Yes, Wanna One officially disbanded. The group concluded all activities and their contract on December 31, 2018, with their final concerts extending into late January 2019, marking the end of their active period.
Wanna One was a highly successful South Korean project boy group formed through Mnet's 2017 survival reality show, Produce 101 Season 2. As a project group, their debut was contingent upon a predetermined, limited-time contract, which stipulated their eventual disbandment.
The Journey of a Project Group
Wanna One's journey was unique due to their origin and the nature of their contract.
Formation and Contractual Basis
The eleven members of Wanna One were chosen by public voting, culminating in their debut on August 7, 2017, under YMC Entertainment and later Swing Entertainment. Their success was immense, breaking numerous records and garnering a massive fanbase known as "Wannables." However, a key aspect of their formation was the fixed-term contract, designed to allow members to return to their respective agencies or pursue individual careers after the group's activities concluded.
Official Disbandment
The group's contract officially expired on December 31, 2018. While the contract ended then, their final official activities, including their farewell concert series titled Therefore, took place from January 24 to January 27, 2019, at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. This period marked their final engagements as a group, definitively concluding their active status in 2019.
Key Dates for Wanna One's Activity:
| Event | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Group Formation (Produce 101 S2) | June 16, 2017 | Finalists announced |
| Official Debut | August 7, 2017 | Released mini-album 1X1=1 (To Be One) |
| Contract Expiration | December 31, 2018 | Official end of group contract |
| Final Concerts (Therefore) | January 24-27, 2019 | Concluding active period as a group |
Post-Disbandment Activities
Following their disbandment, the members of Wanna One pursued individual careers, returning to their original agencies or debuting in new groups and as solo artists. Many have continued to achieve significant success in music, acting, and variety shows.
- Solo Careers: Members like Kang Daniel, Ong Seong-wu, Park Ji-hoon, and Kim Jae-hwan have established successful solo music careers.
- New Groups: Others, such as Hwang Min-hyun (NU'EST, then solo), Bae Jin-young (CIX), and Yoon Ji-sung (solo), have continued group activities or debuted in new ensembles.
- Acting and Variety: Several members, including Ong Seong-wu, Park Ji-hoon, and Lai Kuan-lin, have branched into acting, showcasing their versatility.
Occasional Reunions
Despite their official disbandment, Wanna One has occasionally reunited for special performances, much to the delight of their fans. A notable reunion occurred at the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA), where a majority of the members performed together, reigniting nostalgia and showcasing their enduring bond.
For more detailed information on their history and activities, you can refer to their Wanna One Wikipedia page.
