Why K-pop girl groups don't last

Their shelflife is curtailed by the 'seven-year curse' as competition from younger groups exacts a toll

Sohee (far left) and Sunye (second from left) parted ways after seven years with Wonder Girls, which had the mega-hit Nobody. The group has since disbanded. Sohee, now a singer-actress, had a role in zombie flick Train To Busan (2016). Sunye, who is
Sohee (far left) and Sunye (second from left) parted ways after seven years with Wonder Girls, which had the mega-hit Nobody. The group has since disbanded. Sohee, now a singer-actress, had a role in zombie flick Train To Busan (2016). Sunye, who is married with children, is planning a comeback to showbusiness.ST FILE PHOTO
Sohee (far left) and Sunye (second from left) parted ways after seven years with Wonder Girls, which had the mega-hit Nobody. The group has since disbanded. Sohee, now a singer-actress, had a role in zombie flick Train To Busan (2016). Sunye, who is
Jessica also left Girls’ Generation in the seventh year. She is now focusing on a solo career in acting and singing.PHOTOS: TNP FILE, LIANHE ZAOBAO
Sojin, leader of nine-year-old quartet Girl's Day, shocked fans when she gave notice to leave the Dream T Entertainment label. Her contract expires next month.
Sojin, leader of nine-year-old quartet Girl's Day, shocked fans when she gave notice to leave the Dream T Entertainment label. Her contract expires next month. PHOTOS: TNP FILE, LIANHE ZAOBAO
  • Published
    Jan 28, 2019, 5:00 am SGT
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SEOUL • Earlier this month, Sojin of South Korean girl group Girl's Day gave notice to leave the Dream T Entertainment label. Her contract expires next month.

Fans reacted in shock, with many questioning whether this was the beginning of the end of the nine-year-old quartet, which had survived the notorious "seven-year curse" that dogs idol acts in Korea.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 28, 2019, with the headline 'Why K-pop girl groups don't last'. Subscribe
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