The K-Pop Curse Affecting 30+ Groups Goes Viral After NCT’s Mark Leaves
Mark Lee is leaving NCT and SM Entertainment, sparking fresh talk about a new K-Pop “curse.”
On April 3, SM Entertainment confirmed Mark’s departure from both the group and the agency. Mark was a core member of NCT, as well as fixed in subunits NCT 127 and NCT DREAM. His exit reduces NCT DREAM back to six members, adding to the growing list of groups hit by the so-called “7 member curse.”
The “7 member curse” refers to groups that debut with seven members but lose one or more over time, changing their lineup. This trend has affected many popular K-Pop groups recently.
Fans have pointed to several examples: ENHYPEN saw Heeseung leave last month, RIIZE lost XngHan, and INFINITE has remained six members since Hoya’s departure. Even THE KINGDOM lost a member, replaced by another who also left later.
A viral post listing over 30 groups suffering from this “7 member curse” has fans surprised by how widespread the issue is.
7 member curse:
nct dream
wayv
victon
infinite
riize
nmixx
evnne
2pm
arrc
the wind
enhypen
izna
tempest
ikon
onlyoneof
drippin
monsta x
btob
onf
purple kiss
blitzers
aoa
momoland
weeekly
tri•be
apink
hashtag
saturday
cignature
atbo
— lou 🀥 (@mewmrewne) April 3, 2026
Only a few seven-member groups have avoided this fate. BTS has maintained its original seven members since debuting in 2013, and GOT7 has stayed the same since 2014. Billlie and AMPER&ONE have also kept their seven-member lineups during their five and two years of activity, respectively.
Mark’s departure adds to the growing list of groups facing lineup changes, fueling ongoing fan discussions about this emerging K-Pop trend.
