Former I.O.I member-turned-actress Kang Mina personally explained why she will not join the group’s 10th-anniversary reunion project.
On the 21st, Kang Mina attended the press conference for the Netflix original If Wishes Could Kill at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Director Park Yun-seo and actors Jeon So-young, Kang Mina, Hyun Woo-seok, Lee Hyo-je, and Noh Jae-won were also present. With many rookie actors in attendance, attention zeroed in on Kang Mina, who left a strong impression on the public through her past I.O.I promotions.
I.O.I is a project group formed in 2016 through Mnet’s Produce 101. The group received huge love with multiple hits, including 'Very Very Very' and 'Downpour'. Recently, celebrating their 10th debut anniversary, they announced a reunion and teased a new album set for release on May 19.
However, Kang Mina will not take part in the project, leaving fans disappointed. Regarding this, Kang Mina said, "Not being able to join the 10th-anniversary project was a decision that was very disappointing for me as well." She continued, "I decided it was right to focus on my already-scheduled acting commitments and current projects," adding, "It wasn’t an easy decision, but I wanted to give my best to what I’m doing now."
She also expressed her apologies to fans. "I only feel sorry to the fans," she said. "I’ll focus even more on my acting and show you good work. I hope you’ll watch with kindness."
Meanwhile, If Wishes Could Kill tells the story of high school students who, after receiving a sudden death notice due to the curse of a wish-granting app called 'Kirigo', struggle desperately to escape their fates.
Kang Mina transforms into Nari, a realist who doesn’t believe in the curse. "I’ve kept a bob for years, but I grew out long, straight hair for this role," she shared. "I get scared easily and can’t handle horror well, but on set I was determined not to even bat an eye."
The eight-episode If Wishes Could Kill premieres on Netflix on the 24th.