As contract renewal season continues for some of K-pop’s biggest names, a clear trend has emerged: boy groups are largely choosing to stay together under their current agencies, while girl groups are increasingly pursuing independent careers outside their original labels.
Recent announcements involving NCT 127, SEVENTEEN, TWICE, and BLACKPINK highlight the contrasting approaches, sparking discussion across the industry about the future of long-running idol groups.
NCT 127 Renews With SM Entertainment
On July 15, SM Entertainment announced that Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, and Haechan had all renewed their exclusive contracts with the company. The agency thanked fans for their continued support and pledged to remain a reliable partner by fully supporting NCT 127’s future activities.
Debuting in July 2016, NCT 127 celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The group recently reorganized as a seven-member team after Mark departed both the agency and the group following the expiration of his contract in April.
SEVENTEEN Completes a Second Group Renewal
Shortly before NCT 127’s announcement, Pledis Entertainment revealed that all 13 members of SEVENTEEN had agreed to renew their contracts for a second time.
SEVENTEEN first signed an early renewal in 2021, and the latest agreement demonstrates the members’ commitment to continuing together despite military enlistments. According to the agency, members currently serving in the military will finalize their contracts according to their service schedules.
The group also shared a heartfelt message with fans. “We believed that together, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish. That’s why all 13 of us chose to continue as one.”
TWICE Faces Another Important Renewal Decision
The situation looks quite different for TWICE, whose members are currently entering their second contract renewal period.
According to a report released on July 14, member Tzuyu is reportedly considering signing with a new agency instead of renewing with JYP Entertainment. JYP responded by stating that discussions are still ongoing.
Last month, Jeongyeon was also reported to have met with VARO Entertainment, the agency representing her older sister, actress Gong Seung Yeon. While the agency confirmed the meeting took place, it emphasized that no decisions have been finalized.
TWICE previously renewed as all nine members in 2022, leaving fans wondering whether the group will once again remain together under one company.
BLACKPINK Set the Blueprint
BLACKPINK became one of the highest-profile examples of a hybrid contract model. The members renewed with YG Entertainment only for group activities, while pursuing solo careers under separate management. Jisoo, Jennie, and Lisa established their own agencies. Rosé joined THEBLACKLABEL, working alongside longtime producer Teddy.
Despite splitting their individual management, BLACKPINK’s group activities have remained highly successful. Their DEADLINE World Tour, held from last May through January this year, filled major venues worldwide, including:
- Goyang Stadium (South Korea)
- SoFi Stadium (United States)
- Stade de France (France)
- Tokyo Dome (Japan)
- Wembley Stadium (United Kingdom)
The tour also made BLACKPINK the first K-pop girl group to headline Wembley Stadium.
Why the Different Trends?
Although every group’s situation is unique, recent contract renewals reflect two increasingly common approaches.
For many established boy groups, remaining with the same agency often provides continuity during military service and allows members to maintain long-term group activities under a familiar management system.
Meanwhile, veteran girl groups are increasingly exploring arrangements that separate group promotions from individual careers, allowing members greater flexibility to pursue acting, solo music, fashion, and business ventures while preserving their teams.
Rather than signaling disbandment, these hybrid models have become a practical way for successful groups to balance collective activities with expanding personal careers.
With NCT 127 and SEVENTEEN reaffirming their commitment to their agencies, and TWICE’s future still under discussion, the latest renewal season reflects the evolving priorities of veteran K-pop idols.
Whether through full-group renewals or flexible agency arrangements like BLACKPINK’s, the industry’s biggest acts are increasingly searching for ways to preserve group identities while supporting individual ambitions.
Sources: Daum | TV리포트
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