[Weekly Up & Down] What Happened in 2021?: K-pop Groups That Bid Farewell

In the first half of this year, much loved K-pop groups have said their goodbyes. Some disbanded after failing to break the “7-year jinx,” while some went back to their respective places as planned.

 

GFRIEND’s Sudden Disbandment

One of the shocking news that struck the music fans was GFRIEND’s disbandment. On May 18th, Source Music abruptly announced the termination of members’ contracts and disbandment. “After careful consideration and serious discussions, we decided to go our separate ways,” they wrote. The shock of the sudden disbandment was even greater as the members continued to communicate with the fans until the day before. Although issues like a refund of fan club membership were raised, GFRIEND members quickly announced the start of the new chapter. First, Yerin went to Sublime Artist Agency, which Rain, GOT7’s Jackson, and Youngjae are affiliated with. Yuju and Eunha sang the OSTs for MBN’s Bossam: Steal the Fate and webtoon “Stairway of Time.”

 

IZ*ONE Parted Ways as Scheduled.

On April 28th, the project group IZ*ONE wrapped up their 2 years and 6 months career. IZ*ONE, a 12-member Korea-Japan joint group formed through Mnet Produce 48 in 2018, received great love from their fans with their numerous hit songs, including their debut song “La Vie en Rose.” However, there was also an unexpected crisis. When the suspicion of Produce series’ vote manipulation surfaced in 2019, the group suspended their promotions in Debutray last year. Afterward, IZ*ONE resumed their promotions with a new album. However, the public remained cold as the names of the victims were revealed. Nevertheless, fans’ love for IZ*ONE did not waver. Last year, IZ*ONE’s three albums recorded cumulative album sales of 1.3 million, taking the top spot on the female artist sales chart.

 

GOT7 Parted Ways

Although GOT7 is not officially disbanded, all the members went their own ways since they’ve parted ways with JYP Entertainment. Leader JB, Yugyeom, and BamBam released a new song after settling in new agencies. Jackson continued his activities in China while promoting in Korea in collaboration with Rain’s agency, Sublime Artist Agency. Youngjae also joined Sublime Artist Agency. Recently, he starred in the Netflix original series So Not Worth it. Jinyoung signed an exclusive contract with BH Entertainment, home to Lee Byung Hun and Han Ji Min. He’s currently starring in tvN’s The Devil Judge. After returning to the United States, Mark announced that he signed a contract with Creative Artists Agency. Leader JB shared, “We’re trying to release one album every year (as GOT7). It would be even better if we could perform on stage.”

 

Besides them, Hotshot and Berry Good also announced their disbandment.

 

Source (1)