Wanna One Members Reunite After 7 Years: A Historic Comeback that Revives an Era

It is so obvious that, in this ever-evolving music industry, K-pop thrives on evolution. Still, certain groups leave behind a legacy such that, even after disbanding, their impact continues to resonate with the audience. Wanna One is one of the most memorable groups, and it’s now reuniting after 7 years. As this group is defined as an entire generation of K-pop between 2017 and 2019, fans worldwide became so curious and excited that they would once again hear the group together. This marks a monumental moment for fans and the entire globe. Let’s dive deeper and study Wanna One’s reunion after 7 years.

Origin of Wanna One

Before we read about Wanna One’s reunion, it’s crucial to study their history from where the group’s journey began. The group, Wanna One, was formed through Mnet’s survival show Produce 101 Season 2 in 2017, where the top 10 contestants selected by the audience formed the group. Instant national attention and popularity were gained as the final episode of the show got well over 16 million votes. It had Park Ji-hoon, Kang Daniel, Lai Kuan-lin, Hwang Min-hyun, Bae Jin-young, Yoon Ji-sung, Ha Sung-woon, Ong Seong-wu, Park Woo-jin, Lee Dae-hwi, and Kim Jae-hwan.

Even though it became a worldwide influence, it was just a temporary group project. It debuted its first album, named 1×1=1 (To Be One), with the title track “Energetic” on August 7, 2017. This was not only what they achieved after the instant success of the album, but there was much more. After selling well over 1 million copies of their first album, they released Gocheok Sky Dome, which became Korea’s latest venue. Eventually, they won multiple Rookie of the Year awards and a Daesang (grand prize).

Disbandment in 2019

Their massive success every time they released a song or performed live solidified their place in the K-pop industry, but one truth was that Wanna One was always meant to be a temporary group.

Their contract expiration on December 31, 2018, led to the group’s last activity in January 2019, titled “Therefore,” which was a farewell. Many fans struggled to move on from them, as it left a deep wound in the K-pop industry. Its impact made it one of the most missed K-pop groups in history. After disbandment, members pursued their solo careers.

Wanna One’s First Reunion: 2021 MAMA Reunion

Before  Wanna One’s 2026 reunion, the group members reunited for the first time in 2021 at MAMA (Mnet Asian Music Awards). However, their energetic performance of Beautiful (Part 3) was only a one-time thing, but this led the fans to hope for something bigger in the future. As the year passed, fans’ expectations started fading away of seeing the reunion or the members together again.

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2026 Reunion Announcement

Out of nowhere, in April 2026, Mnet officially announced that one of the most remembered groups, Wanna One, is going to reunite for another reality show, “Wanna One Go: Back to Base.” The announcement became the reason for shockwaves across the globe and went viral within a few minutes. Wanna One held a reunion fan meet and greet event in Seoul on April 6, 2026, for launching their new show, which is set to premiere on April 28, 2026. 

Mnet stated that the event would start at 10:00 a.m. Monday, but fans began lining up on the day before so they could hold a good spot. Despite heavy rain and harsh weather, fans attended the event, showing an unwavering affection towards the group’s reunion. Yoon Li, the leader, shared, “There’s a lyric in ‘Promise’ that goes, ‘ I first met you on the day the cherry blossoms fall.’ It feels like meeting again for the first time. I hope Wanna One and wannabes create many good memories. The thing I wanted to say to most wannabes is that I love you.”

Further, “Thank you so much for coming. Standing here brings back many old memories, and I feel a mix of emotions. As you’ve waited so long, we’ll gift you with more wonderful and diverse memories,” Jin-Young added. On an online platform, one fan shared how the event brought back unforgettable memories, even though the group stayed away from K-pop for several years.

Missing Members: Lai Kuan-lin and Kang Daniel

Apart from a great fan meet and greet event with nostalgic moments, including all the members of Wanna One, two of them were missing. It was noted that Kang Daniel is presently fulfilling his military duties, and Lai Kuan-lin has no more interest in continuing idol activities, the reason being their absence. Even though both of them were missed, the reunion was deeply meaningful and celebrated heavily.

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The Concept of “Back to Base”

The group will be seen in its new reality show, ‘Wanna One Go: Back to Base.’ The title ‘Back to Base’ has a symbolic meaning, i.e., returning to their roots, the place where it all began. For this reason, in their launch event, the members wore school uniforms from the Produce 101 Season 2 days.

As per the media, the show is expected to bring back and reflect their journey, show behind-the-scenes highlights, highlight the growth of each member in their journeys, and rebuild the group’s chemistry. Fans all over the global K-pop community are deeply resonating with the show’s concept, which shows its upcoming success already.

Wanna One Reunion After 7 Years

Wanna One members’ official reunion after 7 years is more than just a comeback, symbolizing a similar beginning but a new era for their group. In the K-pop industry, which is defined by its rapid changes and evolution, Wanna One sets an example by becoming a testament to timeless impact. The group’s comeback reminds fans why they became obsessed with the group in the first place. This new chapter of Wanna One would be shaped with maturity and experience, while two of its members will be missed, who might not be seen in the group again.

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