7 Groups Who Fell Victim to the 7-Year Jinx

With the recent news that all members of TWICE renewed their contracts with JYP Entertainment after 7 years of working together, talks about the 7-year jinx have resurfaced.

First things first—What is the 7-Year Jinx?

The 7-year jinx, others call it a curse, refers to the myth that most Kpop fans dread upon. See, by the time idol groups reach their seventh year anniversary, most of them fall apart or lose members. This is primarily because most contracts last only for seven years. And typically, at this stage in their lives and careers, idols are at a crucial point where they must decide the next path they're going to take.

These are the 7 groups who fell victim to the 7-year jinx, or at least, proven it to be true:


1. OH MY GIRL

OH MY GIRL made their official debut on April 21, 2015 with their self-titled mini album. They started off as an underrated group with adorable and ethereal songs such as "Closer", "Liar Liar", and "Dun Dun Dance". They garnered interest through the survival show Queendom and eventually released chart-topping hits like "Nonstop" and "Dolphin". When they reached the end of their 7-year exlusive contract in 2022, all of the members renewed their contracts with WM Entertainment, except for Jiho who decided to leave the group and agency.

2. Lovelyz

Woollim Entertainment debuted their first ever girl group Lovelyz on November 5, 2014. They went on to release 7 EPs and 2 studio albums and had memorable songs such as "A-Choo" and "Obliviate". Unfortunately, by the time the group reached the end of their 7-year exclusive contract with the agency, only Babysoul (now known as Lee Su Jeong) renewned her contract with the agency. The other members went on to sign with different companies to pursue solo activities.

3. 4MINUTE

Remember when Girls Generation fans (SONEs) and 2NE1 fans (Blackjacks) were fighting over who will win first place on Inkigayo and 4MINUTE ended up winning, unleashing peace over the K-pop universe? You probably do, you probably don't, but here's the thing—4MINUTE is undeniably one of the best girl groups their generation with hit songs such as "Hot Issue", "What's Your Name?", and "Crazy". Unfortunately, after seven years, the group disbanded and only HyunA remained in the agency until she also left last 2018.

4. B.A.P

B.A.P was one of the best boy groups of their generation. When they first debuted, they were even head-to-head with legendary boy group EXO. Over the course of their career, they went on to release great songs such as "Warrior", "No Mercy", "One Shot", and "Badman". Their contracts ended after seven years and all members went seperate ways to pursue solo activities.

5. MISS A

Most Kpop fans know MISS A as the group where actress Bae Suzy came from. However, during their peak, MISS A was also known for their catchy tunes like "Breathe", "Bad Girl, Good Girl", and "Good-bye Baby". After seven years, the group disbanded and all members left JYP Entertainment, except Suzy who stayed with the agency until 2019.




6. 2NE1

2NE1, YG Entertainment's first-ever girl group, took the world by storm upon releasing their debut digital single "Fire" in 2009. They were one of the girl groups who lead the Hallyu Wave, gaining millions of fans all over the world. All members CL, Dara, Minzy, and Bom became iconic for their talents in different fields. They only got to release two EPs and two studio albums during their career, but the songs they put out will forever be etched, not just in hearts of fans, but in the entire Kpop history.

In 2016, YG Entertainment left fans heartbroken when they announced 2NE1's disbandment after seven years, following the end of their contracts. Understably, fans never really got over it, which was why 2NE1's short reunion during the 2022 Coachella Music Festival felt like a dream come true for everyone who missed them dearly.




7. SISTAR

SISTAR rose to stardom with "Loving U" and "Alone" but they became well known all over the world as the summer queens of Kpop! During their career, the four-member group released summer hits such as "Touch My Body", "Shake It", and "I Swear". Unfortunately, the group decided to part ways when their seven-year contract ended. However, SISTAR and their agency Starship Entertainment made sure to give fans closure. Before they disbanded, the group released a farewell single album called "Lonely" and performed it in several music shows. They managed to make their goodbye bitter-sweet.

G-FRIEND didn't really fall victim to the 7-year jinx because truth is, they were still on their sixth year of promotions when Source Music announced their disbandment, shocking and angering fans all over the world. However, because most fans consider them a victim to the jinx, might as well include them.

G-FRIEND debuted on January 16, 2015 with the song "Glass Bead". They went on to release hit songs and became one of South Korea's most popular groups. They were loved because of their immesurable talent, great songs, and memorable personalities. Their skills were so well-known that they even started the trend of dancing at 2x speed!




Following G-FRIEND's disbandment in May 2021, the members went seperate ways to pursue solo activities while Eunha, Umji, and SinB regrouped and debuted as the trio VIVIZ. They recently made their comeback with the mini album "Summer Vibe".

Infinite, the first boy group that Woollim Entertainment formed, debuted on June 9, 2010 with seven members. They were the first group to be known for their synchronization and sharp choreographies. They went on to release back-to-back hit songs like "The Chaser", "Man In Love", and "Last Romeo". Unfortunately, unlike their name, the group's contracts were to expire after seven years, and when that time came, dancing machine Hoya left the group, leaving Infinite with 6 members.

Here's to hoping none of our faves fall victim to the jinx! But if they ever do, let's keep rooting for them, and wish them the best for the next chapter of their lives!