In K-pop, the term “K-pop ¢υяѕє” or “the 7-year ¢υяѕє” is widely known. It refers to the phenomenon in which idol groups often disband or undergo lineup changes after a certain period of activity, particularly around seven years after their debut. Many famous groups such as 2NE1, Miss A, SISTAR, Infinite, and BEAST—and even many third- and fourth-generation groups—have been unable to maintain their original lineup as they did at debut.

Seven years has become soмєтнing of a superstition that fans are deeply concerned about. In reality, however, there are many direct reasons why most groups cannot maintain their original lineup after seven years, rather than it being primarily due to spiritual or superstitious factors.

For example, standard contracts between idols and кσяєαn entertainment companies typically last seven years (according to regulations by the кσяєα Entertainment Producers' Association). When this period expires, many groups do not renew their contracts as a full team due to issues with their agencies, disagreements among members, differences in popularity, or personal pressures.

This makes it clear just how extraordinary it is that a global K-pop superstar group like BTS has managed to maintain its full seven-member lineup after 13 years of activity, including a three-year hiatus from group promotions due to mandatory military service. Even more remarkably, BTS has not only avoided disbandment but has also sustained exceptional fame and success throughout the decade—soмєтнing very few groups have ever achieved.

To become arguably the only K-pop group to reunite completely after a hiatus and maintain the same lineup as their debut after 13 years, BTS clearly has their own secret—directly addressing the core issue that often leads to group breakups: the lack of unity among members. In a conversation with Lee Young Ji, Jin revealed this, saying: "One of the reasons why we are so successful is that each of the members concedes what he wants to do for the other members."

Jin also emphasized the importance of putting the interests of the majority above the wishes of the minority. He implied that the so-called “celebrity syndrome” is the real issue to worry about, but BTS has tried to avoid it because they know it could destroy the group’s harmony.

In addition, Jin mentioned that all seven members are careful not to do anything that could harm one another. He also expressed gratitude that they all share the same goal, which makes the group’s music and promotional plans more achievable.

In his own words: "It’s hard to maintain a team if there is a person who wants to do whatever he wants as he thinks he is successful. However, each one of us does not cross the line and concedes what he wants to do for the other members. I think that’s why we can maintain our team". 

All of us have our own ego, and in a high-pressure environment like K-pop, that ego can easily grow. But the important thing to remember is that you debut as a group, not as a solo artist.

When you are alone, you can do anything to achieve success for yourself. But when you are part of a group, if you want to grow strongly and sustainably, the collective interest must come first. If you only follow your own desires regardless of the group’s survival, then what was the point of all the effort it took to debut in a group in the first place?

Meanwhile, in an international interview, RM once summarized the issue by saying: “All seven of us are different, you know. We're really incredibly different. … I describe it: it’s like we're all sailing in the same boat but looking at different places. We have different dispositions, we're good and bad at different things, … but because we're in this team, … we’re achieving things together under the name of BTS that we couldn’t do otherwise.”

The members not only understand this core value but also use it as a guiding principle to strengthen their friendship and the group’s future. This has been demonstrated at many stages throughout BTS’s journey. Back in 2018, the group even considered disbanding due to overwhelming pressure, but after sitting down and discussing it together, they ultimately decided to continue and overcome the difficulties as a team.

As BTS prepares for their comeback in the spring of 2026, RM admitted that disbandment had crossed the members’ minds before, honestly confessing: “We’ve thought tens of thousands of times, ‘Should we disband or quit on the team?’” However, he added: “The reason we’ve kept the group together until now is the love between members, and so much love and respect for you guys. I love you all. I hope you understand that.”

In other words, ARMY is another crucial force at the heart of BTS’s unity, helping them overcome the “¢υяѕє” that has affected many other groups and fandoms. In the latest trailer released by Netflix to promote “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG,” RM clearly stated: “We promised our fans that we'd be back,” and “Seven together, we can do anything. Keep swimming.”

In the end, no condition is truly unbreakable. BTS does not rely on luck or superstition—unity, collective determination, and ARMY have become both their shield and their greatest strength in overcoming every obstacle.