A Possible Comeback Years in the Making
Nearly a decade after lighting up the K-pop scene, Wanna One might just be making a long-awaited return. Lee Daehwi (now of AB6IX) and Bae Jinyoung (formerly of CIX) recently hinted at plans for a 10th-anniversary reunion in 2027. And yes—fans are already holding their breath.
The Scoop Came From a YouTube Chat
The revelations came during a YouTube episode of Donghaemul and Baekdu Unhyuk, where Super Junior’s Eunhyuk sat down with Daehwi and Jinyoung to wax nostalgic about their Wanna One days. Eunhyuk asked the big question: “Is a reunion totally off the table?” Daehwi responded confidently, “We always say we’ll do it someday. All the members are 100% in.”
Group Chats Never Die
Turns out, the former members still keep in touch via a group chat—yes, even after all these years. “Ha Sungwoon-hyung and Hwang Minhyun-hyung are the most active in our chat. They’re the ones who’ll always say ‘Let’s get everyone together!’ and even show up on variety shows with us,” Daehwi shared gratefully.
Why 2027 Could Be the Magic Year
Here’s the catch: military service. Like many K-pop idols, several members are either currently serving or due to enlist soon. “We’re eyeing 2027 because that’s when the older members will have completed their service—right before the younger ones start theirs,” Daehwi explained. Bae Jinyoung chimed in, “That timeline actually works out perfectly.”
Bonus fact? 2027 is Wanna One’s 10th debut anniversary. Cosmic timing, anyone?
Fans Still Longing for That Stage
Wanna One last reunited in 2021 at the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA), performing a special stage minus Lai Kuanlin. But fans have been clamoring for a full-on comeback ever since.
That said, there’s no sugarcoating the logistical headaches. Singer Ha Sungwoon admitted, “Every time we try to make plans, someone’s enlisting. It’s like musical chairs with military service.” Fellow member Ong Seongwu added, “If it were just about us wanting to do it, we’d be on stage tomorrow. But reality says otherwise.”
Don’t Get Your Hopes Too High—Yet
While no dates have been set, the intention is clearly there. Still, Daehwi was careful not to overpromise. “I’m cautious just saying this. I don’t want fans waiting forever. But if we keep saying it out loud, maybe it’ll actually happen.” Manifestation, K-pop edition.
What’s Next?
With 2027 edging closer each year, the hope for a full-blown Wanna One reunion feels more real than ever. Until then, the fandom will keep watching—and rewatching—that YouTube interview and counting down the days.
So, would a 10th-anniversary reunion be K-pop’s most iconic comeback yet? Only time (and military schedules) will tell.
