9 K-Pop Groups That Bid Farewell in 2023

As the K-pop industry continues to evolve, 2023 saw both the emergence of new groups and the bittersweet farewell of established ones. Nine groups, once vibrant in the spotlight, will not be gracing the stage in 2024.

 

1. Jinjin & Rocky: A Sub-Unit's Silent End

Fantagio's ASTRO bid adieu to its sub-unit, Jinjin & Rocky, as Rocky departed the agency and ASTRO in February. The silent dissolution marked the end of this dynamic duo's journey.

 

2. Moonbin & Sanha: An Unexpected Departure

ASTRO faced another blow as Moonbin & Sanha, a sub-unit with promising potential, unexpectedly dissolved due to Moonbin's untimely passing in April. Fans mourned the loss, and Fantagio closed the sub-units Weverse as a poignant farewell.

 

3. Brave Girls: A Chapter Closes, Another Opens

Brave Girls officially disbanded in February after all members left Brave Entertainment. The group, however, found a new beginning, signing with Warner Music Korea and re-debuting as BB Girls.

 

4. D1CE: Contract Expiry Ends the Melody

D1CE, a quintet formed in 2019, concluded its musical journey in January as members parted ways following the expiration of their contracts with D1ce Entertainment.

 

5. GWSN: Legal Battles and Termination

GWSN, formed in 2018, faced contract termination in January as the Seoul Central District Court nullified all seven members' contracts with The Wave Music. Legal battles and subsequent disbandment ensued.

 

6. MOMOLAND: A Farewell on Valentine's Day

MOMOLAND, born from the 2016 reality show Finding Momoland, officially disbanded on Valentine's Day 2023 after leaving MLD Entertainment in January.

 

7. Snuper: Sunset for a Six-Member Tale

Snuper, a six-member boy group debuting in 2015, bid farewell in May when contracts with Widmay Entertainment concluded, marking the end of their journey.

 

8. TO1: A Contract's Untimely Termination

Debuting in 2020, TO1 faced an abrupt end as their contract with WakeOne was terminated on December 31, leaving fans to ponder the group's unrealized potential.

 

9. VIXX LR: A Sub-Unit's Disintegration

VIXX LR, comprising Leo and Ravi, came to an end in April when Ravi departed from VIXX. The disintegration of this sub-unit marked a sombre moment for VIXX fans.

As these groups take their final bow, their legacies remain etched in the memories of fans worldwide. The K-pop landscape, ever-changing, makes room for new melodies, but the echoes of these disbanded groups will linger as a testament to the transient nature of the industry.