k-pop boy group BAPThe popularity of was unique. However, a few years after their debut, the group went on hiatus. While four members of BAP anticipate a possible return in 2024, this article analyzes BAP’s hiatus and the controversy over its dissolution to discover the truth about the group.
BAP debuted in 2012 with the hit single “Warrior” on January 26, 2012. Within weeks of their debut, the group’s popularity led them to release their first EP in February. While BAP did not come from a major agency, their growing fame caused K-pop fans to compare them to SM EntertainmentThe (then) rookie group, EXO.
He k-pop The group’s Warrior EP peaked at No. 10 on Billboard’s World Albums chart, a feat of global achievement that very few could achieve in the pre-BTS era. However, two years after their debut and success, the boy group filed a lawsuit against the founding company, TS Entertainment, in 2014. Since then, it has been a tumultuous journey for the members, with many obstacles and an inevitable hiatus.
Who are the members of K-pop group BAP and why were they on a break?
BAP debuted with six members: Yongguk, Daehyun, Youngjae, Jongup, Zelo, and Himchan. Two years after their big debut and first successful world tour, the members presented a lawsuit against his record label, TS Entertainment. They accused the agency of perpetuating unfair profit distribution and harsh treatment.
In the initial lawsuit, BAP allegedly claimed that its contracts with TS Entertainment could be compared to “slavery contracts.” The contracts were reported to contain clauses violating civil rights, unfair distribution of profits, etc. The group highlighted that their promotions and constant comeback from 2012 to 2014 earned approximately 10 billion won (approximately $9.1 million) in sales and revenue. Even so, each member only earned around 18 million won (approximately $16.3 thousand).
ts entertainment answered to initial reports stating that “the ‘unfair contract clauses’ and ‘slave contracts’, which were mentioned in previous reports as the main issues raised by the lawsuit, do not exist, and the unilateral unfair treatment of the artist by our agency never happened either.”
The music label also canceled all future promotions while the legal issue was ongoing. They clarified: “With the condition of our artists as the main concern, we canceled all official promotions of the group. BAP was taking a break. In the midst of discussions with the group about their future promotions, we learned of the sudden demand through news reports.”
The lawsuit caused BAP to take its first break from 2014 to 2015. The group settled the case with TS Entertainment. They returned to the music scene in 2015 with the eighth EP, Matrix.
As of 2015, BAP has released more than two extended plays, one studio album, and several hit singles. BAP’s two studio albums and extended works topped the Billboard World Albums chart, showing their popularity overseas. The group’s Japanese albums, including Best, Absolute, Perfect, Unlimited and Massive, also gained popularity in the neighboring country. All of them ranked within the top 10 on the Oricon album chart.
Despite their considerable popularity, BAP’s hiatus in 2014 slowed their growth compared to rising groups like EXO and BTS. In 2018, two members of the group, Yongguk and Zelo, left the act after their contract with TS Entertainment expired.
The other four members also ended their contract with TS Entertainment in 2019, temporarily dissolving the group and putting it on hiatus. While fans were confused about the group’s future, Jongup assured them that a future reunion would not be impossible.
The 29-year-old Korean artist said in a interview, “Because each of us has different situations and plans for the future, we can’t do it now. But I always think that one day we will be able to work together again.”
Jongup kept his promise. The boy group has teased a possible return in 2024 with the release of their new documentary, man on the moon. Four members, Moon Jongup, Jung Daehyun, Yoo Youngjae, and Bang Yongguk, looked at the camera in the teaser. The group thanked the fans for supporting them all this time.
The quartet says: “We’re finally together. As much as you have supported us, we will show you how much we have grown musically. We hope you are waiting for it.” While not much is revealed from the documentary, fans are hoping for an impressive comeback from the K-pop act, who has contributed to some enduring tunes in Korean music.
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