K-netizens have expressed anxiety over K-pop groups whose contracts expire in 2023 as 2022 draws to a close. The contracts of a number of well-known bands, like BLACKPINK and ASTRO, who made their debuts in 2016, are also expected to be renewed or cancelled the following year.
Fans are concerned about the likelihood of their K-pop groups breaking up. While some K-pop fans have shown tremendous confidence in artists and are waiting for a contract renewal, other fandoms want their idols to pursue solo careers and have expressed satisfaction that bands may break up.
This comes after numerous fans expressed dissatisfaction with how agencies or entertainment organisations treated their performers as a result of different problems that occurred throughout the period of their contract.
The K-pop groups whose contracts are up for renewal in 2023 are listed in this article. The contracts of 7 K-pop groups, including BLACKPINK, NCT, and others, expire in 2023.
Astro
The six-piece band ASTRO made their formal debut in 2016 through Fantagio and is currently considering whether to continue working with the label or call it quits. Although the agency has not yet formally started the process for the K-pop group’s contract renewal, fans are anticipating Cha Eun-potential woo’s departure.
The singer-turned-actor has gotten high praise for his performances in well-known K-dramas including True Beauty and My ID is Gangnam Beauty. With no other commitments, he is reportedly putting his best foot forward in his budding acting career.
Blackpink
Under YG Entertainment, the famed girl group BLACKPINK made its debut in 2016. The four-person K-pop quartet has been astounding fans for years and has recently attained astounding heights. After almost two years, they finally released the album Born Pink, which immediately increased their popularity.
However, BLACKPINK must also formally decide whether to extend its contract in 2023. Some BLINKs reportedly claim that the group has already “secretly” renewed its contracts, but there is yet no official confirmation of this.
Momoland
The six-person group, which was created through the reality series Finding Momoland, made its official debut in 2016 under the banner of MLD Entertainment. Initially a septet, the group expanded to nine members in 2017 with the addition of Daisy and Taeha.
The departures of Yeonwoo, Taeha, and Daisy in 2019 and 2020, respectively, caused the Bboom Bboom crooners to suffer some setbacks. It is difficult to foresee if the group would renew its contract, which is slated to expire in November 2023, in light of these upheavals.