Multiple 4th generation K-pop groups are facing a trend where members leave the group or cease activities within just 1 or 2 years, or even mere months after their debut. Some even exit before their official debut.
While not entirely new, this sudden trend has emerged in multiple instances over the past few years. Previously, from the 1st to the 3rd generation of K-pop, most groups only encountered member departures due to unforeseen circumstances.
Typically, debut lineups would remain unchanged for around 7 years (until contract renewals). However, the phenomenon of abrupt departures shortly after or a few years into debut, often accompanied by controversies forcing exits, is becoming more prevalent.
Moreover, contestants who won on survival shows and secured debut spots sometimes surprisingly gave up their positions. This was a rarity in the past.
For instance:
LE SSERAFLIM (6->5): Kim Garam left the group just 2 months after debut due to bullying accusations.STRAY KIDS (9->8): Kim Woojin departed over a year post-debut due to sexual harassment allegations.(G)I-DLE (6->5): Soojin exited nearly 3 years after debut due to bullying allegations.RIIZE (7->6): Seunghan went on hiatus almost 3 months post-debut due to controversies over private life. Treasure (12->10): After 2 years, Bang Yedam left to focus on music production. Mashiho exited due to health issues.NMIXX (7->6): Jinni left the group after 1 year of debut due to personal issues and different directions.NCT WISH (7->6): Lim Jungmin won on “NCT: Lastart” but chose to withdraw from the debut lineup due to health issues.I’LL-IT (6->5): Lee Youngseo won 2nd place on “R U Next?” but decided to withdraw from the debut lineup for personal reasons.LOONA (12->11): After 4 years of debut, Chuu sued the company for mistreatment and left the group. A year later, the remaining members successively sued the company and won. They terminated the contract with BBC but remained LOONA members.AB6IX (5->4): Lim Youngmin left the group after a year of debut due to a drunk driving scandal.FANTASY BOYS (12->11->10): Yu Jungwon won 1st place on the survival show of the same name but shortly after chose to withdraw from the debut lineup due to not receiving proper treatment as a 1st place winner. Less than a year after debut, K-Soul suspended activities indefinitely due to family financial difficulties.WEEEKLY (7->6): Shin Jiyoon left the group after 2 years of debut due to health issues.TRAINEE A (7->6): This project had planned and finalized the lineup and trainees for debut, but Leo decided to withdraw from the debut lineup due to pressure and anxiety.ONEUS (6->5): Ravn left the group after 3 years of debut due to a dating controversy.CHERRY BULLET (10->7): Less than a year after debut, 3 members Mirae, Kokoro, and Linlin unexpectedly terminated their contracts and left the group, the company did not specify the reason.WOO! AH! (6->5): Park Songyee unexpectedly left the group after 3 months of debut due to personal issues.H1-KEY (4->3): Sitala left the group after 4 months of debut due to political controversy – her father supported the dictatorship regime in Thailand.TEMPEST (7->6): Most recently, Hwarang’s activities were suspended by the company for “failing to gain trust” due to being spotted at a club while injured.
The company also removed Hwarang’s images from the group’s comeback posters. This indicates a high likelihood that Hwarang may be leaving TEMPEST after 2 years.
