From exclusive contract disputes to group departures and the notorious seven-year jinx, 2023 has been a year of ups and downs in the K-Pop world.
Despite the global rise of K-Pop, 2023 has seen its fair share of instabilities. The group FIFTY FIFTY, once hailed as a miracle of a small agency, found itself embroiled in lawsuits after their hit "Cupid." Some members of the veteran group EXO also experienced conflicts with SM Entertainment. Rowoon and Rocky made their exits for new beginnings, and some groups succumbed to the seven-year jinx.
The Miracle of Small Agency Shattered in Three Months ➝ Keena, Dramatic Agreement
One of the main topics in K-Pop this year was the FIFTY FIFTY situation. Debuting in November last year, they hit jackpot with their February release "Cupid," gaining traction first in the global market. They entered the US Billboard and UK Official charts, creating new records for K-Pop groups and being celebrated as a miracle of a small agency.
However, their dream shattered in just three months. Amid the rising success of "Cupid," in June, FIFTY FIFTY members Saena, Sio, Aran, and Keena filed for an injunction against their agency Attrakt, citing opaque accounting and violation of member health care responsibilities. Attrakt countered by accusing The Givers, a subcontractor, of tampering, and the members stood their ground. Attrakt responded aggressively, suing The Givers' CEO An Seong-il and staff.
Currently, FIFTY FIFTY remains with only member Keena. The court sided with Attrakt, dismissing the members' injunction request. Keena returned to Attrakt, exposed CEO An Seong-il's gaslighting, and Attrakt accepted Keena's apology and regret. Saena, Sio, and Aran were notified of contract termination. Now, FIFTY FIFTY continues with only Keena, and Attrakt plans to form a new team centered around her.
EXO-CBX vs SM, Conflict Erupts Ahead of Comeback
Another shocking incident in June was the conflict between EXO-CBX (Chen, Baekhyun, Xiumin) and SM Entertainment. EXO was preparing for a comeback after four years, and the new album release was imminent. EXO-CBX, through their legal representative, notified of contract termination with SM, citing refusal to disclose accounting details and unfair long-term contracts. This was particularly shocking as it coincided with EXO's comeback preparations.
SM refuted the claims, insisting that they had provided proper accounting records over the years and that the long-term contracts were based on artists' free will. Rumors also spread about singer MC Mong's involvement in the lawsuit, which he denied.
Fortunately, the conflict between EXO-CBX and SM was resolved amicably. SM stated they had cleared up misunderstandings after an open discussion with the members, acknowledging some misperceptions about third-party influences. EXO also made a successful comeback. However, issues like Baekhyun's establishment of a personal corporation continue to surface.
SF9 Rowoon, ASTRO Rocky, WJSN Luda Leave Groups
The seven-year jinx has also impacted the K-Pop scene. ASTRO member Rocky left the group, starting a new journey. Fantagio announced in March that after seven years with ASTRO, Rocky concluded his contract and group activities. In November, Rocky launched his solo career with his first album.
WJSN also announced a fresh start. Members Luda and Dawon concluded their contracts with Starship Entertainment, and WJSN underwent changes with eight members renewing their contracts. The members continue to engage with fans through various activities.
SF9 member Rowoon also left the group to focus on his acting career. Having balanced activities with SF9 and acting, Rowoon officially departed in September. The group remains as an eight-member setup. FNC Entertainment stated that Rowoon would concentrate on individual activities, including acting.
Unbroken Seven-Year Jinx
Several groups couldn't overcome the seven-year jinx. MOMOLAND, who debuted in 2016 with hits like "BBoom BBoom," "BAAM," and "Thumbs Up," disbanded in January this year. The members expressed their decision to step forward towards their dreams individually.
Similarly, VICTON faced de facto disbandment in April when members Choi Byungchan, Do Hanse, and Jung Subin left IST Entertainment following contract expiration. Members Han Seungwoo, Kang Seungsik, and Im Sejun remain with the company for individual activities.
PENTAGON also couldn't surpass the seven-year mark. In October, their contracts with Cube Entertainment expired. Members Yeo One, Yan An, Yuto, Kino, and Wooseok concluded their journey with the company. Cube expressed gratitude to the members for their seven years of dedication and wished them happiness. With five members departing, PENTAGON seemed to be heading towards disbandment, but the members clarified it wasn't the case. As some groups navigate the seven-year jinx by pursuing individual and group activities, PENTAGON's future trajectory remains to be seen.
