Top 7 disbanded K-pop groups that were ahead of times: SISTAR, NU’EST, more

Discover the top 7 disbanded K-pop groups that were trailblazers in their era: B.A.P, SISTAR, NU’EST, IZ*ONE, and others who have left a lasting impact.

Updated on Jun 11, 2024  |  11:47 PM IST |  286K
SISTAR, NU'EST; Image Courtesy: Starship Entertainment, PLEDIS Entertainment
SISTAR, NU'EST; Image Courtesy: Starship Entertainment, PLEDIS Entertainment

While group disbandments aren't uncommon in the music industry, disbanded K-pop groups like B.A.P, SISTAR, NU’EST, and IZ*ONE stand out. Whether due to disagreements, solo aspirations, mistreatment, or declining album sales, their break-ups left fans devastated.

Some departures even sparked significant industry changes, reshaping how management agencies handled and treated idols, underscoring the profound impact of these groups beyond their music. 

7 trailblazing disbanded K-pop groups to check out

1. B.A.P

B.A.P, short for Best Absolute Perfect, debuted in 2012 under TS Entertainment with members Yongguk, Himchan, Daehyun, Youngjae, Jongup, and Zelo. Their powerful debut single Warrior set them apart with a "tough, bad boy" image. The group quickly gained international recognition with hits like One Shot and 1004 (Angel).


Despite their success, B.A.P faced challenges, including a lawsuit against their agency in 2014 over unfair working conditions. The group released notable albums like First Sensibility and Noir before disbanding in 2019 after Yongguk, Zelo, and eventually the remaining members left TS Entertainment.

2. SISTAR

SISTAR, formed in 2010 under Starship Entertainment, was a South Korean girl group consisting of Hyolyn, Bora, Soyou, and Dasom. Known for their summer anthems and powerful performances, they made a splash with their debut single Push Push. 


Their hits like So Cool, Alone, Touch My Body, and Loving U topped the charts and solidified their reputation. With Hyolyn's strong vocals, Bora's captivating rap, Soyou's soothing voice, and Dasom's charm, they became one of K-pop's most beloved girl groups. Despite their disbandment in 2017, SISTAR's music and impact continue to resonate with fans worldwide.

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3. NU’EST

NU'EST, formed by PLEDIS Entertainment in 2012, consisted of JR, Aron, Baekho, Minhyun, and Ren. They made a strong debut with Face and quickly became known for their unique style and emotive performances. 


JR's leadership and rap skills, Aron's versatile talents, Baekho's powerful vocals, Minhyun's smooth voice, and Ren's captivating visuals and presence set them apart in the K-pop scene. 

Their journey included hits like Hello and Bet Bet, participation in Produce 101 Season 2, and the successful sub-unit NU'EST W. Despite disbanding in 2022, NU'EST's legacy and individual members continue to impact the industry. 

4. 2NE1

2NE1, formed by YG Entertainment, consisted of members Bom, CL, Dara, and Minzy. They debuted in 2009 with the single Fire and quickly gained fame with hits like I Don't Care and I Am the Best. Known for their unique style and musical experimentation, 2NE1 broke K-pop stereotypes and gained international recognition. 


Their final album, Crush (2014), set a record on the US Billboard 200. Despite disbanding in 2016, their influence remains, with a surprise reunion at Coachella 2022 delighting fans and highlighting their lasting impact on the music industry.

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5. Wanna One

Wanna One was one of the most popular K-pop boy groups formed through the second season of Produce 101, composed of eleven members: Kang Daniel, Park Ji Hoon, Lee Dae Hwi, Kim Jae Hwan, Ong Seong Wu, Park Woo Jin, Lai Kuan Lin, Yoon Ji Sung, Hwang Min Hyun, Bae Jin Young, and Ha Sung Woon. 


The group debuted on August 7, 2017, and quickly rose to fame with hits like Energetic and Beautiful. However, despite their success, Wanna One disbanded on December 31, 2018, after their contract ended. They held a final concert in January 2019, leaving a significant impact on the K-pop industry and their dedicated fans.

6. IZ*ONE

IZ*ONE, a South Korean-Japanese girl group, was formed through the reality competition show Produce 48 and debuted on October 29, 2018. Comprising twelve talented members; Jang Wonyoung, Sakura Miyawaki, Jo Yuri, Choi Yena, An Yujin, Nako Yabuki, Kwon Eunbi, Kang Hyewon, Hitomi Honda, Kim Chaewon, Kim Minju, and Lee Chaeyeon, the group quickly gained popularity. 

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Their debut EP ColorIz and hit single La Vie en Rose were major successes. Over their career, they released two studio albums and seven EPs. Despite fans' efforts to prevent their disbandment, IZ*ONE officially disbanded on April 29, 2021

7. X1

X1, a K-pop boy group formed through Produce X 101, debuted on August 27, 2019, with the single Flash. Comprised eleven talented members; Kim Yohan, Kim Woo Seok, Han Seung Woo, Song Hyeong Jun, Cho Seung Youn, Son Dong Pyo, Lee Han Gyul, Nam Do Hyon, Cha Junho, Kang Min Hee, and Lee Eun Sang, the group quickly gained attention. 


Despite early success, their activities were halted due to the Mnet vote manipulation investigation. After failed negotiations between their agencies, X1 disbanded on January 6, 2020. Their brief journey showcased their potential, but unfortunately, their time together was cut short amidst controversy and uncertainty about their future.

In conclusion, the landscape of the Korean music industry has been shaped by the rise and fall of numerous disbanded K-pop groups like B.A.P, SISTAR, NU’EST, 2NE1, Wanna One, IZ*ONE, and X1. Despite their disbandments, their legacies live on through their impactful music, memorable performances, and lasting influence on the industry. 

These disbanded K-pop girl groups and boy groups not only left behind a treasure trove of hits but also sparked significant industry changes, prompting management agencies to reconsider how they treat and handle their idols. While their time together may have been fleeting, the mark they left on K-pop and its global community remains indelible. 

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Credits: Starship Entertainment, PLEDIS Entertainment
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Saumya is a Journalism and Mass Communication graduate, with a knack for digital storytelling and over a

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