10 Kpop groups with who left their companies still maintain a tight bond: GOT7, SNSD, and 2NE1 together forever
Despite having departed for separate companies, these Kpop idols show their bonds and prove that their groups are forever.
Amid the harsh Kpop industry, it’s not uncommon to see Kpop idols leaving their groups or Kpop groups not renewing their contracts. Still, many of these continue to promote with their old group mates, making their fans cheer with joy.
1. GOT7
When it comes to having a close bond, GOT7 is undoubtedly a prime example. The members of GOT7 never fail to warm fans’ hearts with their dedication, and despite all 7 leaving JYP Entertainment, they still made a comeback as a full group in May 2022.
In addition, to be able to continue using the brand of “GOT7” and other related songs and items under their names, members of the group, especially the leader Jay B had to research and learn the law to discuss and maintain their rights.
2. 2AM
Boy group 2AM, which was under JYP Entertainment, includes members Jinwoon, Jokwon, Seulong, and Changmin, was set to follow the ballad genre.
The group debuted in 2008, and by 2015, 3 members including Seulong, Jinwoon, and Changmin all departed from the company. Two years later, the final member Jo Kwon also decided to end his contract with JYP.
During this period of time, 2AM seemed to have halted all activities, but members constantly reassured their fans, promising that they will be back under the name 2AM
Finally in 2021, the group fulfilled their promise with the mini album Ballad 21 F/W. They recently held 2 nights of concerts in Korea, on the 11th and 12th of June.
3. Shinhwa
Known as one of the first-generation groups of SM Entertainment, Shinhwa boasted astounding successes in their initial years. They debuted in 1998, but decided to all leave SM to join Good Entertainment in 2004.
By 2007, all members of Shinhwa had formed their own agencies, and started to prioritize their solo careers. Later in 2011, they gathered to establish Shinhwa Company, naming the group leader Eric as the CEO.
In 2018, Shinhwa held their 20th anniversary with various events held throughout the year, flaunting their unbreakable bond that moved a lot of fans
4. HIGHLIGHT
Before they became HIGHLIGHT, this boy group debuted under CUBE Entertainment with the name BEAST in 2009. In 2016, all members (excluding former member Hyunseung) left the agency to form their own.
However, unlike GOT7, BEAST did not get to keep their name nor song. Therefore, they had to rebrand as HIGHLIGHT, and basically had to operate as a completely new group.
HIGHLIGHT continued to release new music products and boasted outstanding teamwork in the past few years. They also recently dropped their 1st full album “Daydream” on March 22nd.
5. Narsha (Brown Eyed Girls)
Brown Eyed Girls debuted in 2016, under Nega Network, with a lineup of 4 members. By 2015, all of this lineup had terminated their contracts and joined Mystic Entertainment.
Brown Eyed Girls debuted in 2016, under Nega Network, with a lineup of 4 members
However, in 2018, one of the most popular members, Narsha, left Mystic to pursue her solo career. She maintained that she’s still a part of Brown Eyed Girls and will continue to promote in all group activities.
Since then, Brown Eyed Girls’ latest comeback was their album “RE_vive”, released back in 2019
6. Wheein (MAMAMOO)
MAMAMOO debuted in 2014, and is regarded as one of the most talented Kpop groups. Recently, while Hwasa, Solar, and Moonbyul stayed in RBW, Wheein did not renew her contract with the company. The female idol, however, assured fans that she’d continue to be a part of the group.
7. Tiffany, Seohyun, Sooyoung (SNSD)
Since their debut in 2007, SNSD has always been considered a “legend” among Kpop girl groups.
After Jessica left the group in 2014, SNSD continued to be active as an 8-member group. In 2017, Seohyun, Tiffany và Sooyoung all left SM Entertainment, but fans remain confident over the tight bond of SNSD, as the girls constantly interact and hangout with one another.
The group recently announced a comeback in August with the 8-member lineup, in order to celebrate their 15-year anniversary.
8. Taecyeon (2PM)
Debuted in 2008, the JYP boy group 2PM has always been famous for their close relationship. In 2018, 7 members, excluding Taecyeon, decided to extend their contracts with JYP Entertainment.
However, Taecyeon affirmed that he will always be a 2PM member, and will continue to promote in 2PM activities. The group made a comeback in 2021 with their full lineup, and celebrated their 5000th day as a group during this promotion.
9. TOP (BIGBANG)
Debuted with a 5 member lineup in 2006, BIGBANG was left with 4 members by 2019, as Seungri decided to retire from the entertainment industry following his serious scandal.
In 2022, after the release of BIGBANG’s latest single “Still Life”, TOP announced that he had departed from YG Entertainment. However, the male idol also confirmed that he will continue to be a part of BIGBANG.
10. 2NE1
2NE1 debuted in 2009, under the management of YG Entertainment. In 2016, Minzy announced that she left both the group and the company, which was then followed by YG revealing that 2NE1 was disbanding. Now, there’s no member of 2NE1 left in their initial agency.
However, despite their “disbandment”, 2NE1 members still boasted an extremely tight bond. In fact, they recently delivered a heated performance as a group at the 2022 Coachella, shocking fans and the public alike. This is also the group’s first activity together after their 2015 stage at MAMA
Source: K14
