Wanna One, the sensational South Korean boy group formed through the reality show Produce 101 Season 2, captured hearts worldwide during their brief but impactful career.

However, like many K-pop project groups, their time in the spotlight was destined to be short-lived. This article delves into when Wanna One disbanded and the reasons behind their disbandment.

Formation and Rise to Fame

Produce 101 Season 2

• The Concept: Produce 101 Season 2 was a reality survival show where 101 trainees from various entertainment companies competed to debut in a temporary boy group. Viewers voted to determine the final lineup.
• Final Lineup: The final 11 members, chosen through public voting, formed Wanna One. These members were Kang Daniel, Park Jihoon, Lee Daehwi, Kim Jaehwan, Ong Seongwu, Park Woojin, Lai Kuanlin, Yoon Jisung, Hwang Minhyun, Bae Jinyoung, and Ha Sungwoon.

Debut and Success

• Debut Date: Wanna One officially debuted on August 7, 2017, with their EP 1×1=1 (To Be One), which included the hit single “Energetic.”
• Achievements: The group quickly rose to fame, winning numerous awards and achieving commercial success with their subsequent releases. Their popularity was evident through sold-out concerts, high album sales, and a massive fanbase.

When Did Wanna One Disband?

Contract Duration

• Temporary Group: From the outset, Wanna One was formed as a project group with a limited contract duration. The members’ contracts were set to expire at the end of 2018.
• Final Concert: Wanna One’s final activity as a group was their farewell concert series, Therefore, held from January 24 to January 27, 2019, in Seoul. The concert marked the official end of their activities.

Disbandment Date

• Official Date: Wanna One officially disbanded on January 27, 2019, after the conclusion of their farewell concert. Following this, the members returned to their respective agencies to pursue individual careers.

Why Did Wanna One Disband?

Pre-Determined Contract

• Project Group Nature: The primary reason for Wanna One’s disbandment was the pre-determined nature of their contract. The group’s formation was always intended to be temporary, allowing members to gain exposure and experience before moving on to individual pursuits.
• Contract Expiry: Despite their immense popularity, the members’ contracts with CJ E&M and Swing Entertainment were not extended, leading to the group’s disbandment as planned.

Career Aspirations

• Solo Careers and New Groups: Many members had aspirations for solo careers or to join new groups within their original agencies. Disbanding allowed them to focus on these new opportunities.
• Personal Growth: The end of Wanna One provided each member the chance to grow artistically and personally, exploring different musical styles and expanding their horizons beyond the group.

Post-Disbandment Activities

Individual Success

• Kang Daniel: He launched a successful solo career, founding his own agency, KONNECT Entertainment. Kang Daniel’s releases have topped charts and garnered significant attention.
• Ong Seongwu: He pursued acting alongside his music career, starring in dramas like At Eighteen and releasing solo music.
• Other Members: Each member embarked on their own path, with some joining new groups, participating in acting projects, or releasing solo music.

Reunions and Special Projects

• Reunion Performances: The members have occasionally reunited for special performances, delighting fans with nostalgic renditions of their hits.
• Ongoing Popularity: Despite disbanding, Wanna One’s legacy continues to influence the K-pop industry, and their music remains beloved by fans.

Where Are the Wanna One Members Now?

Kang Daniel

• Solo Artist: Kang Daniel has become a prominent solo artist with multiple chart-topping singles and albums.
• Entrepreneur: He founded his own entertainment company, KONNECT Entertainment, to manage his activities.

Park Jihoon

• Solo Career: Park Jihoon has released solo music and acted in dramas, gaining popularity as both a singer and actor.
• Notable Works: His notable dramas include Love Revolution and At a Distance, Spring is Green.

Lee Daehwi and Park Woojin

• AB6IX Members: Both Lee Daehwi and Park Woojin debuted in the boy group AB6IX under Brand New Music.
• Success: AB6IX has achieved significant success with their music, both in South Korea and internationally.

Kim Jaehwan

• Solo Artist: Kim Jaehwan has focused on his solo singing career, showcasing his powerful vocals through various releases.
• Musical Ventures: He has also participated in musical theater, further diversifying his talents.

Ong Seongwu

• Acting Career: Ong Seongwu has established himself as a talented actor, starring in dramas like At Eighteen and More Than Friends.
• Solo Music: He continues to release solo music, maintaining a dual career in acting and singing.

Lai Kuanlin

• China Activities: Lai Kuanlin has focused on his career in China, participating in various acting and variety show projects.
• Music Collaborations: He has also collaborated with other artists on music projects.

Yoon Jisung

• Solo Music: Yoon Jisung released solo music and participated in musicals before enlisting in the military.
• Military Service: He completed his mandatory military service and has since returned to the entertainment industry.

Hwang Minhyun

• NU’EST Member: Hwang Minhyun rejoined his original group NU’EST, continuing to release music and perform with them.
• Acting: He has also ventured into acting, appearing in dramas like Live On.

Bae Jinyoung

• CIX Member: Bae Jinyoung debuted in the boy group CIX, achieving success with their music and performances.
• Versatility: He continues to grow as an artist, exploring various musical styles.

Ha Sungwoon

• Solo Career: Ha Sungwoon has released multiple solo albums and singles, showcasing his vocal talent.
• Collaborations: He has collaborated with various artists and participated in OSTs for dramas.

Conclusion

Wanna One’s journey, though short-lived, left a lasting impact on the K-pop world. Their disbandment on January 27, 2019, was a result of their pre-determined contract duration, allowing the members to pursue individual careers.

The group’s success story continues to inspire, and their contributions to K-pop remain significant. Each member has successfully carved out a path in the entertainment industry, ensuring that the legacy of Wanna One lives on through their individual achievements.