In a sudden announcement that has deeply saddened the K-pop community, the group DKZ (formerly known as DONGKIZ) has officially confirmed their disbandment.
On April 15, 2026, Dongyo Entertainment released a formal statement via Soompi, detailing that the members and the agency have collectively decided to conclude group activities.
This news marks the end of a resilient seven-year journey for the group, which saw a dramatic rise to fame and several lineup transitions over the years.
A Difficult Decision After Long Discussions
The agency’s statement emphasized that the decision was reached after extensive and sincere discussions with each of the members.
While the members’ exclusive contracts are coming to an end, the group has decided to part ways to pursue individual paths in various sectors of the entertainment industry.
The official statement from Dongyo Entertainment read:
“We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the fans who have loved and supported DKZ throughout their journey.
After long and serious deliberations, the members of DKZ have decided to wrap up their activities as a group.
Although their time as DKZ is ending, the members will continue to support each other’s future endeavors as they embark on new individual chapters.”
Remembering a Resilient Journey
DKZ’s story is one of the most notable “underdog” narratives in recent K-pop history. Debuting in 2019 as DONGKIZ, the group initially struggled for mainstream recognition.
However, they experienced a miraculous surge in popularity in 2022 following member Jaechan’s breakout role in the hit BL drama Semantic Error.
The viral success of the show led to a massive charting reversal for their past tracks and brought the group into the spotlight.
Over the years, the group navigated several changes, including a name change to DKZ and the addition of new members to bolster their lineup.
They were praised for their high-energy performances and unique, fun concepts that set them apart from the “dark and moody” trends of their peers.
Future Paths for the Members
While the group is disbanding, the members are expected to remain active in the industry.
Jaechan, who has established a solid career as an actor and solo artist, is expected to focus primarily on his acting projects and potential solo music releases.
Other members, including Kyoungyoon, Sehyeon, Mingyu, Munik, and Giseok, are reportedly exploring various opportunities ranging from musical theatre to variety shows and music production.
A Final Message to “Dong-ari”
The members took to their official fan café to share handwritten letters expressing their love for their fandom, Dong-ari.
They thanked fans for “turning a dream into reality” and promised that the memories they made together would be cherished forever.
Fans across the globe have responded with a mix of shock and support, trending hashtags like #ThankYouDKZ and #ForeverWithDKZ.
Many pointed out that while the disbandment is heartbreaking, the group’s legacy as a “miracle icon” who proved that hard work can eventually lead to the spotlight will remain an inspiration for many.
As DKZ closes this final chapter, the industry looks forward to seeing how each member will redefine themselves in the years to come.
Though the “15th Season” of their group life has come to a close, the impact they made on the stage will not be forgotten. We wish all the members the very best in their future careers.
