During a press conference on April 21, 2026, Kang Mina, a former member of the popular girl group I.O.I, addressed a topic that had been on the minds of many fans: her absence from the group’s highly anticipated reunion project. The reunion, which was highly anticipated after nearly a decade of inactivity, sparked a flurry of emotions among fans. Many were eager to see the original lineup reunited, but Kang Mina’s absence left some questions unanswered. Mina’s heartfelt response during the press conference shed light on her decision and offered a glimpse into her professional journey.

Mina expressed genuine regret and disappointment over not being part of the I.O.I reunion. It was clear from her words that the decision to not participate was not one she made lightly. “I feel very sorry to the fans,” she shared with sincerity, clearly understanding the weight of her absence on the fans who had supported her throughout her career. However, she made it clear that the reason for her absence was not due to a lack of desire to join her fellow members, but because of her prior commitments to her acting career.

As Mina explained, she had already made a firm commitment to her acting schedule, which ultimately made it difficult to be part of the I.O.I reunion project. She had been preparing for her role in the upcoming Netflix series, If Wishes Could Kill, which was set to premiere on April 24, 2026. Filming schedules had already been arranged, and as much as she would have liked to be a part of the reunion, her professional responsibilities as an actress took precedence at that time. She emphasized that choosing to focus on her acting career was the best decision she could have made, given the circumstances.

Despite this, Kang Mina expressed her gratitude and appreciation for her fans, many of whom had shown disappointment over her absence. “Please look kindly on me,” she said, offering a heartfelt message to her supporters. She assured them that her decision was made with careful consideration and that she still held a deep love and respect for her time with I.O.I. Her message to fans reflected her understanding of the situation and her desire for them to support her as she navigates this new chapter in her career.

Mina’s absence from the reunion, however, did not mean the end of her connection with her fans or her career in the entertainment industry. Instead, her decision to pursue acting marks a new direction in her professional life. The series If Wishes Could Kill, in which she plays a role, tells the story of a group of high school students who receive ominous predictions of their deaths through a mysterious wish-granting app. The drama, which blends suspense and mystery, is set to make its debut on Netflix on April 24, and it represents an exciting new phase in Mina’s career as an actress.

While many fans expressed their initial disappointment, there was also a great deal of support for her decision. Mina’s transparent and honest explanation helped to shift the conversation away from her absence and towards her future endeavors. Fans appreciated her commitment to her acting career, recognizing that it was an important and fulfilling opportunity for her. In her absence, the reunion project will still go on, but for Kang Mina, her journey as an actress is what matters most right now.

The I.O.I reunion is a highly significant event for fans, as the group made an incredible impact on the K-pop industry during its brief but successful run. The members of I.O.I each went on to pursue their own individual careers, and their reunion after such a long hiatus is a monumental occasion. However, each member’s decision to join or not join the reunion was ultimately shaped by their personal and professional goals. Kang Mina’s choice to prioritize her acting career is a reflection of her growth as an artist and her dedication to exploring new opportunities beyond her musical career.

Kang Mina’s heartfelt message to her fans made it clear that her decision was not a rejection of her past but a reflection of her current priorities and aspirations. While the I.O.I reunion will go on without her, her fans can take comfort in the fact that Kang Mina is committed to building a successful career in acting. Her honesty and openness about her decision have helped to ease the disappointment of her absence, and her fans now look forward to seeing her shine in a different light, on the small screen.

The future looks promising for Kang Mina as she continues to carve out her path in the entertainment industry. With her new acting project, If Wishes Could Kill, set to be released soon, her fans have something exciting to look forward to. Mina’s journey is far from over, and her supporters can continue to cheer her on as she takes on new challenges and roles in the years to come.