K-pop industry faces high attrition with 82% of groups disappearing within a decade

A study by Professor Kim Jeong Seop of Sungshin Women's University, published by the Korea Entertainment Industry Association, reveals the intense competition and high attrition rates within the K-pop industry. Analyzing 1,182 music groups registered with the Korea Popular Music Industry Association from 1996 to 2025, the research highlights a significant gap between successful acts and the majority of performers.

Key findings indicate that only 8.21% of groups sell over 100,000 albums, a benchmark for establishing a dedicated fanbase. Only 1.61% reach the 1 million mark, and a mere 0.68%—consisting of groups such as BTS, Seventeen, Stray Kids, EXO, TWICE, NCT, Tomorrow X Together, and ENHYPEN—have achieved cumulative sales exceeding 10 million albums.

The study also notes a sharp decline in group longevity. While nearly 88% of groups remain active after one year, that figure drops to 26.14% after seven years and only 17.92% after ten years. On average, groups exist for only 4.12 years, meaning approximately 82% of groups disappear within a decade.