5 K-Pop Groups That Could Face Disbandment In 2026

The K-Pop industry is known for the infamous “7-year curse,” a term that refers to the common disbandment of groups around seven years after their debut, usually due to the end of their initial contracts. As 2026 marks the seventh year since several groups debuted in 2019, there is a possibility of contract expiration and disbandment.

Here’s a look at some groups that face the curse this year.

1. AB6IX

AB6IX debuted on May 22, 2019, and included several participants from the survival show Produce 101 Season 2. 

The group have experienced one line-up change, when former leader Young Min departed from the group. The group have been active as four since then, and most recently returned in August 2025 with “Stupid.”

2. CIX

CIX is another group made up of past survival show participants, including Bae Jinyoung, a member of WANNA ONE. They debuted in July 2019 with “Movie Star. ”

In 2024, member Bae Jinyoung departed from the group with the termination of his contract. The group returned as four in September 2025, with “Wonder You.”

C9 Entertainment has been criticized for their management of the group in the past, something that has occurred with other groups that have ended their contracts with their agencies.

3. DKZ

DKZ (formerly DONGKIZ) debuted on April 24, 2019 with “Nom.”

The group saw a line-up change in 2022 with their name change, losing a member and gaining three new ones. In October 2025, the group returned with “Replay My Anthem.”

4. EVERGLOW

Girl group EVERGLOW debuted in March 2019 with “Bon Bon Chocolat.”

The girl group has seen some line-up changes with the loss of two members, and their departure from Yuahua Entertainment. Although they have joined a new company, they have yet to release new music.

5. ONEUS

Boy group ONEUS debuted in January 2019 with “Valkyrie.”

The group is currently active as five members following former leader RAVN’s departure. The group returned in October 2025 with “Fly To You.”

With RBW often being criticized for its management of its groups, changes, most likely the group resigning to another agency, are possible, rather than disbandment.