Find out which K-pop groups still have their original lineup to this day
A very common thing in the K-pop industry is the formation of groups with many members who sign an initial contract with record companies, that is, creations of large formations where members need to commit to the group for a period of time.
In most cases, this first exclusive contract lasts seven years, but it is important to highlight that there are also situations in which artists end the agreement early, and this is common right at the debut of the line-up.
But what happens to the group when the exclusive contract ends? The group may dissolve or renew its agreements with its agencies. It is still possible that not all members want to carry out this renewal, which could end up affecting the original formation of the groups.
Because of this, RECREIO brought you the K-pop groups that renewed their contracts and continue with their original lineup. Check out!
SEVENTEEN
The 13 members of SEVENTEEN have renewed their contracts with Pledis Entertainment, which is an impressive feat in the K-pop industry. The boy group debuted in 2015 and renewed its relationship with the company in 2021, guaranteeing another seven years of commitment.
The boys’ most recent comeback took place last week, when the MV for “God of music” was released, which is the title track of the group’s new mini-album, titled “SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN”. Remember the clip!
BTS
The most recent renewal that caused relief among fans was that of BTS with BigHit and HYBE. The group’s stay at the agency took place in September this year and according to rumors, the seven members signed exclusive contracts for another seven years, but this was not confirmed by the company.
The group debuted on BigHit in 2013 and is currently on hiatus due to its members’ mandatory military enlistments. In fact, the renewal was a great surprise for ARMYs who are waiting for the boys’ comeback, scheduled for 2025.
To celebrate 10 years of formation, BTS released the song “Take Two” in July. The track recalls the achievements already achieved by the group alongside their fans and celebrates everything that is yet to come. Listen!
SHINee
SHINee is a different case on this list: the group debuted in 2008, through SM Entertainment, with 5 members, namely Onew, Key, Minho, Taemin It is Jonghyun. They became the first K-pop group to renew their ties with the company twice, the first time in 2014 and the second in 2018.
However, at the end of 2017, Jonghyun died. Thus, the current formation has 4 members, who have been there since the group’s first activities. The boygroup’s last comeback took place in June 2023, with the release of their eighth full album ‘HARD’. Remember the title track clip!
TWICE
In July 2022, JYP Entertainment announced that all nine members of TWICE had renewed their contracts ahead of the girl group’s seven-year anniversary. The group debuted in 2015 and the girls’ most recent comeback took place in March this year, with the release of the mini-album “READY TO BE”. Remember the title track clip:
Red Velvet
Red Velvet debuted under SM Entertainment in 2014 and had four members: Irene, Seulgi, Wendy It is Joy. Next year, Yeri has been added to the group. The current lineup still includes the 5 idols and they all renewed their exclusive ties with the company in 2021. It has already been confirmed that Seulgi renewed her contract a second time, but there is no news about the other members.
The girls’ next comeback is scheduled to take place on November 13th, when the group’s new full studio album, titled “What a Chill Kill”, will be released. Check out the ad:
Dreamcatcher
All Dreamcatcher members renewed their contracts with Dreamcatcher Company in November 2022. The group debuted in 2017 and their most recent comeback took place in October 2022, with the release of the mini-album “[Apocalypse: Follow Us]. Remember the MV for “VISION”, the album’s title track:
KARD
KARD is one of the only mixed groups in the K-pop industry. The group debuted in 2016 and all four members renewed contracts with DSP Media in July 2022. The quartet’s last comeback took place in May this year, with the release of the mini-album “ICKY”. Watch the MV for the title track:
Source: Recreio
