The Odd K-Pop Curse That Recently “Claimed” Another Group

Many K-Pop groups debut and disband each year as part of the industry cycle. Group status changes have been connected to certain events, sometimes called “curses” when something bad happens.

For example, the “7-Year Curse” identifies the trend of groups disbanding after seven years, usually after their contract expires. The “Number 1 Seat” curse has happened to many trainees on survival shows who rank 1st in the first episode, just not to make the final group.

6 K-Pop Curses That Are So Real, It’s Scary

Recently, fans have discussed another K-Pop curse that seems to have claimed another group.

Earlier this week, it was announced that Weeekly would not renew their contracts with IST Entertainment, with many believing that the group would also disband.

K-Pop Company Subject To Backlash After Losing Multiple Artists In A Mere Few Months

As fans reacted to the news, some pointed out a strange link between some groups that previously disbanded or went inactive.

In 2023, the survival show Queendom Puzzle aired, featuring a number of idols competing to debut in a temporary group.

| Mnet

The final winners went on to debut as EL7ZUP.  After their debut, there were announced plans for their comeback and an appearance at KCON Japan 2024.

However, these plans were cancelled, and there has since been no news of activities for the group, making them the first to be affected by the “curse.”

EL7Z UP | Vanity Teen

Next, several members of Cherry Bullet competed on the show, though they were all eliminated and did not make the group. Cherry Bullet would go on the disband in April the following year without having made a comeback.

Cherry Bullet | FNC Entertainment

Elly of Weki Meki also participated in the program, and after a long hiatus, the group made one last comeback before their disbandment.

Weki Meki | Fantagio

Three members of Rocket Punch competed in the show, with member Yeonhee making the debut line-up. However, all but one member of Rocket Punch would go on to would leave their company in December 2024 after their contracts with Woolim Entertainment expired, leaving their fate in the air.

Rocket Punch | Woolim Entertainment

Of the other idols that competed in the show, several are part of inactive groups like WJSN and woo!ah!.

Some have accounted these happenings to a “Queendom” curse, claiming the show was bad luck for those who participated.

Oh wjsn keep your door locked TIGHT pic.twitter.com/qV1ENihQjQ

— orbit¹² ∞! 𝗩𝗩av²⁴ (@orbit_wav) February 26, 2025

wjsn lightsum wooah on hiatus, purki finished 3rd tour still no full album or lightstick, yeeun no comeback, tripleS nazi fandom, no jooe redebut or momoland reunion, CHEBUL WEKI MEKI RCPC AND WEEEKLY DISBANDED…i can’t take this queendom curse pic.twitter.com/sxDXjLGqgH

— jupi .☘︎ ݁˖ #ThankYouWeeekly (@fromkicatcher) February 26, 2025

Every group that participated to queendom (1, 2 and puzzle) didn't end well, most of them disbanded or lost members or even disappeared… https://t.co/RGicWr2NtZ

— Ire ¹²💚 (@sooyoungieswan) February 26, 2025

You can read about another K-Pop curse below.

The Strange K-Pop Curse That Less Than 4 Groups Have Survived