Actor Park Ji-hoon says fan support was the driving force behind Wanna One’s long-awaited return.
In an interview held January 27 in Seoul to celebrate the upcoming release of his new film “The King's Warden,” Park looked back on the group’s first reunion in seven years. “There are still so many people who love us,” he said. “We wanted to do something―anything―for the fans.”
“When the guys suggested we get together, everyone agreed right away,” he added. “I especially want to thank Min-hyun and Seong-wu for taking the lead in making it happen.”
Wanna One formed in August 2017 through Mnet’s audition series "Produce 101 Season 2" and originally featured 11 members: Yoon Ji-sung, Ha Sung-woon, Hwang Min-hyun, Ong Seong-wu, Kim Jae-hwan, Kang Daniel, Park Ji-hoon, Park Woo-jin, Bae Jin-young, Lee Dae-hwi, and Lai Kuanlin. The group recently confirmed a reunion after seven years, thrilling fans. Nine members―excluding Kang Daniel, who is preparing for military enlistment, and Lai Kuanlin, who is active overseas―will reconnect with fans through a reality program in the first half of the year.
Before the reunion, Park is making his leading-man debut on the big screen with “The King's Warden.” With a week to go, early buzz has been strong, and his Wanna One bandmates are cheering him on at the box office.
“We’ve got a VIP screening tonight (the 27th), and the guys said they’re coming on their own,” Park said with a smile. “I’m curious to see how they’ll react after watching the film.”
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)