[instiz] “WHY DID WONDER GIRLS DISBAND?” SUNYE’S REMARKS FUELS ANGER AMONG FANS

Former Wonder Girls member Sunye has stirred controversy after mentioning the possibility of a reunion on a broadcast.

In particular, long-time fans of Wonder Girls, known as “Wonderful” (the fan club), who have supported the group since its debut in 2007, are expressing intense anger.

On March 12th, Sunye appeared on MBC’s “Radio Star” and, when asked if there were plans for a reunion, she said, “A lot of people have been asking me about this,” adding, “I don’t think anyone is opposed to it, and it feels like we’re waiting for the right time. If a good opportunity comes, we might reunite.” She also shared stories from her time as a member of Wonder Girls, including the pressure she felt from the competition with Girls’ Generation.

It’s not unusual for former girl group members to reflect on their active years or mention the possibility of a reunion. However, Sunye’s past actions and current circumstances have subtly triggered disappointment among fans. Wonder Girls, along with Girls’ Generation, 2NE1, and Kara, was considered a representative second-generation girl group. In September 2007, they released their first studio album, THE WONDER YEARS, and their title track “Tell Me” became a mega-hit, causing a nationwide “Tell Me” craze. Following that, songs like “So Hot” and “Nobody” were also huge hits, establishing Wonder Girls as a top idol group. 

However, in January 2013, Sunye, who was the leader and a core member, shocked fans by announcing her marriage to a missionary from abroad, and in April of the same year, she revealed that she was pregnant. Sunye stopped her activities with Wonder Girls, and in July 2015, just before their planned comeback, she officially left the group. At the same time, the youngest member, Sohee, also left, and Wonder Girls reorganized into a four-member group (Yeeun, Yubin, Sunmi, and Hyelim).

They continued to release albums like REBOOT (2015), Why So Lonely (2016), and Draw Me (2017), but unfortunately, they didn’t achieve the same level of success as their earlier hits, “Tell Me,” “So Hot,” and “Nobody.” Meanwhile, Girls’ Generation, which also started as a representative second-generation group, has maintained its complete lineup, except for Jessica’s departure in 2014, and in 2022, they released their 7th studio album FOREVER 1 to celebrate their 15th anniversary, making the disappointment of Wonder Girls’ fans even more pronounced.

While it’s not only Sunye’s fault, her marriage and pregnancy undeniably had a significant impact on the group’s activities. Among fans, there are mixed opinions about Sunye; although she has now become a mother of three, there’s still considerable support for her as she navigates her family life. However, after Sunye made her comeback in 2021 through tvN’s variety show Mama’s Idol and subsequently appeared in musicals and other entertainment programs, public opinion seems to have become divided. Some fans argue that it’s inappropriate for Sunye, who had a significant impact on the group’s disbandment, to appear on variety shows and even discuss the possibility of a reunion. Fans have reacted sharply, saying things like, “Is this something Sunye should be talking about?”, “Why did Wonder Girls disband?”, and “Everyone knows that Wonder Girls started to fall apart because of her.”

Although the decision to stop activities was made between Sunye and her agency, her return and being loved again is entirely dependent on the public’s choice. Sunye likely has her personal circumstances and frustrations, but after being away from Wonder Girls for 10 years, it raises the question of whether she should bring up the group again, potentially causing further issues. While it’s understandable that she wants to return to Korea and work hard as a mother of three, if she feels any guilt about the choice she made 10 years ago, it might be time for her to quietly focus on her individual career.