The '6-member curse': Not just ILLIT and LE SSERAFIM, but these other K-Pop groups too
This phenomenon has been evident with several notable groups, including ILLIT and LE SSERAFIM, which have dealt with issues like member departures or a lack of success despite initial promise.
ILLIT and LE SSERAFIM
As numerous K-pop groups debut and strive to make their mark, several "curses" seem to follow them, one of which is the "six-member curse." This trend suggests that groups with six members often face significant challenges or setbacks, leading to a belief that this configuration brings misfortune. This phenomenon has been evident with several notable groups, including ILLIT and LE SSERAFIM, which have dealt with issues like member departures or a lack of success despite initial promise.
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Fans and pundits believe that the dynamics and chemistry of a six-member group can be more unpredictable, compromising the stability and coherence required for success in the highly competitive K-Pop business. Let's have a deeper look at some of these groups who faced this "curse".
(G)I-DLE:
Members: Soyeon, Miyeon, Minnie, Yuqi, and Shuhua
Former Member: Soojin
Debut: May 2, 2018
The girl group originally debuted with six members, but Soojin left in 2021 following bullying accusations. In March 2021, posts claiming she had bullied others were posted by her purported classmates, sparking the scandal. Despite initial denials from Soojin and Cube Entertainment, it was after actress Seo Shin Ae revealed that the idol had bullied her as a classmate, she announced her departure in August 2021, and Cube terminated her contract in March 2022.
ILLIT:
Members: Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha
Former Member: Youngseo
Debut: March 25, 2024
BELIFT LAB announced in a statement on January 5, 2024, that Youngseo had quit ILLIT before their debut. Her exit from the group was stated to be a mutual agreement by the agency to end her employment. However, it seems that Min Hee Jin, the former CEO of ADOR, may have had some impact on her departure considering the continuous problems between HYBE and her.
Day6
Members: Sungjin, Young K, Wonpil, and Dowoon
Former Members: Junhyeok and Jae
Debut: September 7, 2015
Originally a six-member band, JYP Entertainment stated on February 27, 2016, that Junhyeok left the group for personal reasons, leading to the termination of his contract. On December 31, 2021, Jae declared on X (formerly known as Twitter) that he would be taking a vacation from band promotions. On the same day, JYP Entertainment announced that he was quitting the group and terminating his exclusive contract for personal reasons.
LE SSERAFIM:
Members: Kim Chaewon, Sakura, Huh Yunjin, Kazuha, and Hong Eunchae
Former Member: Kim Garam
Debut: May 2, 2022
Garam was kicked out of the group in July 2022 after being accused of bullying shortly after her debut. According to reports, she was accused of both verbal and physical bullying towards her classmates. Garam became involved in controversy even though she adamantly maintained her innocence and provided a thorough report from the School Violence Committee to support her allegations.
ASTRO:
Members: MJ, JinJin, Cha Eunwoo, and Sanha
Former Members: Rocky and the late Moonbin
Debut: February 23, 2016
Originally consisting of six members, it was revealed on February 28, 2023, that Rocky would be departing after his contract expired. As for Moonbin, on April 19, 2023, the Seoul Gangnam Police Station reported that the idol's manager discovered him at home after he had passed away.
ONEUS
Members: Seoho, Leedo, Keonhee, Hwanwoong, and Xion
Former Members: Ravn
Debut: January 9, 2019
On October 27, 2022, it was announced that Ravn left the group amid rumours following allegations from his Japanese ex-girlfriend, who claimed on X (formerly Twitter) that he cheated and verbally abused her during their two-year relationship. She alleged that he got her drunk on their first meeting to facilitate sex. Additionally, Ravn was also accused of pressuring fans to buy him luxury items through private messages, exploiting their admiration.
VIXX:
Members: N, LEO, KEN, and HYUK
Former Members: Hongbin and RAVI
Debut: May 24, 2012
Initially a six-member group, the two members who left both were embroiled in scandals. In March 2020, Hongbin faced backlash for negative comments made during a drunken Twitch stream about other idol groups. He apologized that same day, but in May, Jellyfish Entertainment announced he would be taking a hiatus. On August 6, Hongbin expressed his intention to return to Twitch, but the next day, the agency revealed he would be leaving VIXX.
Separately, RAVI was embroiled in controversy in April 2023 over allegations of attempting to evade mandatory military service by providing false medical documents claiming he had epilepsy. He announced his departure from the group on April 11, 2023.
TEEN TOP:
Members: Chunji, Niel, Ricky and Changjo
Former Members: L.Joe and C.A.P
Debut: July 10, 2010
Originally a six-member group, L.Joe sought contract termination in February 2017, removing "Teen Top" from his social media and making his account private. He requested to end his contract with TOP Media, citing a desire for more solo activities amid restrictions. On the other hand, C.A.P., the former leader, left the group on May 11, 2023, following backlash from fans after he was seen smoking a cigarette during a live broadcast.
Updated: October 06, 2024 11:25 PM IST
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