Apink Member Who Saved The Group From The ‘7-Year Curse’

Within the K-pop universe, one of the biggest fears of fans are the famous disbandments that can often come about through the “7-year curse”. However, contrary to what many may think, this misfortune does not happen due to some supernatural cause, but rather due to a bureaucratic issue.

This is because in South Korea, all entertainment contracts can only last up to a maximum of seven years. Therefore, when the deadline approaches, discussions begin between companies and artists to negotiate a possible renewal.

Throughout history, a number of groups have managed to overcome the infamous curse and remain together for more than seven years, such as groups such as TVXQ!, Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, EXO, BTS, BLACKPINK, TWICE, Red Velvet, MAMAMOO, SEVENTEEN, 2PM and many more.

However, the story does not always have a happy ending. In many cases, whether by choice of the agency or the members, the separation ends up being inevitable, causing the “7-year curse” to affect that group — something that happened to renowned groups such as miss A, SISTAR and 4MINUTE, for example.

In 2018, when Apink, a girl group formed by IST Entertainment in 2011, celebrated their seventh debut anniversary, the group was almost hit by the curse and faced the same fate, but ended up being saved thanks to one member: Chorongthe leader of the group.

How Chorong saved Apink

The information was revealed by the members themselves during their participation in the program “TMI News”, on the South Korean broadcaster Mnet, in 2019. At the time, the idols revealed that, at the time they needed to discuss the renewal, Chorong I just told everyone to trust her and renew their contracts.

“Even after we renewed our contracts, I was worried, I couldn’t help it. I told them to trust me, but if it didn’t work out… I wouldn’t be able to look them in the eye,” the leader said. “But they love being part of Apink and they love performing on stage, and I’m grateful for what they do. Even though we had a tough time, everything worked out in the end… so I’m grateful for that.”

During the interview, Namjoo still emphasizes believing that, if it weren’t for Chorongthe group would not have worked.

“There’s something I’ve always said since our debut: We would have failed if Chorong wasn’t our leader. I know it’s not easy being a leader, and to be honest, we weren’t easy to control. We all have different and unique personalities, I mean, we’re all cool, but we have our differences. I know it wasn’t easy for her to bring us together. I always tell other people that Apink would have failed without Chorong. She’s just very understanding and caring, that’s the kind of person she is, and I’m so grateful to have her in my life,” the member concluded.

Watch the moment!

After their contract renewal, Apink managed to maintain their full lineup until 2022, when Son Naeun announced that he would be leaving the group, after 11 years alongside Park Chorong, Yoon Bomi, Jung Eunji, Kim Namjoo and Oh Hayoungafter deciding not to renew the agreement for the second time with IST.

In a handwritten letter shared with the Pandas [fãs do grupo]through Instagram, Naeun he said:

“As Apink is a place like a family, with whom I have lived for a long time, I made this difficult decision after much debate, and although it was not an easy decision, I intend to become a Panda. [fã do Apink] and cheer for Apink from now on.

[…]

I will engrave the name ‘Apink’s Son Naeun’ in my heart, and I think that showing you better things in the future so that I don’t bring shame to that name is a way of repaying you.

Please give Apink lots of love, and I will also be sincerely rooting for them.”

After his departure, Apink continued as a quintet, and has remained together for 13 years. In 2024, the group released the single ‘Wait Me There’, in celebration of their thirteenth debut anniversary. Check it out!