Nothing good ever lasts forever, and the same goes for your favourite K-pop groups. That being said, disbandment news can be considered one of the most disheartening ones that die-hard fans should get used to.
In prior years, regardless of the fame and success these idols achieved over the course of their careers, K-pop groups tend to disband due to several reasons. Find out the list of K-pop groups that have already (and will) bid their fans farewell for good this year:
1. IZ*ONE (아이즈원)
IZ*ONE’s disbandment news didn’t come as a surprise for many fans, as most of them already knew that the 12-member girl group were slated to promotion for 2.5 years. The group consists of Korean and Japanese members from different entertainment companies and was formed through the Mnet survival show, “Produce 48”, similar to their senior groups like I.O.I and WannaOne.
The girls’ management team, Off The Record and Swing Entertainment revealed in their statement, “As officially announced on March 10, the IZ*ONE project will end in April. IZ*ONE’s official fan cafe, content, and social media will operate until the end of the project, and future plans (for these platforms) will be announced.”
They added, “We once again thank WIZ*ONE (fandom name) who always show support, and we will always support the IZ*ONE members to grow further as artists. We ask that you show much anticipation and support for the IZ*ONE members.”
Update: The group has already disbanded on 29th April 2021.
2. 1TEAM (원팀)
The boy group debuted on 27th March 2019 with five members, including Rubin and BC, who participated in YG Entertainment‘s survival show MIXNINE. The line-up also consisted of 3 talented idols, Jinwoo, Jehyun and Junghoon.
1TEAM’s label, Liveworks Company, broke the news about the group’s disbandment on 10th March 2021, after “putting considerable amount of time before reaching this decision”. They stated, “After long discussions with 1TEAM members and Liveworks Company, both sides have come to terms to end the official activities for 1TEAM as a group by 14th March 2021, and decided to terminate the contract with the company as a group.”
3. We In The Zone (위인더존)
We In The Zone (also known as WITZ) debuted on 27th May 2019 under Choom Entertainment, with the song “Let’s Get Loud”. The boy group consisted of 5 members; Eson, Jooan, Kyeongheon, Shihyun and Min. The latter departed from WITZ a few months after that due to personal reasons.
Kyeongheon took to his Instagram account to announce that the group unfortunately disbanded on 15th January 2021, as all of the members terminated their contracts. Their last comeback as a group was a single called “Loveade”.
4. Seven O’Clock (세븐어클락)
Seven O’Clock (or SOC in short) made their debut in March 2017, under Staro Entertainment. In September 2018, it was revealed that the group was signed under a new label, Forest Network. Their final line-up consisted of 7 members – Han Gyeom, Andy, Hyun, 2soul, Jeung Gyu, Tae Young, and Rui. The group officially disbanded on 2nd March 2021.
“Although the group activities are over, we are currently discussing the members’ future activities, and we will do our best to support their various individual activities. We sincerely would like to apologise for the sudden news, and once again, we thank R.O.S.e (as fans were lovingly called) for cherishing Seven O’Clock. Please continue to show your love and support for the members in the future as well,” the boy group’s entertainment company wrote.
5. ENOi (이엔오아이)
ENOi (short for wE caN dO iT) debuted in April 2019 under Kithewhale Entertainment and disbanded in January 2021, after nearly 2 years of promotions. In addressing the unfortunate news, the entertainment agency revealed that they have terminated the exclusive contracts of 3 members of the group; Avin, J-Kid and Jinwoo. While the remaining members, Laon, Dojin, Hamin and Gun will remain in the company.
“It was a decision they had to make carefully, so they thought a lot about it. And in the end, we have decided to respect the opinions of the ENOi members. We concluded that the disbandment of the group and termination of their contracts was necessary,” the company stated.
6. HOTSHOT (핫샷)
The 6-member boy group debuted on 29th October 2014 with their single “Take A Shot”. The line-up consisted of Choi Junhyuk, Yoon San, Kim Timoteo, Noh Tae Hyun (“Produce 101” season 2 alum) and also former Wanna One member Ha Sung Woon.
In a statement provided to the press, HOTSHOT’s agency Star Crew Entertainment revealed that the members have decided to wrap up their group activities as of 30th March 2021. They shared, “HOTSHOT’s activities as a group have officially come to an end, but we will provide abundant support for the members so that they can each display their abilities. We once again thank you for your support, and we genuinely apologise for bringing such sudden news to the fans who love HOTSHOT.”
We wish all the members in the K-pop groups the best in their future careers. Thankfully enough, fans could also witness some of the members of the now-defunct boy groups listed above to re-debut again in an upcoming group called Omega X. Get to know the members here.
