[T/W: Mentions of bullying, school violence, sexual misconduct, suicide]
In K-pop, groups experience unfortunate events that are too many to count. This led a notion across the community to develop the idea of “curses,” which involves a member leaving, disbandment, and other negative occurrences.
For sure you’ve heard some famous ones such as the “7 year curse” which generally relates to disbandment, or the “OT12” curse that affects the group’s member count.
In today’s K-pop, a new notion called “OT6 curse” is slowly becoming notorious, due to six-membered groups being met with unlucky occurrences.
Here are 10 K-pop groups who have experienced the ‘OT6 Curse’
1. GFRIEND
(Photo : Twitter: @GFRDofficial)
In 2021, GFRIEND’s disbandment was one of the most shocking news K-pop fans received. The six-membered group consisting of Sowon, Yuju, Yerin, SinB, Eunha, and Umji, stunned fans with their sudden departure as group.
After their contracts expired, the group was let go. Fans still think of their situation that day, since it was odd for them to see their disbandment, despite being active in their music, vlogs, and their last single “MAGO” being an instant hit.
2. (G)I-DLE
(Photo : (G)I-DLE Facebook)
On August 2021, (G)I-DLE experienced an unfortunate event since Soojin left the group, due to being embroiled in school bullying rumors.
3. LE SSERAFIM
(Photo : Twitter: @le_sserafim)
LE SSERAFIM was initially six members. However, member Kim Garam’s school violence allegations took over the internet. Although there was a tug-of-war action whether Garam will stay in the group or not, the backlash was still too high, leading her to leave LE SSERAFIM.
4. APRIL
(Photo : Facebook: APRIL)
APRIL disbanded after being dipped in hot water regarding bullying accusations directed towards member Lee Hyun Joo. During the issue, the case was so bad it dug a 2016 post from Hyunjoo, which involved attempted suicide.
5. ONEUS
(Photo : ONEUS Facebook)
ONEUS officially became five members due to RAVN leaving the group. After a series of accusation involving sexual misconduct and breaking COVID-19 health regulations, the former idol decided to leave the K-pop industry.
6. PIXY
(Photo : @pixy_official)
PIXY was originally a six-membered group, but that changed forever when members Ella and Satbyeol departed from their activities.
7. Hi-L
(Photo : Kpop Wiki)
Hi-L didn’t experience an unfortunate event like the others, but is also worth mentioning. Originally six members, the girl group is currently promoting as five since member Soojung left. The reason being is that she will now focus on her modeling career.
8. BlingBling
(Photo : BlingBling Instagram)
Bling Bling disbanded in July, 2022 after two years of working together. They debuted under agency MAJOR9, who announced their disbandment and contract termination.
9. AQUA
(Photo : Kpop Wiki)
AQUA’s disbanded without a trace or announcement. They debuted under KRAZY Entertainment, which was founded in 2018 and closed off in 2019.
10. MOMOLAND
(Photo : Facebook: MOMOLAND)
MOMOLAND is the latest group to experience this “curse.” The legendary “Bboom Bboom” singers disbanded after their contract expired. Originally 9 members, it was followed by the departure of Yeonwoo, Taeha, and Daisy. This led them to officially promote as a six-membered group.
Do you know any other six-membered groups who have experienced the “OT6 Curse”?
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