Fans hoping to see Kang Mina reunite with her I.O.I bandmates for their 10th debut anniversary will be disappointed.
On September 12, 2025, her agency confirmed she will be unable to join the reunion project planned for May 2026 because the schedule clashes with her acting and promotional duties.
The agency, Story J Company, shared that Mina has already committed to filming upcoming dramas and the promotion period tied to those roles.
They say they had lengthy discussions with her and considered fans’ expectations. Ultimately, Mina decided to focus on her acting career this time.
What Is the Reunion Project About?
I.O.I debuted in May 2016 after forming from the survival show Produce 101. The planned reunion is meant to fall around May 2026, in line with their original debut anniversary. Most members are expected to participate except Kang Mina.
Once the news broke, many fans expressed disappointment online. Some felt the reunion would not be the same without Mina. A few said they understood her decision, given her current acting career. Others were surprised that it had already been 10 years since I.O.I debuted.
Kang Mina’s Recent Acting Work
Since I.O.I disbanded in early 2017, Mina has shifted her focus toward acting.
Among recent projects is her role in the KBS2 and Disney+ drama Twelve. She is also cast in Netflix’s upcoming horror series Wish Your Death and the office romance drama Back to Work! (literal title) airing on tvN.
What Her Absence Means for the Reunion
The absence of Kang Mina means the upcoming I.O.I reunion will not feature the full original lineup. While reunions can still proceed meaningfully without all members, many fans hoped for full participation. Mina’s decision signals how complex reunions are when members’ schedules have diverged.
Some are hopeful that she might still make cameo appearances or contribute in other ways. Others believe the reunion should proceed so fans can cherish what can be achieved.
Our Take on I.O.I’s Upcoming Reunion
As someone who follows K-pop and K-dramas closely, I see both sides. Fans want the nostalgia, the complete lineups, the memories. However, artists evolve.
Kang Mina has built a solid acting career. The schedule conflicts show the challenge of combining group activities with personal careers. I respect her decision. Doing reunions well needs full commitment. If one member’s heart isn’t entirely in it, or schedule pressures are tight, the result might not meet expectations.
I.O.I’s legacy is strong. Even if this reunion is incomplete, it still matters. If handled well, it can remind people why the group was special. And it may open doors for individual members to revisit their roots in future projects under more favorable conditions.
What to Look Forward To
• Updates from the rest of the I.O.I members about specific plans for the reunion project.
• Announcement of how many members will be participating and what form the reunion will take (album, performances, fan events).
• Mina’s upcoming drama releases and promotional activities will give fans more of her acting work.
Final Thoughts
Kang Mina sitting out the I.O.I 10th anniversary reunion is bittersweet. Fans will miss seeing the complete original lineup on stage. Still, her acting journey is one of growth and opportunity. The reunion will proceed with others. It may not be perfect, but it can still be meaningful.
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