Two interesting thoughts here:
1. This has long been my question - is YG really keeping them in a dungeon or is a combination of YG fumbling the bag but also BP not being in a hurry either. I’m not convinced the long hiatuses are entirely YG. And so, does that also play a role in where they land - a company that allows flexibility like that?
2. Who realistically can afford them or would want to? You can say Twice and Itzy are declining all you want because they don’t chart as well but they still sell a fuckton of product and concert tix, which is all the companies care about, so not JYP. Hybe has built two successful 4th Gen groups (ie cheaper because they’re younger and in their first contract), so won’t see the value. Starship has Ive, so same point. SM would be the strongest possibility based on all those factors, but I can’t see them signing up someone else’s group and one that didn’t go through their training system.
Companies like AOMG, Cube or RBW can’t afford them. (What a coup for Kang Daniel’s company if he could tho.) So where do they go?
BP is still a huge group with a dedicated fanbase but to most companies, the clock is ticking, particularly as a gg.