In a significant update that has sparked both concern and hope within the K-pop community, AB6IX’s agency, Brand New Music, has announced that the group will be taking a temporary hiatus from all group activities.
This decision comes as the members- Jeon Woong, Kim Dong-hyun, Park Woo-jin, and Lee Dae-hwi- reach the conclusion of their initial seven-year exclusive contracts.
The news arrives at a pivotal moment for the group, following the release of their third full-length album and a series of anniversary events designed to celebrate their journey with fans.
The “6IX TO SEVEN” Concert: A Final Celebration Before the Break
The hiatus is scheduled to officially begin following the group’s highly anticipated solo concert, titled 6IX TO SEVEN.
The event is set to take place over two days, on May 23 and 24, 2026, at the Blue Square Woori WON Banking Hall.
The concert title itself is a poignant reference to the group’s transition from their seventh year into an uncertain future, as well as a tribute to the “seven-year journey” they have completed alongside their fandom, ABNEW.
The setlist is expected to be a comprehensive retrospective of their career, featuring a live band and a deep dive into their discography, starting from their debut on May 22, 2019.
Brand New Music emphasized that the decision for a hiatus was made after “sufficient discussions with the members.”
By framing the break as a temporary hiatus rather than a final goodbye, the agency appears to be providing the group with the space needed to explore individual paths while keeping the door open for future collective projects.
For many fans, the May concert serves as a crucial moment of closure for this chapter of AB6IX, as the group’s original contract is officially set to expire on May 25, just one day after the final performance.
The Crossroads: In-Depth Talks on Contract Renewals
Parallel to the hiatus announcement, the agency confirmed that they are currently engaged in “in-depth discussions” with all four members regarding a possible contract renewal.
The K-pop industry is often wary of the “seven-year curse”- a term used to describe the frequent disbandment of groups once their initial contracts end- but the ongoing negotiations suggest that both the members and the label are seriously considering a continued partnership.
This news comes shortly after the release of their third full-length album, Seven: Crimson Horizon, which was marketed as a work reflecting the “time and growth accumulated over the past seven years.”
The subtitle of their recent album, Crimson Horizon, was said to symbolize “the past and a new beginning that will resurface,” a theme that now feels particularly prophetic given the current state of the group.
While the members have been active in various solo endeavors- including songwriting, acting, and variety show appearances- this hiatus will likely allow them to focus more intently on these personal ventures while the terms of their future with Brand New Music are finalized.
As the “Contract Clock” continues to tick toward the May deadline, the global K-pop community remains in a state of high anticipation, waiting to see if AB6IX will emerge from this hiatus as a renewed veteran group.
