Even the heavy spring rain could not dampen the “spring breeze” brought back by project group Wanna One.
The group, which once made history in Korea’s project idol scene, reunited with their fandom Wannable after seven years. On the morning of April 6, they held an opening ceremony at DMC Culture Park in Mapo-gu, Seoul, to celebrate the launch of Mnet Plus’s new variety show Wanna One Go: Back to Base, greeting fans in person.
“We won’t forget our spring days. This has been Wanna One.” About seven years after their final farewell at the Gocheok Dome concert in January 2019, the group returned once again in the spring.
Nine out of eleven members gathered for the event, including Park Ji Hoon, Lee Dae Hwi, Kim Jae Hwan, Ong Seong Wu, Park Woo Jin, Yoon Ji Sung, Hwang Min Hyun, Bae Jin Young, and Ha Sung Woon. Kang Daniel and Lai Kuanlin were unable to attend due to military service and overseas schedules, respectively. However, standees representing them were placed on-site, and the members even posed arm-in-arm beside them, symbolizing their unity.
Some fans had stayed overnight to secure spots for the ceremony, braving the rain without leaving their places until morning.
Appearing in school uniforms reminiscent of their early days on Produce 101 Season 2 (2017), the nine members greeted fans individually before gathering in a circle, showcasing their unchanged bond. Hwang Min Hyun expressed his hope, saying, “Starting today, I wish we can spend more time together.”
Since their debut in 2017, Wanna One quickly rose to fame selling over a million copies of their debut album, performing at Gocheok Sky Dome, and sweeping both Rookie of the Year and Daesang awards. Their success sparked the “Wanna One syndrome,” turning idol audition programs into a nationwide phenomenon.
They were even grouped alongside top acts like EXO and BTS under the nickname “ExBangWan (EXO-BTS-Wanna One),” highlighting their immense influence. Coincidentally, with EXO and BTS resuming activities this year, Wanna One’s return is further fueling nostalgia among fans of second- and third-generation K-pop.
After disbandment, the members continued to grow individually as solo artists, actors, and producers. Now, their reunion project Wanna One Go: Back to Base set to premiere on April 28 is expected to deliver both freshness and emotional resonance for long-time fans.
As pioneers of Mnet’s “Produce” series and creators of the so-called “Sangam pop” sound, Wanna One laid the foundation for a distinct K-pop style characterized by dynamic compositions, synchronized choreography, and striking visuals.
Today, newer groups like ZEROBASEONE and ALPHA DRIVE ONE continue that legacy. Yet for many fans, the return of Wanna One is more than just a reunion it is the revival of a defining era in K-pop history.
Sources: Nate
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