Wanna One Reunion Reality Check: What Kang Daniel’s Military News Really Means

The Reality Check We Weren't Ready For

Fans everywhere thought 2026 would finally be the year for a *full* Wanna One stage together. But on January 2, when Kang Daniel answered a fan on Weverse about the group’s reunion, the vibe shifted — and it hit hard in that “grown-up real talk” way. Daniel didn’t just dodge; he kept it honest. He said that because he’s heading into his mandatory military service, he’ll likely only be able to film a little bit — maybe just the intro. What he actually meant by “studying abroad”? That’s his way of saying military enlistment. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

If you’ve been deep in Wannable threads since Produce 101 Season 2 dropped Wanna One in 2017, you know what a full 11-member moment would mean — pure nostalgia, peak emotion, and a giant *reunion feels* wave. But this year’s version is shaping up to be something different. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

So What's Actually Happening with Wanna One?

Just one day before Daniel’s comment hit feeds, Mnet’s content platform Mnet Plus dropped a teaser titled “2026 COMING SOON #우리다시만나,” featuring cassette imagery and *봄바람 (Spring Breeze)* — one of Wanna One’s most iconic tracks. The teaser sent the fandom into a frenzy, with hashtags like #워너원재결합 trending immediately. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

But according to multiple reports, this won’t be a traditional comeback with all members performing a new mini-album or stage tour. Instead, Mnet is preparing a **new reality show** featuring the members reconnecting with each other and Wannables. The goal is to spotlight the genuine interactions and behind-the-scenes chemistry fans always loved most. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Why This Matters More Than You Might Think

Of course, it *feels disappointing* not to get a full group comeback with all eleven members onstage. That reaction is totally valid. We’ve all imagined that moment ever since Wanna One’s 2019 disbandment. But what Kang Daniel’s candid response actually shows is something deeper: he cares about the fans, and he’s choosing honesty over hype. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

His upcoming enlistment means he won’t be fully present, but he’s still stepping in to film what he can. That speaks to how much these members value their connection with Wannables — even if it’s not the *comeback concert* we all dreamed of. And the reality show path? It actually lines up perfectly with the content that defined Wanna One’s fandom years: genuine moments, unscripted laughs, quirky memories, and that up-close sense of group chemistry that a staged performance doesn’t always capture. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

What We're Waiting For Now

The big question left hanging is: when will this reality show drop, and what will it *look* like? Mnet hasn’t given exact dates yet, but the “2026” teaser strongly suggests something within the first half of the year. With Kang Daniel able to join only briefly — maybe for the intro — this project could end up being carefully designed, emotional, and intentional rather than just a spontaneous reunion. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

For now, that’s what we have: not the comeback many hoped for, but something that still honors why Wanna One matters and why fans never stopped believing they’d see them together again. Sometimes the reality isn’t what you imagined — but that doesn’t mean it can’t still be meaningful.