{"id":724,"date":"2025-09-15T04:06:20","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T04:06:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/saranghero.com\/blog\/?p=724"},"modified":"2025-09-15T04:06:43","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T04:06:43","slug":"kang-mina-will-sit-out-i-o-is-10th-anniversary-reunion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/saranghero.com\/blog\/kang-mina-will-sit-out-i-o-is-10th-anniversary-reunion\/","title":{"rendered":"Kang Mina Will Sit Out I.O.I\u2019s 10th Anniversary Reunion"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Fans hoping to see <strong>Kang Mina<\/strong> reunite with her I.O.I bandmates for their 10th debut anniversary will be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On September 12, 2025, her agency confirmed she will be unable to join the reunion project planned for <strong>May 2026<\/strong> because the schedule clashes with her acting and promotional duties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-image uagb-block-ebe56a08 wp-block-uagb-image--layout-default wp-block-uagb-image--effect-static wp-block-uagb-image--align-none\"><figure class=\"wp-block-uagb-image__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/saranghero.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-12.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"uag-image-725\" width=\"660\" height=\"435\" title=\"Screenshot (12)\" loading=\"lazy\" role=\"img\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-advanced-heading uagb-block-8f11a7df\"><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/saranghero.com\/blog\/kang-mina-will-sit-out-i-o-is-10th-anniversary-reunion\/#Why_Kang_Mina_Cant_Participate\" title=\"Why Kang Mina Can\u2019t Participate\">Why Kang Mina Can\u2019t Participate<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/saranghero.com\/blog\/kang-mina-will-sit-out-i-o-is-10th-anniversary-reunion\/#What_Is_the_Reunion_Project_About\" title=\"What Is the Reunion Project About?\">What Is the Reunion Project About?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/saranghero.com\/blog\/kang-mina-will-sit-out-i-o-is-10th-anniversary-reunion\/#Kang_Minas_Recent_Acting_Work\" title=\"Kang Mina\u2019s Recent Acting Work\">Kang Mina\u2019s Recent Acting Work<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/saranghero.com\/blog\/kang-mina-will-sit-out-i-o-is-10th-anniversary-reunion\/#What_Her_Absence_Means_for_the_Reunion\" title=\"What Her Absence Means for the Reunion\">What Her Absence Means for the Reunion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/saranghero.com\/blog\/kang-mina-will-sit-out-i-o-is-10th-anniversary-reunion\/#Our_Take_on_IOIs_Upcoming_Reunion\" title=\"Our Take on I.O.I&#8217;s Upcoming Reunion\">Our Take on I.O.I&#8217;s Upcoming Reunion<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/saranghero.com\/blog\/kang-mina-will-sit-out-i-o-is-10th-anniversary-reunion\/#What_to_Look_Forward_To\" title=\"What to Look Forward To\">What to Look Forward To<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/saranghero.com\/blog\/kang-mina-will-sit-out-i-o-is-10th-anniversary-reunion\/#Final_Thoughts\" title=\"Final Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"uagb-heading-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Kang_Mina_Cant_Participate\"><\/span>Why Kang Mina Can\u2019t Participate<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The agency, <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.storyjcompany.com\/theme\/storyj\/02\/artist_list.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Story J Company<\/a><\/strong>, shared that Mina has already committed to filming upcoming dramas and the promotion period tied to those roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They say they had lengthy discussions with her and considered fans\u2019 expectations. Ultimately, Mina decided to focus on her acting career this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-advanced-heading uagb-block-4fde8e5b\"><h3 class=\"uagb-heading-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_the_Reunion_Project_About\"><\/span>What Is the Reunion Project About?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-advanced-heading uagb-block-6f846599\"><h3 class=\"uagb-heading-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kang_Minas_Recent_Acting_Work\"><\/span>Kang Mina\u2019s Recent Acting Work<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Since I.O.I disbanded in early 2017, Mina has shifted her focus toward acting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Among recent projects is her role in the KBS2 and Disney+ drama Twelve. She is also cast in Netflix\u2019s upcoming horror series Wish Your Death and the office romance drama Back to Work! (literal title) airing on tvN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-advanced-heading uagb-block-15c5a568\"><h3 class=\"uagb-heading-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Her_Absence_Means_for_the_Reunion\"><\/span>What Her Absence Means for the Reunion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s decision signals how complex reunions are when members\u2019 schedules have diverged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-advanced-heading uagb-block-213382c2\"><h2 class=\"uagb-heading-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Our_Take_on_IOIs_Upcoming_Reunion\"><\/span>Our Take on I.O.I&#8217;s Upcoming Reunion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s heart isn\u2019t entirely in it, or schedule pressures are tight, the result might not meet expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I.O.I\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-advanced-heading uagb-block-e5a1bf76\"><h3 class=\"uagb-heading-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_Look_Forward_To\"><\/span>What to Look Forward To<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u2022<\/strong> Updates from the rest of the I.O.I members about specific plans for the reunion project.<br><strong>\u2022<\/strong> Announcement of how many members will be participating and what form the reunion will take (album, performances, fan events).<br><span style=\"margin: 0px;padding: 0px\"><strong>\u2022<\/strong>\u00a0Mina\u2019s upcoming drama releases and promotional activities will give fan<\/span>s more of her acting work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-advanced-heading uagb-block-40eb9a1e\"><h2 class=\"uagb-heading-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span>Final Thoughts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For all the latest on I.O.I, Kang Mina, and more in K-pop and K-drama, check out <a href=\"https:\/\/saranghero.com\/\" title=\"\">SarangHero<\/a> regularly. We bring you fresh news, honest takes, and everything you care about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fans hoping to see Kang Mina reunite with her I.O.I bandmates for their 10th debut anniversary will be disappointed. On [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":725,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-724","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-kpop"],"aioseo_notices":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/saranghero.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-12.png",660,435,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/saranghero.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-12-150x150.png",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/saranghero.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-12-300x198.png",300,198,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/saranghero.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-12.png",660,435,false],"large":["https:\/\/saranghero.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-12.png",660,435,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/saranghero.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-12.png",660,435,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/saranghero.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-12.png",660,435,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Paola","author_link":"https:\/\/saranghero.com\/blog\/author\/paolalimingmail-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":1,"uagb_excerpt":"Fans hoping to see Kang Mina reunite with her I.O.I bandmates for their 10th debut anniversary will be disappointed. On [&hellip;]","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/saranghero.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/724","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/saranghero.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/saranghero.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/saranghero.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/saranghero.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=724"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/saranghero.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/724\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":726,"href":"https:\/\/saranghero.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/724\/revisions\/726"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/saranghero.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/725"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/saranghero.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=724"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/saranghero.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=724"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/saranghero.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=724"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}