Kang Mina has confirmed she will not be participating in the highly anticipated 10th anniversary reunion of I.O.I. On September 12, her agency Story J Company officially announced that Mina’s schedule made it impossible for her to join the project.
The reunion period coincides with the filming and promotional activities for her upcoming dramas, including Netflix’s horror-thriller Wish Your Death and tvN’s office romance Back to Work!.
The agency acknowledged the disappointment this decision may bring to fans but stressed that the choice was made after thorough discussions. They explained
We are aware of the long wait and high expectations from fans, and after thorough discussions with the artist, we decided to respect her wish to focus on acting. As a result, we reached the conclusion that it would be difficult for her to participate.
I.O.I was formed in 2016 through the Mnet survival program Produce 101 and quickly became one of the most talked-about project groups in K-pop. Comprised of Jeon Somi, Kim Sejeong, Choi Yoojung, Chungha, Kim Sohye, Zhou Jieqiong, Jung Chaeyeon, Kim Doyeon, Kang Mina, Lim Nayoung, and Yoo Yeonjung, the group debuted in May 2016 with the hit Dream Girls.
They later cemented their popularity with chart-toppers like Pick Me and Very Very Very. Despite their success, the group disbanded in January 2017 after just eight months of promotions, as originally planned.
Talks of a reunion have been circulating for months, with growing optimism after Jeon Somi and Jung Chaeyeon both hinted in recent interviews that members were “positively discussing” the project. The reunion is being planned for May 2026 to coincide with their debut anniversary, and it is expected to include various celebratory events, potentially new music, and fan-centered activities.
However, coordinating schedules among 11 members—many of whom are now pursuing solo careers, acting projects, or activities in different countries—has proven to be a significant challenge.
While Kang Mina’s absence will be felt, the reunion remains in the works to celebrate the group’s legacy and thank their longtime supporters.
Meanwhile, Kang Mina recently starred in Disney+’s superhero drama, Twelve (still ongoing) and Netflix movie Love Untangled.
