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K-pop’s premature disbandments rise among smaller labels
K-pop girl group PURPLE KISS / Courtesy of RBW
By Pyo Kyung-min
Several K-pop groups managed by relatively smaller entertainment agencies have disbanded or announced indefinite suspensions of activities in recent months, all without completing the industry-standard seven-year exclusive contracts.
This trend of early breakups has not only sparked disappointment among fans, but also reignited debate over whether only major K-pop companies can sustain a band's ultimate success.
On Aug. 4, RBW, the agency behind six-member girl group PURPLE KISS, issued a statement announcing the group will conclude activities in November.
“The company and the members engaged in long and sincere discussions about how to move forward. Ultimately, we reached a conclusion based on mutual respect for each other’s opinions and with the desire to support each member’s individual dreams,” the agency said.
RBW added that although the group will officially end activities, all scheduled events will proceed as planned — beginning with the release of an English-language album at the end of this month, followed by promotions in Japan and a tour in the Americas.
Since debuting in 2021, PURPLE KISS steadily released singles and albums, including “Ponzona,” “Zombie,” “memeM” and “7HEAVEN.” The group’s most recent release, “I Miss My…,” was released just last month, making the disbandment announcement all the more unexpected.
Now-disbanded girl group Weeekly / Courtesy of IST Entertainment
Earlier this year, a similar situation unfolded with IST Entertainment’s girl group Weeekly. In February, the agency announced that after long discussions, they had "agreed to end the exclusive contracts" with the members, effectively confirming the group’s disbandment.
Weeekly debuted in June 2020 with the single “Tag Me” and quickly made its mark by winning multiple rookie awards at several year-end music ceremonies that same year. The group maintained momentum with songs such as “After School,” “VROOM VROOM” and “Holiday Party,” gaining a small but dedicated fan base.
Another notable case is EVERGLOW, a girl group that debuted in 2019 under Yuehua Entertainment. In June, Yuehua announced the termination of the members’ exclusive contracts, effectively halting group activities.
EVERGLOW had established a significant following with energetic performances and hits like “Bon Bon Chocolat,” “Adios” and “Dun Dun.” After six years of activity, the contract terminations marked an end to the group’s official activities, though members have clarified this does not necessarily mean an official disbandment.
K-pop girl group EVERGLOW / Courtesy of Yuehua Entertainment
An industry insider who spoke on condition of anonymity acknowledged that while it is "not impossible for groups from smaller agencies to gain some recognition" in the market, their careers often face turbulence when their agencies "experience financial difficulties — challenges that smaller companies are more vulnerable to compared with major conglomerates."
The source also noted that the annual influx of rookie groups increasingly favors acts backed by large agencies with substantial promotional budgets and media influence.
"This shift leaves fewer opportunities for smaller-label groups to break through and sustain their careers, ultimately leading to the decision to disband and potentially create another group," the insider said.