2021 Predictions in K-Pop

As we’ve done in years past, The Kraze has returned with predictions for the K-Pop world in 2021 after an unpredictable year in 2020. Check out the discussion of these predictions on our latest podcast episode here!

Roxy’s Predictions 

GOT7 Leaves JYP, But Continues Promotions

It’s no secret that GOT7 hasn’t gotten the best treatment from JYP since their debut, and for many years fans have voiced their displeasure about it. JYP has a notorious issue with proper promotion, so it seemed like a slim possibility that GOT7 would return even before the reports were confirmed. However, GOT7 strikes us as the type of group to remain active despite moving members. Though it's true in that case that promotions are few and far between, it provides a fresh start for all the members and gives them more freedom to choose the direction of their careers. We have seen this successfully done by Highlight and VIXX, who had Ravi leave Jellyfish Entertainment but remain part of the group. The members have a very strong bond, so it is assumed that they will do what they can to remain together.

AOA Disbands

2020 was an absolute mess for AOA, with former member Mina leaving the group and later coming out with accusations against someone in the group who she claimed bullied her out of it. This was later revealed to be the leader, Jimin, and as a result of all this coming to light, she was forced to leave the group as well. A few years ago lead vocalist ChoA left the group, and that was brought back to the forefront as questions came out about bullying issues in the group. The silence from the other members and not much response from the agency has left many bitter, so the future looks bleak for the group that made huge impacts on the scene in the 2010s.

Say Goodbye to iKON

iKON’s fate has been up in the air since the scandal surrounding leader Hanbin, though many have expressed distaste for YG Entertainment’s treatment of the group long before that. They had a comeback in March of 2020, but have been barely heard from since that time. Given YG’s not-so-shining resume in treatment towards iKON and their disappearance, it’s likely that they will soon be dissolved and go in separate directions. 

Amber’s Predictions

Companies Push Back Harder Against Illegal Streaming

Due to the situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic, online concerts have become the norm. The tickets for these concerts are on average a third of the regular price for an offline concert. However, some fans have made the decision to stream the concert on places like Periscope and Twitch illegally in order to provide access to fans. The issue at hand is the vast amount of people choosing to illegally stream instead of purchasing tickets regardless of if they’re able to afford them or not, with some streams garnering over a million viewers at times, and companies are beginning to see the effects in their bank accounts. The pushback has already begun with BigHit labels warning people with screen overlays of jail cells with the ominous warning of “You should stop streaming,” and most recently JTBC broadcasting a warning to all viewers saying they will pursue legal action against streamers, even going as far as to name a few people. These are just a few things and fans should expect an even harder push. They can’t say they weren’t warned.

Return of the Kings: BIGBANG Reclaims Their Throne

BIGBANG’s last release was in March 2018 with the single “Flower Road.” This song was a gift to their fans before the lengthy hiatus due to mandatory military enlistment and was also the last release from BIGBANG as five. With all the remaining members now finished with their military service, the question looms: what’s next? While YG Entertainment has confirmed that G-DRAGON has been working on music, the fate of the group is still in the clouds. While a BIGBANG as four members release is questionable, we are likely to see music from the sub-units or individuals that will shake the male artist status quo. Current “powerhouse” fan bases will be shocked at the sheer power that are V.I.P.s. There is a reason why BIGBANG is a household name in K-Pop and new fans will soon see why.

Cube Entertainment’s Fall From Grace

This one is a bit of a stretch, we will admit, but it is something that is definitely looming. Cube Entertainment has had countless issues with their artists including contract disputes, allegations of artist mistreatment and mismanagement, and artists being a part of a major scandal. The company has had changes in leadership several times due to these issues. From the departure of B2ST/HIGHLIGHT, the mismanagement of 4Minute and CLC, the alleged forced dissolvement of HyunA and DAWN’s contracts due to their dating, and the ongoing legal cases of Lai Guanlin and former CLC member Elkie, things have never looked good for Cube Entertainment. This year may sink the company unless they can go through a major overhaul.

Jay’s Predictions

The Year of Girl Group Expansion

2020 was a great year for girl groups, but 2021 will be the year where more girl groups will tackle the international market. ITZY is making their first ever all-English album in January and it’ll be interesting to see how the group will be promoted with this English album. TWICE has already started to push out English versions of their tracks, and (G)I-DLE made their mark on the international scale last year. It’ll be interesting to see if there is a bigger push for these two groups to come out with more English tracks. The ladies of K-Pop are going to have another strong year as we are approaching the warmer seasons, which is the perfect time for girl groups to showcase catchy and upbeat songs. MAMAMOO has made a household name for themselves, but 2021 will see the girl group reach even higher heights. Rising girl groups like Oh My Girl and EVERGLOW are the girl groups to look out for as well in 2021 as they have had successful 2020 releases like “Dolphin” and “LA DI DA.”

Potential Female SuperM, Hybrid/Cross Company Supergroups, Project Groups

Seeing how successful SuperM has been, if SM Entertainment is aiming for more of an international market with their female artists, 2021 will be a great opportunity to combine Red Velvet and aespa members and potentially Hyoyeon of Girls’ Generation to make a girl group like SuperM. As SM has been pushing their bigger universe of their artists and connecting releases to follow up after the other, having a super girl group would only be fitting for SM to follow up with next. However, if they want to create a super girl group with more members, it would also mean another push for another female artist or group debut to happen in 2021. Regardless, it would be great to see if SM chose that direction this year.

If not, companies may follow in the footsteps of SM in creating supergroups of mixed artists. Project groups like Refund Sisters will also make a resurgence in 2021, with collaborations that one may not necessarily expect. Though most of these project groups have been formed through variety shows, it would be of no surprise to see more come through.