The power of the ‘seven years of evil’ jinx: What will be the status of the groups?

Idol groups have a jinx called ‘the seven years of evil’. It is a jinx that originates from the fact that members often withdraw from the team or are completely disbanded in the 7th year of activity since their debut.

In 2023, there are groups that have failed to overcome the ‘7 years of evil’ and are in the process of disbanding. On the other hand, there were groups that successfully overcame this jinx and opened a new second act, and there were also groups that began their journey ‘separately and together’. iMBC Entertainment has compiled a list of those who were unable to survive the ‘Seven Years of the Demon’ and went their separate ways, as well as groups that did not give in to the ‘Seven Years of the Demon’ and continued as a team in various forms.

◆ASTRO

The group ASTRO, which debuted on February 23, 2016, is celebrating its 7th anniversary this year. However, they have been on a hiatus since releasing their 3rd regular album ‘Drive to the Starry Road’ in May last year.

MJ, who was a soldier, discussed renewing his contract after being discharged from the military, Moonbin suddenly passed away, and Rocky decided to leave the team, bringing changes to the team.

◆MOMOLAND

MOMOLAND, a group that debuted on November 10, 2016, also failed to win ‘7 years of evil’ and ended its group activities with its exclusive contract ending on January 27.

At the time, MOMOLAND’s agency, MLD Entertainment, said, “We would like to express our deep gratitude to MOMOLAND for being with us as an artist for a long time, and we will also sincerely support the members’ future.”

◆SF9

The group SF9, which debuted on October 5, 2016, did not exceed the ‘7 years of evil’ due to Rowoon‘s withdrawal.

Rowoon renewed his contract with FNC Entertainment last September, but officially left SF9. The agency announced that the team would continue its activities as an 8-member group excluding Rowoon, and Rowoon announced his departure from the team, saying he would focus on his acting activities.

◆VICTON

VICTON, a group that debuted on November 9, 2016, announced the end of its contract on April 20. The agency, IST Entertainment, announced its farewell to members Do Han-se, Choi Byung-chan, and Su-bin Jeong, saying that their exclusive contracts have expired.

Han Seung-woo and Kang Seung-sik, who are currently serving in the military, and Lim Se-jun, who was about to enlist, will maintain their artist status as their exclusive contract periods have changed due to their military service. However, they actually went through the process of disbanding.

◆BLACKPINK

It is still unclear whether BLACKPINK, who debuted on August 8, 2016, will renew their contract.

Blackpink, who celebrated their 7th debut anniversary this year, had their exclusive contract with their agency YG Entertainment (hereinafter referred to as YG) expired in August, but have not yet signed a renewal.

There are various theories abounding. Previously, there was a theory that only Rosé would renew her contract, while the others, Jisoo, Jennie, and Lisa, would transfer to other agencies. In response, YG said, “Nothing has been confirmed.”

Afterwards, there were rumors of a contract renewal for the 4-member group, and at the time, YG said, “Discussions are underway. As of the announcement date, the exclusive contract with the artist is in the process of being negotiated for renewal, and the final result will be announced through a later announcement.”

Failure to renew full contract, reorganization and resumption of activities

◆Oh My Girl

Oh My Girl, which debuted in April 2015, did not survive the ‘7 years of evil’ as member Jiho left the group in May last year. However, except for former member Jiho, all members renewed their contracts with their agency, WM Entertainment, and were reorganized into a six-member group to continue their activities.

After reorganizing the team, Oh My Girl showed off their health by releasing their 9th mini album “Golden Hourglass” in July. At the time of the showcase, Hyojung said, “The members had deep feelings for the team called Oh My Girl in their hearts. As seven years have passed, I feel that I have to do better for the members,” and “Oh My Girl has grown even more.” “I want to show you,” he said.

‘Separately and together’

◆Pentagon

Pentagon, which debuted on October 10, 2016, announced the end of exclusive contracts with five members last October.

Cube Entertainment, the agency, said, “After careful discussions, we have ended the exclusive contracts with Yeo One, Yan An, Yuto, Kino, and Wooseok.”

There were concerns that more than half of the nine-member group Pentagon would leave the agency and ‘disband’, but member Yeo One said, “I felt that I needed a new challenge to show a better side of me,” and “I will be saying goodbye to Cube. “As now, I will always be with Universe as a Pentagon member.”

There is no ‘Seven years of evil’!

◆Dreamcatcher

Dreamcatcher, who debuted in the music industry on January 13, 2017, will celebrate their 7th anniversary in 2024. Meanwhile, all Dreamcatcher members renewed their contracts early last year, raising expectations for future activities as a complete group.

Member JiU attended the recent showcase for the 9th mini album “VillainS” and said, “I still can’t believe that Dreamcatcher has celebrated its 7th anniversary. I’m still working with the mindset of a rookie,” and added, “The CEO releases albums twice a year. “I am always grateful for releasing it. I will do my best to make sure it doesn’t become ‘Seven Years of Evil.’” he said bravely.

◆NCT 127

NCT 127 debuted on July 7, 2016, and celebrated its 7th anniversary this year. NCT 127 also safely passed the ‘7 years of evil’ and raised expectations for their progress as ‘long-lived idols’.

At a conference for the 5th full-length album “FACT CHECK” last October, leader Taeyong said about going through the ‘7 years of evil’, “There were many temptations, and there were difficult moments where I thought I would not be able to find my way, but ‘NCT 127’ “It’s NCT 127,” he said. “We’re here because of our members. Everyone’s 7th year is important, but I think our unity was so good that our 7th year doesn’t feel like the 7th year. We’re trusting each other.” “There is also respect for each other,” he said, expressing trust in the members.

The upcoming 7th anniversary of debut… I’m not afraid of ‘Seven Years of Evil’!

◆ATEEZ

ATEEZ debuted on October 24, 2018 and celebrated their 6th anniversary this year. Next year will mark the ‘7th year of Demon’, and they are expected to achieve a ‘career high’ by coming together as an 8-member group without worrying about disbanding.

In particular, Hongjoong expressed his feelings ahead of the 7th anniversary of his debut in an interview conducted ahead of the encore concert of his world tour “THE FELLOWSHIP: BREAK THE WALL” in March. He said, “Seven years are an important time, but I don’t just look at the seven years. I always look beyond that. I want to achieve high goals and show a good performance. Seven years are not enough to do that. I don’t have much anxiety in that regard. “He expressed his enthusiasm.

There is no dissolution… The members remain the same, but only the agency and team name are changed.

◆BBGIRLS

Minyoung, Eunji, Yujeong, and Yuna, who debuted as the second generation of Brave Girls on February 16, 2016, parted ways with their agency Brave Entertainment on February 16.

After the expiration of their exclusive contract, they stopped working for a while, leading some to believe that Brave Girls was effectively disbanding and working independently, but they soon announced that they would sign an exclusive contract with Warner Music Korea and continue their activities as a full four-member group.

At the time, Warner Music Korea said, “We have worked together with the members to prioritize full activities,” and added, “We will not spare any support in their activities.”

Last August, they changed their team name from Brave Girls to Brave Girls and released a new single, “ONE MORE TIME”, kicking off the second act of their career in earnest.

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