The news that K-pop boy band GOT7 member Yugyeom is planning to leave JYP Entertainment and join Jay Park’s AOMG label has made fans worry: Will the group disband or go beyond the so-called “7-year jinx”?
For K-pop idols like GOT7, the 7-year jinx refers to the expiration of contracts after seven years, the maximum length of a contract allowed under the law. When their contracts expire, K-pop idols decide whether to continue being in their group or disband. .
GOT7 debuted in January 2014 and the contracts of all the members will expire this month. JYP Entertainment is talking with the members regarding their contracts.
It is not only Yugyeom who was reported to be leaving JYP Entertainment. Last December, Jinyoung was reported to have met with BH Entertainment, the actors’ agency founded by Korean star Lee Byung-hun.
Korean media reported that if GOT7 members decide to sign up with different agencies, it will be difficult for the group to continue. But members of other K-pop bands left their agencies but continue to be in their groups.
When the contracts of K-pop boy band 2PM were up for renewal in 2018, five of the six members--Nichkhun, Wooyoung, Jun.K, Junho and Chansung--renewed their contracts with JYP Entertainment.
Taecyeon left JYP Entertainment and signed up with 51K Company for his acting career but he is still with 2PM.
Coincidentally, AOMG founder Jay Park debuted in 2PM in 2008. He left South Korea in 2009 due to a Myspace post controversy and was out of the group in 2010.
In an interview with Korean media outlet Asian Economy in May 2019 for their album “Spinning Top: Between Security & Insecurity,” GOT7 members discussed the 7-year jinx and contract renewal.
According to JB, GOT7 had the same opinion to continue the group with seven members. Jinyoung said the 7-year jinx has changed and that many groups older than GOT7 have continued beyond seven years.
JB expressed his desire to continue GOT7 and pointed out that it will be difficult to promote individually.
Last Dec. 31, K-pop girl group Gugudan disbanded after four years since debuting in 2016.