10 K-pop Groups Who Split Up and Did Worse

In the glittering world of K-pop, success often feels boundless, but even the brightest stars can face dimming lights. In this article, we delve into the stories of K-pop groups whose breakups broke hearts and led to struggles in their post-group ventures. From personal disputes to shifting industry dynamics, here are the tales of groups that thrived together but stumbled apart.

1. 2NE1

2NE1 was a trailblazer in K-pop, dominating the charts with hits like I Am the Best and Come Back Home. Formed in 2009 under YG Entertainment, the group became the first idol group to win the Song of the Year award at the Mnet Asian Music Awards with “I Don’t Care” in their debut year. However, their journey came to an abrupt end in 2016, after years of speculation about internal issues and the departure of Minzy.

Members pursued solo careers post-disbandment, but the magic of 2NE1 was hard to replicate. While CL and Sandara Park found some success in music and entertainment, they struggled to match the global impact of their group days. Fans mourned the loss of one of K-pop’s most innovative acts, and many still yearn for a full reunion.

After their disbandment in 2016, the group did not come together again. The good news, which fans had been waiting for, arrived recently, and in September 2024, 2NE1 announced their “Welcome Back” World Tour.

2. Miss A

Miss A made a striking debut in 2010 under JYP Entertainment, quickly gaining fame with their hit song “Bad Girl, Good Girl.” However, after a few years, the group’s popularity began to decline.

In 2016, the group began to disband. First, Jia left the group due to the end of her contract. In 2017, Min decided to leave, and the group disbanded.

While Suzy transitioned into acting and modeling with significant success, the other members struggled to maintain public attention. Jia signed with Banana Culture Music, based in China, and focused on her solo career there. The other members struggled to maintain public attention. Min and Fei pursued solo projects with limited recognition.

3. SISTAR

As the queens of summer hits, SISTAR ruled the K-pop scene with infectious tunes like Touch My Body and Loving U. Their disbandment in 2017 shocked fans, especially since they were at the height of their popularity. Starship Entertainment cited the members’ desire to pursue individual careers, but the split marked the end of an era.

One of the group members, Bora, continued her career as an actress and appeared in many dramas, including “Dr. Romantic.” Hyolyn, on the other hand, continued her music career, launched several solo projects, and eventually founded Bridge Entertainment, where she became the CEO. The group’s breakup left a void in K-pop’s summer anthem tradition, and their solo careers, though commendable, never reached the same heights.

4. TVXQ (DBSK)

TVXQ, often referred to as the “Kings of K-pop,” was formed under SM Entertainment in 2003. The group members, U-Know Yunho, Max Changmin, Hero Jaejoong, Xiah Junsu, and Micky Yoochun, managed to make their names known across all of Asia in a short period of time. However, in 2009, the group faced a devastating split when three members—Jaejoong, Yoochun, and Junsu—left due to legal disputes with SM Entertainment.

The split led to the formation of JYJ, while the remaining members continued as a duo under the TVXQ name. Both factions achieved moderate success, but the unity and global dominance of the original lineup were never replicated. The breakup remains one of the most significant events in K-pop history, highlighting the challenges of maintaining harmony in a high-pressure industry.

5. Wonder Girls

Wonder Girls was formed under JYP Entertainment in 2007. It was one of the flagship groups of the entertainment company and enjoyed immense success with tracks like Nobody and Tell Me. The group released four albums and five EPs between 2008 and 2015, becoming one of the most successful K-pop girl groups of their time.

The reason behind the disbandment of many groups in the K-pop genre also led to the breakup of Wonder Girls. In 2017, disagreements with JYP Entertainment over contract renewals resulted in the group parting ways in the same year.

Members ventured into acting and solo music but faced challenges in capturing the same level of acclaim. The loss of Wonder Girls marked the end of a golden era for second-generation K-pop fans.

6. KARA

KARA, a girl group under DSP Media, achieved immense popularity in South Korea and Japan during their peak years. Tracks like Mister and Step brought them international fame.

2012 was a year of touring for KARA, as they embarked on their first Asian tour and a sold-out Japanese tour that attracted over 150,000 fans. In 2013, KARA made history by becoming the first female Korean group to perform at the Tokyo Dome, with tickets selling out instantly. Tracks like Mister and Step brought them international fame. However, contractual disputes in 2014 led to a lineup change, and the group officially disbanded in 2016.

While some members pursued acting or solo music, their projects lacked the widespread appeal of KARA’s group activities. Unfortunately, in 2019, bad news was delivered to KARA fans. One of the group members, Hara, was found dead at her home. The shocking incident came less than two months after the death of her friend and fellow K-pop star Sulli.

7. T-ARA

T-ARA was a force to be reckoned with during their prime, producing hits like Roly-Poly and Lovey-Dovey. However, a bullying scandal in 2012 damaged their reputation beyond repair. The alleged events had completely damaged the group’s reputation, and they quickly lost their success in South Korea.

The members, realizing they no longer had a chance in the country, tried to continue their careers in Japan and China; however, they were unable to regain their fame in South Korea. T-ARA’s story is a reminder of how quickly public perception can change in the K-pop world.

8. 4Minute

4Minute, known for its edgy concepts and tracks like Hot Issue and Crazy, debuted under Cube Entertainment in 2009. Despite their success, the group joined the list of K-pop groups that disbanded due to contract renewals and conflicts that occurred. In 2016, 4Minute dispanded.

After 4Minute disbanded, Son Ji Hyun went back to her acting career, Heo Gaa Yoon left her singing career behind, and Jiyoo released several single albums and a mini-album. Hyuuna was the only member who renewed her contract. She released two singles under Cube Entertainment. After that, she started to work with Psy‘s agency, P NATION, and released a single called “I’m Not Cool.” However, none reached the heights they had as part of 4Minute.

9. After School

After School, a unique group under Pledis Entertainment was known for its rotating-member system and hits like Bang! and Flashback. Despite their innovative concept, mismanagement and lack of promotion led to a gradual fade. On November 1, 2021, Woollim Entertainment revealed that the group would disband following the expiration of the members’ contracts. After School disbanded on November 16, 2021.

While some members, like Nana, found success in acting and modeling, others faded from the public eye. The group’s decline highlighted the importance of consistent management and strategic planning in sustaining a K-pop act.

10. Pristin

Pristin was a promising rookie group formed by Pledis Entertainment in 2017. Despite a strong debut and the success of members like Kyulkyung and Nayoung, internal issues and mismanagement led to their disbandment in 2019.

The abrupt end of Pristin was a painful blow for fans who saw potential in the young group. The members have since pursued solo ventures, but the group’s short-lived career remains a sore point for K-pop enthusiasts.