Are Astro’s Future Plans Linked to Their Members' Military Service?

With the upcoming military service obligations of several K-pop idols, many fans and industry experts are wondering if their favorite groups will disband once their members enlist. In the case of Astro, one of Fantagio’s most popular groups, there are a few factors to consider as the group plans their future.

The Renewal of Their Contracts

Currently, Astro has contracts that will expire next year. This timing is crucial in making decisions about the group's future, as it gives clear indications as to whether Fantagio plans to continue with Astro after the members’ military service. Speculation has been rife, but it’s important to remember that concrete information will only become available with the renewal of their contracts.

The Importance of Astro in Fantagio

Astro is considered one of Fantagio’s most successful groups, primarily due to the undeniable talents of Eunwoo. Eunwoo has played a pivotal role in generating a substantial portion of their revenue, contributing to 27% of their total earnings. Additionally, Astro's popularity has been growing, and they are now positioned as one of the 8th most popular male K-pop groups. Given this significant success, it would be highly unlikely for Fantagio to disband Astro over the next few years.

Planning for the Future

The logistical challenge of the members' ages and the varying timing of their enlistments poses a unique scenario for Astro. Unlike some other groups, Astro's members are born a year apart, except for the two oldest. This means that there is a relatively short window after Michael (MJ) returns before Jinjin will be joining the military. Following Jinjin's enlistment, each member will in turn enlist, ensuring that the group will eventually disband over the course of several years.

To combat this, Fantagio has been actively working on building individual member recognition and unit popularity. This strategy aims to maintain fan engagement and ensure that each member's unique talents continue to shine, even during the final year and a half before the last member enlists.

Strategies for Fan Engagement

One of the key strategies being employed is the creation of various sub-units and solo projects. This not only keeps the overall interest in Astro alive but also provides individual members with opportunities to highlight their personal strengths. Moonbin and Sanha have recently achieved significant rankings in K-Pop Boy Group Member Brand Reputation Rankings, which is a testament to this approach. Rocky is also projected to benefit from more individual attention and opportunities in the near future.

Another tactic being considered is a surprise comeback scheduled for May right after MJ enlists. This approach, similar to Cube’s strategy with Pentagon when Hui prepared for military service, involves releasing new material without a complete group for a limited time. The likelihood of including individual members in this comeback is high, adding an exciting element for fans to look forward to.

Conclusion

While it’s natural to speculate about a group’s future, especially when some members are preparing for military service, there are clear indications that Fantagio has a vested interest in continuing Astro’s success. The group has implemented strategic measures to ensure their enduring popularity and fan engagement, even during the challenging lead-up to the final year of military service for their group members.

So, while it’s reasonable to be curious about these developments, there’s no need to worry that Astro is on the verge of disbanding anytime soon. Instead, focus on the exciting opportunities and individual talents that will continue to emerge in the months and years ahead.