Farewells have to be one of the most unavoidable but painful things to do, and that was the case with some of the K-pop groups that left us (should I say “hanging”?) unexpectedly.

Let’s just agree that they lived up to the reputation of “everything with a beginning will surely have an end” (You get it?) and while some disbanding was on purpose, some were just inevitable.

Whether on purpose or it was inevitable, here are 8 K-pop boy groups who disbanded out of the blues recently.

NU'EST (New Establish Style Tempo) 2012-2022

NU'EST was a 5-member K-pop boy group that debuted with the single titled "Face" under Pledis Entertainment in 2012. The boy group did so well that they went on to have two spin-off groups. However, the group’s separation came when their contract expired, and three members of the group decided not to renew in order to pursue individual projects in 2022. Although two members of the group renewed their contracts, it could not stop the separation.

Wanna One 2017–2019 and 2021–2022

The eleven-member group “Wanna One” was a boy band formed through the second season of a competition show “Produce 101.” The group debuted with an Extended Play titled “1×1=1 (To Be One)” in 2017 under CJM Entertainment and Swing Entertainment and after several group activities that included tours, brand recognition, and marketing power, they disbanded after the expiration of their contract with a final concert. However, 10 of them had a brief reunion between 2021-2022 before separating again.

100% 2012- 2021

Another disbanded boy group we miss is the 100% 7-member boy group that debuted in 2012 with a single album titled “We 100%” under Top Media Label. The group unfortunately lost a member to death in 2018, and some of them left. They finally disbanded in 2021 when their contract with the label expired after releasing a final single titled "Can't Say Goodbye".

D-Crunch 2018-2022

D-Crunch was a 9-member boy group that was formed by All-S Company. They debuted with a single titled "Palace." and released different songs with their unique hip-hop style with the main purpose of passing across different messages. They disbanded in 2022 after most of the band members left for various reasons.

TO1 2020-2023

TO1 was another 13-member boy group formed through a reality show by Mnet (a pay television music channel.) They debuted with a mini album, Reason For Being: Benevolence, in 2020. After a series of activities that included reformations, re-debut, more releases, and member’s departure, the group’s contract was terminated in 2023.

D1ce (The Once) 2019-2023

D1ce Boy Band was a five-member boy band formed by D1ce Entertainment in 2019. They debuted with an extended play titled Wake Up: Roll the World. After several releases that include EP and single tracks, their agency announced their separation in 2023 following the expiration of their contract.

TFN 2021-2024

In 2020, MLD Entertainment, in partnership with other labels, formed the 9-member South Korean–Japanese boy band T1419, which was later changed to TFN. The group debuted in 2021 with a single “Before Sunrise” One of their major activities was their Japanese debut. However, they disbanded in 2024 for unknown reasons as the label gave no reason for the separation.

Mirae 2021-2024

Finally, on this list is the Mirae boy band comprising 7 members that debuted with an EP titled “Killa” under DSP Media in 2021. The group is known for releasing many EPs throughout their 3 years of existence. They disbanded when all members of the group (except one) left the label.

Reasons for these separations differ from individual solo activities to contract expiration, from agency decisions to idols' will to pursue and explore other career paths. However, what matters is that they are able to do just what they want and to become better in the future.

Which of these boy bands' separation broke your heart? And if it’s not on this list, you can tell me about it in the comments.

Ciao.