Actor Park Ji-hoon has shared his thoughts on the upcoming Wanna One reunion reality project, describing the experience as both emotional and unexpected, while clarifying that not all members were able to participate due to personal circumstances. Park spoke about the reunion during an interview held on January 27 in Seoul, conducted as part of promotions for his upcoming film ‘The Man Who Lives With the King,’ directed by Jang Hang-jun.
Filming for the Reunion Has Already Begun
According to Park, filming for the Wanna One reunion reality show has already taken place, with several episodes still remaining. “We already filmed, and there are still a few episodes left,” he said. “We did individual pre meetings, and we also gathered to eat together, which was captured on camera.” He added that the members later met again, though he was unable to attend due to conflicting filming schedules.
Kang Daniel and Lai Kuan-lin Absent
Park explained that while most members participated willingly, Kang Daniel and Lai Kuan-lin were unable to join. “Daniel is currently enlisted in the military, and Kuan-lin is in China,” Park said. “Aside from that, everyone gladly took part, and the filming was genuinely fun.”
“Just Being Together Felt Surreal”
Reflecting on the experience, Park described the reunion as emotionally meaningful. “Seeing the people who once shared those moments with us, and knowing that fans still care so deeply, made the experience very touching,” he said. “We were happy together back then, and being in the same place again brought back so many memories. Just being together felt surreal.”
On Staying in Touch With Members
When asked about maintaining contact with Wanna One members, Park said he is not someone who frequently reaches out. “It’s not that there are any bad feelings,” he explained. “I’m just not the type to contact people often.”
He added that because the members spent so much time together during their active years, their bond does not depend on frequent communication. “We lived together longer than we lived with our families at one point,” he said. “Even if we don’t talk often, when we meet, it’s always the same older brothers and younger brothers. Everyone is busy living their own lives.”
Group Chat Still Active
Park also shared that the group’s messaging chat remains active, particularly ahead of important events. “For the VIP screening of my film, members who were available volunteered to come, which I was very grateful for,” he said. “The group chat has been lively lately.”
Current Project: ‘The Man Who Lives With the King’
Park Ji-hoon stars as King Danjong (Lee Hong-wi) in ‘The Man Who Lives With the King,’ a historical film set in 1457 at Cheongnyeongpo. The story follows a village leader who voluntarily enters exile for the sake of his community, and a young deposed king forced into exile. Directed by Jang Hang-jun, known for ‘Bring Me Home,’ ‘Recalled,’ and ‘Rebound,’ the film is scheduled to premiere on February 4.
Editor’s Insight
There’s something incredibly grounded about the way Park Ji-hoon talks about his Wanna One brothers. In an industry that usually polishes every statement until it’s perfectly “on-brand,” hearing him admit that he isn’t the type to reach out daily—but feels like no time has passed when they finally do meet—is so relatable. It takes the “Wanna One” legacy out of the realm of idol fantasy and makes it feel like a real, lifelong friendship. It’s that “work family” dynamic we’ve all experienced, where you might not talk for months, but you’d still show up for them in a heartbeat.
It is also fascinating to see how his role as the tragic King Danjong has clearly matured him. There is a weight to his words now that wasn’t there during his “Wink Boy” days. By being upfront about Kang Daniel’s military service and Lai Kuan-lin’s career in China, he’s treating the fans like adults who understand the complexities of real life. This kind of raw sincerity is exactly why he’s managed to successfully bridge the gap between being a “National Producer’s Pick” and becoming one of the most respected leading men of the 2026 cinema season. He isn’t just a star; he’s a storyteller who respects where he came from.