Seven Active K-pop Groups on the Verge of the '7-Year Curse' in 2025: ATEEZ, fromis_9, More

In K-pop, the South Korean Fair Trade Commission mandates that entertainment companies can sign artists to contracts lasting up to seven years, which aims to shield them from exploitation by their labels.

However, while this regulation is designed to protect the artists, it also gives rise to the so-called "seven-year curse," a phenomenon where an idol group disbands, loses core members, or fails to renew contracts in its seventh year.

This year, those who debuted in 2018 will face the aforementioned curse. Sadly, plenty of them have already disbanded even before reaching their seventh anniversary; hence, attention is now zoomed in on the currently active groups.

fromis_9

fromis_9's contract with Pledis officially ended on Dec. 31, 2024. While the group didn't disband, fans are curious if the members are planning to get together under another label or go on their separate ways.

In 2022, Jang Gyuri left the team to focus on her acting career.

ATEEZ

ATEEZ will celebrate their seventh anniversary in October. But before that, they will have to decide whether to renew their contract with KQ Entertainment in August.

"I am talking a lot with the members and discussing with the company from various angles. I can't tell you exactly right now, but there's still a lot I want to show you," Hongjoong positively told MK newspaper when asked about their recent discussion.

(G)I-DLE

(G)I-DLE — with its remaining members Soyeon, Minnie, Miyeon, Yuqi, and Shuhua — remains stronger than ever as they announced that they already renewed their group contracts with Cube Entertainment in December 2024.

Former member Soojin left in 2021 due to bullying controversy.

Stray Kids

Among the groups that debuted in 2018, JYP Entertainment's boy group Stray Kids also became one of the forerunners of renewing their contracts before their expiration in 2025.

The group is comprised of eight members — Felix, Hyunjin, Bang Chan, Lee Know, Han, I.N., Seungmin, and Changbin — following Woojin's departure in 2019.

ONEWE

ONEWE, a boy group launched by RBW, also signed a five-year contract extension in April last year. The quintet will continue to promote together until March 2029.

Saturday

While some teams already decided to continue their journey in the music scene, some smaller groups such as Saturday are facing a dilemma of unguaranteed contract renewal.

The girl group, known for their song "BByong," was originally an artist under SD Entertainment. However, it was found out that they transferred to Yoonso Group after their initial building had closed.

Fans are concerned about their future since their last release was still in 2023.

DreamNote

The underrated girl group DreamNote's last activity was in October last year. Although they were still active, its supporters are worried about them parting ways this year if no progress will be seen.