Singer and actress Kang Mi-Na will not be participating in IOI’s highly anticipated 10th anniversary reunion project, industry insiders confirmed on September 12.
The reunion, scheduled for next year to commemorate the group’s debut anniversary, has been generating excitement among fans. Recently, Jeon So Mi, who ranked first on Mnet’s 'PRODUCE 101' and debuted with I.O.I, expressed optimism about the reunion, saying in an interview that she was “very positive about reuniting” and was “already coordinating her schedule.”
Discussions around the reunion began earlier this year, with most members expressing interest in taking part despite their busy solo careers as singers and actresses. One industry official noted, “Each member has been active in different fields, so the group has been working to adjust schedules as quickly as possible.”
The reunion is expected to take place around May next year, in line with I.O.I’s debut date. However, Kang Mi Na, who has transitioned into acting since her days in I.O.I and Gugudan, will be unable to join due to conflicting schedules.
Currently, Kang Mi Na is building her career as an actress, having been cast in the upcoming Netflix series 'Wish Your Death' and the tvN drama 'See You at Work Tomorrow!.' Although she reportedly made significant efforts to adjust her schedule to participate in the group activities, scheduling conflicts ultimately prevented her involvement.
Her agency, StoryJ Company, released a statement: “The period being discussed for the reunion overlaps with both the filming and promotional schedule of Kang Mi Na’s upcoming projects. We fully understand the anticipation and excitement of fans who have been waiting a long time, and after long discussions with the artist, we decided to respect her wish to focus on her acting activities. Therefore, she will not be able to participate in this reunion.”
Despite her absence, fans remain hopeful that I.O.I’s reunion will be a memorable celebration of the group’s legacy, even as its members continue to shine in their respective careers.
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