Introduction
As the year 2021 comes to a close, many K-pop fans are eagerly watching for any announcements regarding the disbandment of some of their favorite groups. This article explores the possible disbandments of a few K-pop groups whose contracts will expire in 2022. We will also examine some general trends in the K-pop industry that might influence these potential disbandments.
Groups Expected to Disband in 2022
Oh My Girl and Monsta X are two K-pop groups whose contracts will reportedly expire by the end of 2022, raising questions about their future. Their extensions are as of yet unknown, but contract expirations often signal the end of a group's time together.
Oh My Girl is a short-lived idol group that was part of WM Entertainment's contract with the Korean media company, MBN. Their contract will expire on April 2022. Meanwhile, Monsta X will likely disband by May 2022 according to reports, as their contract is with Starship Entertainment.
TK Pink's Blackpink: Should They Disband?
Blackpink is perhaps one group where the question of disbandment is more philosophical than contractual. YG Entertainment, their management company, has not recently given them new comebacks. If YG is not providing Blackpink with as much attention as before, does that mean they are no longer a K-pop group in the traditional sense? Perhaps it's time for the members to pursue their own individual goals.
One popular opinion is that Blackpink should split up and do their own things. In essence, they have already practically disintegrated, with members like Jisoo, Jisoo often pursuing independent ventures. Whether or not they officially dissolve, the trend shows that the members of the group are becoming more individualized and less reliant on the group for their creativity and success.
Stray Kids and Their Evolution
Stray Kids, known for their raw and spontaneous music, is also up for speculation when it comes to contract expiration in 2022. It's predicted that their style will become smoother and more sophisticated. This trend supports the idea of groups evolving over time, which can lead to disbandment if members feel that the new direction is beyond their comfort zone or does not align with their creative ambitions.
Artist Collaboration and Songwriting Demographics
The fourth generation of K-pop groups, like Itzy and TWICE, is making waves with a mix of member-driven songs and fan appeal. In case of Itzy, members are starting to write their own songs, while TWICE might see more contributions from specific members like Tzuyu and Mina. JYP Entertainment, TWICE's management company, is looking at the creative potential of each member to develop a unique style for the group. This trend suggests that groups will evolve by embracing the diversity of ideas from their members.
Another trend is the possibility of K-pop artists collaborating and featuring each other in songs or mini-albums. This could either be within the same company or between different companies, reflecting the increasing interconnectivity within the K-pop industry.
Conclusion
The prediction of disbandment for certain K-pop groups in 2022 is highly speculative, but it reflects a deeper trend of evolving trends, individual growth, and changing dynamics within the K-pop industry. Whether or not these groups disband, the industry is certainly evolving, with members becoming more independent and creativity playing a larger role in the group's future.