5 most controversial K-pop group breakups, from Hyuna and Dawn’s secret romance that disbanded Triple H, and 2NE1’s Park Bom’s scandal, to Glam’s Dahee blackmailing Lee Byung-hun

Feb 28 , 2022

Learn more about these K-pop groups that disbanded due to controversies. Photos: @cube_triple_h, @official.april/Instagram; @ChnsBlckjck/Twitter

In the K-pop world, band break-ups aren’t a rare occurrence. Every year, countless groups disband for different reasons, whether contracts ending or a scandal – some of which are even cast into international spotlight.

So, which K-pop groups saw their careers cut short due to controversies?

1. April

April disbanded in January 2022. Photo: @official.april/Instagram

After several bullying scandals, girl group April announced their disbandment in January, which did not come as a surprise to many. In early 2021, accusations of the members having bullied former member Lee Hyun-joo surfaced, and although their agency DSP Media denied the claims, the girls faced severe criticism and backlash, leading to halts in both group and solo activities throughout 2021.

Naeun was involved in additional bullying scandals in 2020. Photo: @betterlee_0824/Instagram

Member Naeun, who had endorsements and acting gigs planned, was criticised in particular, as she had also been accused of being a school bully in March 2021. Though the accuser retracted their claims later, they certainly left a stain on the group’s reputation.

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2. 2NE1

2NE1 announced their disbandment in 2016. Photo: YG Entertainment

YG Entertainment’s beloved girl group – sometimes dubbed Blackpink’s predecessor – disbanded in 2016. While fans were devastated, many weren’t surprised about the news either. Though the official reason wasn’t announced, fans had anticipated the group’s disbandment due to controversy and inactivity beforehand.

Member Park Bom’s controversy led to 2NE1’s hiatus. Photo: @newharoobompark/Instagram

According to Koreaboo, in 2014, it was revealed that member Park Bom had been under investigation for smuggling drugs through mail in the past, leading to her indefinite hiatus and 2NE1’s halt on group activities. The remaining members took on solo endeavours, and though the group made a surprise appearance at the 2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards, they haven’t promoted as a group since and disbanded in 2016.

3. Triple H

Made up of Hyuna, Pentagon’s Dawn (previously E’Dawn) and Hui, Triple H debuted under Cube Entertainment in 2017, but was only active for a year. Though Hyuna and Dawn are now a happy couple, having recently announced their engagement, the two dating was what actually led to Triple H’s disbandment.

Hyuna and Dawn. Photo: @hyunah_aa/Instagram

Their relationship was revealed in 2018, and though their label denied it, both Hyuna and Dawn admitted to having been dating since 2016. According to Hankyung, Cube Entertainment consequently cancelled all planned Triple H activities, including performances and fanmeets, and terminated Hyuna and Dawn’s contracts. Though fans are happy for the two now, the group’s disbandment was a shocking loss at the time.

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4. X1

X1 debuted after the Mnet vote manipulation scandal. Photo: @x1official101/Instagram

Though caused by controversy, X1’s disbandment is the only case on this list that wasn’t due to actions of the group’s members. Formed through the survival show Produce X 101 – the fourth season of the Produce series which formed groups I.O. I, Wanna One, and Iz*One – X1’s disbandment came only five months after their debut when the show came under investigation for voter manipulation.

X1 was forced to disband after five months. Photo: @x1official101/Instagram

The show’s director, Ahn Joon-young, and chief producer, Kim Yong-bum were charged with fraud and business obstruction, forcing the boy group to disband. Fans were understandably upset as the members themselves had done nothing wrong, even trending hashtags like “We Trust X1”.

5. Glam

Big Hit Entertainment’s only girl group, Glam, disbanded due to a blackmailing controversy. Photo: Big Hit Entertainment

Glam debuted in 2012 under Hybe, formerly Big Hit Entertainment – making them label mates with BTS – but saw a short career of only three years. Unfortunately, the group seemed to make more headlines from their disbandment than when they were active, as it was plagued with controversy. In 2014, actor Lee Byung-hun accused two women, including Glam member Dahee, of blackmailing him.

Glam member Dahee. Photo: Big Hit Entertainment

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Dahee was sentenced to one year in prison in January 2015, and Big Hit Entertainment announced that the remaining members had ended their contracts, effectively disbanding the group. The scandal made both Glam and Big Hit Entertainment take such a hit that some believed it was the reason the label did not have female trainees for the next few years.

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Fame and celebrity

April broke up in January due to bullying scandals, while 2NE1 – often referred to as Blackpink’s predecessor – got in trouble for Park Bom’s drug smuggling
Hyuna and Dawn of Triple H were only active for a year before they were dismissed for going public with their romance, and Glam – BTS’ labelmates at Hybe – only lasted three years