How did GFRIEND disband? From debut in 2015 to formation of VIVIZ, know all about K-pop girl group's end

GFRIEND was a K-pop girl group which came into being in 2015. Unfortunately, after impressing fans with several hits, the group disbanded in 2021.

Updated on May 13, 2024  |  02:11 PM IST |  1.1M
GFRIEND: SOURCE MUSIC
GFRIEND: SOURCE MUSIC

GFRIEND is a popular South Korean girl group that debuted in 2015 with Source Music. They are known for their synchronized choreography and melodic pop songs. The group quickly gained the attention of K-pop fans with hits like Rough and Navillera. 

Although the group disbanded in 2021, the members continue to pursue individual careers in music, acting, and variety shows. A few members also teamed up and formed the group VIVIZ. 

About GFRIEND

GFRIEND is a South Korean girl group that debuted in January 2015 with the EP Season of Glass. The group consisted of six members, including Sowon, Yerin, Eunha, Yuju, SinB, and Umji. They became popular because of their hits like MAGO, Me Gustas Tu, Navillera, and many more.

Though they disbanded in 2021, their songs hold a special place in the hearts of their fans, BUDDYs. They are known for their sweet and innocent image and vibe. The group marked their 9th anniversary on January 16, 2024. 


Why did GFRIEND's contract come to an end? 

GFRIEND has been under Source Music since 2015, when it debuted. All members signed an exclusive contract with the company to be a part of the group. While the group was doing exceptionally well and was revered as one of the best K-pop groups of the generations, the news of their disbandment stunned fans. 

GFRIEND disbanded in 2021 as their contracts with Source Music, a subsidiary of HYBE Corporation, expired. The company was acquired by HYBE Corporation in July 2019. The sudden announcement of the group's disbandment surprised fans, as GFRIEND was one of the prominent K-pop girl groups, and their numbers also proved their success. While Source Music cited mutual agreement as the reason, some details remained disclosed. 

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Suspected involvement of HYBE Corporation 

Some rumors suggested that the upper management of HYBE Corporation was behind this decision as they were planning to launch a new girl group, suspected to be NewJeans. The allegations were brought to light again as ADOR (NewJean's company) and its parent company, HYBE Corporation, were caught in a feud that is still ongoing. 

An old interview with GFRIEND leader Sowon also resurfaced, in which she mentioned that the members were unaware of the disbandment and had a hard time dealing with it. In another interview, member SinB mentioned that they knew a month ago that they wouldn't be signing with the company, and they couldn't tell the fans first and had to wait for the company to announce. 

Many believe that there was some upper management involvement in the group's coming to an end. 


VIVIZ

VIVIZ made their debut in February 2022 with the EP Beam of Prism and includes members Eunha, SinB, and Umji. They took part in Queendom 2 and finished in third place. Their latest release was the album Versus, released in November 2023 and included the title track Maniac. They are known for their vibrant style and versatile performances. They continue to captivate audiences with their engaging music and dynamic presence.

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GFRIEND members' current activities

Leader Sowon has expressed her interest in acting and hopefully will be making an appearance soon. Yerin is active as a soloist and is working on music. and has also appeared as a host in many television shows since disbandment. Yuju is active as a K-pop idol in the industry and is focusing on her solo career. 

Eunha, SinB, and Umji came together to form VIVIZ, which debuted in 2022. 

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About The Author

Moumita Chakraborty did her Master of Arts in Mass Communication and has been writing professionally since 2022. She is a

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