did just that, moving from IST Entertainment to One Hundred.

A number of different aspects and conditions go into whether or not a group will renew, disband, or move agencies, including military service, individual members’ plans and popularity.

Some groups that would have faced the curse this year, like Stray Kids and (G)I-DLE, have already re-signed with their agencies and ended speculations early.

Hopefully, all of these artists are able to continue making music on their terms, regardless of how their circumstances turn out.