Kang Mina is speaking out about her absence from I.O.I’s long-awaited reunion.
At a press conference on April 21st for her upcoming Netflix series If Wishes Could Kill, the actress addressed why she chose not to participate in the group’s 10th anniversary project.
“It was a difficult decision,” Kang Mina said, referencing the reunion. “I chose to focus on acting projects that had already been scheduled.” She emphasized that the decision was entirely her own.
She also shared a message for fans: “I feel nothing but sorry. I’ll work even harder on my acting to show you a better performance.”
I.O.I, formed through Mnet’s Produce 101 in 2016, became a breakout project group with hits like “Very Very Very” and “Downpour.” The group officially wrapped activities in January 2017, but will reunite to mark their 10th anniversary with the mini album I.O.I : LOOP, set for release on May 19th—without Kang Mina.
Meanwhile, Kang Mina is continuing her acting career with If Wishes Could Kill, an eight-episode Netflix series premiering April 24th. The show follows high school students who receive death predictions through a wish-granting app and struggle to escape their fate.
She plays Nari, a character she described as someone “who will do whatever it takes to get what she wants.” Kang Mina also revealed she underwent a visual transformation for the role, trading her longtime short haircut for long, straight hair.
Despite admitting she’s easily scared and doesn’t usually watch horror, she said she pushed through filming with determination. “I went in telling myself I wouldn’t even flinch,” she said, highlighting her commitment to the role.
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