bodyType

customContents

entityId

printArticlePageQuery

filter

article

body

urlAlias

articleSectionsContent

articleSeoArticle

articleSourceHeaderArticle

contentSchemaRenderContent

contentSubHeadlineContent

contentHeadlineContent

mainImagePrintArticleArticle

authorBlockPrintArticleArticle

contentSponsorTagContent

articlePianoPaywallContent

scmpYoutubeContent

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

query printArticlePageQuery(
  $entityId: String!
  $customContents: [CustomContentInput]
  $bodyType: BodyFormatTypeEnum
) {
  article(filter: {entityId: $entityId}) {
    entityId
    body(customContents: $customContents, type: $bodyType) {
      json
    }
    urlAlias
    ...articleSectionsContent
    ...articleSeoArticle_3o8td4
    ...articleSourceHeaderArticle
    ...contentSchemaRenderContent
    ...contentSubHeadlineContent
    ...contentHeadlineContent
    ...mainImagePrintArticleArticle
    ...authorBlockPrintArticleArticle
    ...contentSponsorTagContent
    ...articlePianoPaywallContent
    ...scmpYoutubeContent
    ...hooksTrackPageViewArticle
    id
  }
}

fragment articlePianoPaywallContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...hooksPaywallPromiseContent
}

fragment articleSectionsContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  sections {
    value {
      ...helpersCheckIfNewsSectionInFirstIndexSection
      ...entityLink
      name
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment articleSeoArticle_3o8td4 on Article {
  ...hooksArticleSeoArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
  ...helpersGetArticleTypeArticle
  entityId
  publishedDate
  updatedDate
  summary {
    text
  }
  subHeadline {
    text
  }
  body(customContents: $customContents, type: $bodyType) {
    text
  }
  keywords
  sections {
    value {
      name
      id
    }
  }
  topics {
    name
    entityId
    id
  }
  urlAlias
  authors {
    name
    id
  }
  images {
    style(filter: {style: "768x768"}) {
      url
    }
  }
  readingTime
}

fragment articleSourceHeaderArticle on Article {
  urlAlias
  ...entityLink
}

fragment authorBlockPrintArticleArticle on Article {
  ...defaultArticleDateContent
  ...authorNamesArticle
}

fragment authorNameAuthor on Author {
  ...entityLink
  name
  entityUuid
}

fragment authorNamesArticle on Article {
  authorLocations
  authors {
    entityId
    location
    ...authorNameAuthor
    id
  }
}

fragment blockquoteQuoteContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...contentShareWidgetContent
}

fragment checkersCheckContentContainsStarlingImageContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  topics {
    entityId
    id
  }
}

fragment contentHeadlineContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  headline
  socialHeadline
  ...contentHeadlineTagContent
  ...helpersUseContentSponsorContent
}

fragment contentHeadlineTagContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...hooksContentHeadlineTagContent
}

fragment contentNewsletterWidgetContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  topics {
    relatedNewsletters {
      ...helpersMassageToNewsletterItemNewsletter
      id
    }
    id
  }
  sections {
    value {
      relatedNewsletters {
        ...helpersMassageToNewsletterItemNewsletter
        id
      }
      id
    }
  }
  ... on Article {
    relatedNewsletters {
      ...helpersMassageToNewsletterItemNewsletter
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment contentSchemaRenderContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...blockquoteQuoteContent
  ...imageContent
  ...inlineWidgetContent
  ...photoGalleryWidgetContent
  ...scmpYoutubeContent
}

fragment contentShareWidgetContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  entityId
  urlAlias
  shortUrl
  socialHeadline
  headline
}

fragment contentSponsorTagContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...helpersUseContentSponsorContent
}

fragment contentSubHeadlineContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  subHeadline {
    json
  }
  summary {
    json
  }
  ...contentSchemaRenderContent
}

fragment defaultArticleDateContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...hooksArticleDateUtilsContent
}

fragment entityLink on BaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias {
  __isBaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias: __typename
  __typename
  entityId
  entityUuid
  urlAlias
  urlRedirect {
    toUrl
    id
  }
  application {
    entityId
    id
  }
  ... on Section {
    fullSectionPath {
      entityId
      id
    }
    parentSection
  }
  ...helpersAppBarVariantBase
  ...helpersApplicationBase
  ...helpersCheckIsPlusArticle
  ...helpersStyleSectionContent
}

fragment helpersAppBarVariantBase on BaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias {
  __isBaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias: __typename
  ...helpersCheckIsLiveArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPlusPage
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesPage
  ...helpersCheckIsPostMagazineArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsStyleArticle
  ...helpersSectionContent
  ...helpersStyleSectionContent
}

fragment helpersApplicationBase on BaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias {
  __isBaseWithApplicationAndUrlAlias: __typename
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesPage
  ...helpersCheckIsPlusPage
}

fragment helpersCheckIfNewsSectionInFirstIndexSection on Section {
  name
}

fragment helpersCheckIsAmpEnabledArticle on Article {
  entityId
  types {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
  sections {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
  disableOffPlatformContent
  sponsorType
  published
  ...helpersCheckIsPlusArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
}

fragment helpersCheckIsLiveArticle on Article {
  flattenTypeIds
  liveArticle {
    status
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersCheckIsMainTopicContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  topics {
    entityId
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersCheckIsPlusArticle on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ... on Article {
    paywallTypes {
      entityUuid
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersCheckIsPlusPage on Page {
  urlAlias
}

fragment helpersCheckIsPostMagazineArticle on Article {
  sections {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle on Article {
  sections {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersCheckIsPostiesPage on Page {
  urlAlias
}

fragment helpersCheckIsStyleArticle on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  sections {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersGetArticleTypeArticle on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ... on Article {
    types {
      value {
        entityId
        id
      }
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersMassageToNewsletterItemNewsletter on Newsletter {
  entityId
  name
  alternativeName
  description {
    text
  }
  summary {
    text
  }
  homepageDescription {
    text
  }
}

fragment helpersSanitizeArticleTypeEntityIdsArticle on Article {
  types {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
}

fragment helpersSanitizeAuthorTypesArticle on Article {
  authors {
    types
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersSanitizedAuthorEntityIdsArticle on Article {
  authors {
    entityId
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersSectionContent on Section {
  fullSectionPath {
    entityId
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersStyleSectionContent on Section {
  fullSectionPath {
    entityId
    id
  }
}

fragment helpersUseContentSponsorContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  topics {
    entityId
    sponsor {
      ...sponsorTagSponsor
      name
      type
      id
    }
    id
  }
  ... on Article {
    sponsorType
  }
  ...helpersCheckIsMainTopicContent
}

fragment hooksArticleDateUtilsContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  createdDate
  publishedDate
  updatedDate
}

fragment hooksArticleSeoArticle on Article {
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsPostMagazineArticle
  ...helpersCheckIsStyleArticle
  ...hooksContentHeadlineTagContent
  ...helpersCheckIsAmpEnabledArticle
  entityId
  headline
  socialHeadline
  types {
    value {
      entityId
      id
    }
  }
  authors {
    entityId
    id
  }
  images {
    generic_og: style(filter: {style: "og_image_scmp_generic"}) {
      url
    }
    styles(filter: {styles: ["og_image_posties_article", "og_postmag", "og_image_style", "og_image_scmp_analysis", "og_image_scmp_explainer", "og_image_scmp_editorial", "og_image_scmp_fact_check", "og_image_scmp_debate", "og_image_scmp_live", "og_image_scmp_obituary", "og_image_scmp_opinion", "og_image_scmp_review", "og_image_scmp_series", "og_image_scmp_generic"]}) {
      url
      style
    }
    type
  }
  urlAlias
}

fragment hooksContentHeadlineTagContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  __typename
  ... on Article {
    types {
      value {
        name
        entityId
        description {
          text
        }
        id
      }
    }
    ...helpersCheckIsStyleArticle
  }
  flag
  sections {
    value {
      name
      id
    }
  }
  ...hooksContentHelperContent
}

fragment hooksContentHelperContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...helpersSanitizeArticleTypeEntityIdsArticle
  ...helpersSanitizeAuthorTypesArticle
  ...helpersSanitizedAuthorEntityIdsArticle
  flag
}

fragment hooksPaywallPromiseContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  entityId
  ...helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle
}

fragment hooksTrackPageViewArticle on Article {
  entityId
  publishedDate
  headline
  sections {
    value {
      name
      id
    }
  }
  urlAlias
  authors {
    name
    id
  }
  entityUuid
}

fragment imageContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  headline
  ...checkersCheckContentContainsStarlingImageContent
}

fragment inlineWidgetContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...contentNewsletterWidgetContent
}

fragment mainImagePrintArticleArticle on Article {
  images {
    title
    url
    isSlideshow
    size_652x446: style(filter: {style: "652x446"}) {
      url
    }
  }
}

fragment photoGalleryDialogContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  __typename
  ...contentShareWidgetContent
}

fragment photoGalleryWidgetContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  ...photoGalleryDialogContent
}

fragment scmpYoutubeContent on Content {
  __isContent: __typename
  entityId
  urlAlias
  publishedDate
}

fragment sponsorTagSponsor on Sponsor {
  name
  type
  images {
    url
  }
}


sections

types

disableOffPlatformContent

sponsorType

published

headline

socialHeadline

authors

images

publishedDate

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

keywords

topics

readingTime

authorLocations

entityUuid

Ji Won Chung

Every year, the K-pop world sees countless new debuts and more fans, but some unfortunate disbandments too. Most idols have a seven-year contract with their company, which has led to what fans call the “seven year curse” – where bands tend to disband or see certain members leaving the group after seven years.
So, who are the K-pop idols whose contracts are ending in 2022? Which groups are likely staying together, and which groups might disband?
1. Twice

The beloved nine-member group, formed through the survival show Sixteen, debuted under JYP Entertainment in October 2015 – and is still going strong with regular promotions and musical releases.
Just last year, the group released its first-ever English single, The Feels, which marked their expansion into the Western market. The song was so well-loved that it grabbed a spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, debuting at number 83 – a first for the girls. The group has clearly gained worldwide popularity and their journey into the mainstream Western market has only just begun, leading fans to believe that contract renewals will be likely.

But while the group’s achievements are going strong, many are concerned about Mina and Jeongyeon. These two members have struggled with their mental health over the years and have taken multiple hiatuses. Jeongyeon in particular has been on a break since August 2021 because of her panic and anxiety disorders. As such, fans are worried that they might not choose to renew their contracts.
Who’s the richest member of Girls on Top, K-pop’s new supergroup?
2. Day6

Another group under JYP Entertainment, Day6 debuted in September 2015 and has since released several hit songs. Two of the four current members, Sungjin and Young K, are currently serving in the military, while the youngest member, Dowoon, is set to enlist on January 17. Wonpil, the remaining member, has yet to announce his enlistment, but since he turns 28 in April – the maximum age South Korean laws requires men to enlist by – fans believe he’ll likely join Dowoon in the military this year.

The group’s last project together was in April 2021, and although the members have been active as soloists and as part of a subunit, their fate as a full group still remains uncertain. Additionally, now-ex-member Jae’s sudden departure on December 31, 2021 left fans with more concerns and questions. According to Yonhap News, despite the singer’s announcement on Twitter that he will be taking a hiatus, JYP Entertainment revealed that Jae had actually ended his contract with the agency and will be leaving the band.
3. iKon

iKon debuted under YG Entertainment in September 2015, after their group was formed in the survival show Mix & Match. Though the group released a new digital single in March 2021 and took part in the competition show Kingdom: Legendary War in April that same year, they have been relatively quiet since.

With member Bobby and his non-celebrity fiancé’s sudden engagement announcement, and the birth of their child late last year, iKon’s future plans as a group have remained in the dark, with contract renewals still uncertain.
Who is Song Ji-a, the YouTuber heating up dating show Single’s Inferno?
4. April

Composed of six members, DSP Media’s girl group debuted in August 2015, with their last release being in July 2020 – a year and a half ago. Last year saw April get wrapped up in multiple controversies, leading to a lack of activities, although member Naeun remained a host of music show Inkigayo until February 2021.

The entire group came under fire in February 2021 when former member Lee Hyunjoo claimed that she left the group because she was bullied by the other members. Though both DSP Media and the girls themselves denied these claims, the group still faced severe backlash and members were even removed from endorsement deals and acting projects.
According to Soompi, Naeun had also previously been accused of being a bully in school, though the anonymous accuser has recently released a statement withdrawing those claims and apologising.
With all this going on, it’s hard to tell whether the girls will continue as a group as their contract renewals are all up in the air.
5. Monsta X

Another group formed through a survival show, Starship Entertainment’s Monsta X debuted in May 2015 and have seen widespread success both domestically and internationally. Though leader Shownu is currently completing his mandatory military enlistment, the remaining five members are still going strong with promotions, having released their second English album, “The Dreaming”, in December 2021.
Though no official announcements have been made yet, things are looking good for the group’s future, with contract renewals appearing to be likely.
Did these 6 K-pop stars really get special treatment from their agencies?
6. CLC

Having debuted in March 2015, Cube Entertainment’s CLC has had a rather bumpy career, involving group member changes and unexpected hiatuses. Its last full-group release was in September 2020 and since then two of the seven members, Elkie and Sorn, have left the group. Other members were active in 2021, with Seunghee, Yeeun and Seungyeon releasing a song in March and Yujin taking part in survival show Girls Planet 999, but the group as a whole has remained under the radar.

Though Yujin’s participation in Girls Planet 999 in particular was highly anticipated as it would bring more recognition to the group, especially after her successful debut with the girl group Kep1er this January, fans are still left with concerns. During an interview on the show, Yujin mentioned that Cube Entertainment had said: “CLC will no longer be having group activities”, prompting fan outrage. Though the company made no official statement, after the line-up changes and lack of group activities, the fate of CLC is still unknown as their contracts are supposed to expire this year.
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End of the line: 6 K-pop group contracts ending in 2022, from Twice and Monsta X to CLC and Day6 – who will disband and who will continue into a new era?

Twice’s future together is looking strong but iKon seems to be on rocky roads. Photos: JYP Entertainment, YG Entertainment

Twice recently expanded to the mainstream Western market. Photo: JYP Entertainment

Fans have been concerned about Mina and Jeongyeon in particular. Photo: @twicetagram/Instagram

Day6, including now former member Jae (centre). Photo: @day6kilogram/Instagram

Jae left Day6 in December 2021. Photo: @eajpark/Instagram

iKon’s last comeback was in March 2021. Photo: YG Entertainment

iKon’s Bobby announced his marriage late last year. Photo: @jzzzindaeyo/Twitter

April got swept up in bullying scandals in 2021. Photo: @official.april/Instagram

Member Naeun was dropped from the drama Taxi Driver after bullying accusations in 2020. Photo: @official.april/Instagram

Monsta X debuted in May 2015. Photo: Starship Entertainment

CLC, including now-ex-members Elkie and Sorn. Photo: Cube Entertainment

Yujin debuted as part of project group Kep1er in January. Photo: @official.kep1er/Instagram

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These groups’ contracts are up this year, but after The Feels made it onto the Billboard Hot 100, Twice’s future is looking good – although fans worry about Mina and Jeongyeon
YG Entertainment’s iKon and JYP Entertainment’s Day6 have been quiet since early 2021, prompting many to wonder whether they’ll continue together or go separate ways


Some of our favourite K-pop groups’ contracts are expiring this year … so will CLC, Twice, Day6 and more groups disband, or continue working together?
