There's a long-standing jinx amongst idol groups in the Korean music industry, and it's that their life span rarely lasts longer than five years. Although many have fallen to the curse, a lot more have proved it wrong, the representative case being Big Bang. The group debuted back in 2006 and declared themselves to be artists that are between an idol and a musician in terms of talent and style. Many believe that the group's 'life line' was elongated because of their consistent (and successful) adapation of new styles. G-Dragon commented, "We've been around for five years, six years if you count this year, and promoted in Japan for two to three of those years.�While promoting, we worked hard to work out the problems we had with the systems.�It's upsetting for us to see other friends not be able to resolve conflicts with their agencies.�We want to become the answer sheet to idol groups." While Big Bang is the representative case, they are certainly not the only ones who broke away from the jinx.�TVXQ, who debuted in 2004, encountered an unfortunate divide in the midst of their flourishing career, but still managed to maintain their 'TVXQ brand' and power as a Hallyu icon.�Super Junior, who debuted in 2005, has one member serving in the army and another who recently left, but they are still considered as one of the longest-lasting idol groups due to their strong international fanbase. One representative of the industry stated, "Those in the industry often say that no matter how popular a group is, there's a sort of 'change in tide' every five years.�But lately, seeing groups like Big Bang, there's been a change of thought. Depending on the direction and the musical mindset groups have, their lives are lengthened or shortened.�Idols are better prepared these days, and in order to avoid becoming replaced, they advance into other markets like acting, which has become a necessity now." Source: OSEN via Nate