Kang Mina Denies I.O.I Rift Rumors, Reaffirms Acting Schedule Behind Reunion Absence

Kang Mina has denied speculation that her absence from I.O.I’s 10th-anniversary reunion project is connected to discord among the members. In messages shared through a fan communication platform on May 27, 2026, she said she remains in regular contact with the group, directly addressing IOI reunion rumors that had circulated after she and Zhou Jieqiong did not join the project. ¹

The comments came as I.O.I continued its anniversary activities without two members. The group released its third mini album, ‘I.O.I : LOOP,’ on May 19, 2026, and has Seoul concerts scheduled for May 29 to 31. ²

Kang Mina Addresses Rift Speculation

강미나 불화설 해명 Seoul acting schedule concept

Kang Mina’s latest comments were brief but direct. TenAsia reported on May 28, 2026, that she pushed back against the idea of strained relations by saying, “We are almost at one KakaoTalk message a day, and yet there are rift rumors.” ² EToday also reported that she said she contacts the members almost every day, framing her remarks as a denial of the speculation. ¹

She also appeared to criticize the attention given to the rumors, saying fans could instead congratulate I.O.I on its No. 1 result. ² The available source material does not specify the exact chart, program, or ranking category tied to that remark, so the statement is best understood as part of her response to the controversy rather than as a separate confirmed performance record.

The rumor stemmed from the lineup for I.O.I’s anniversary project. Kang Mina and Zhou Jieqiong were not part of the reunion activities, while the project proceeded as a nine-member return. Sports Donga reported in February 2026, citing Swing Entertainment, that the 10th-anniversary project would move forward without Kang Mina and Zhou Jieqiong because of previously scheduled commitments. ³

Kang Mina’s message did not introduce a new reason for her absence. Instead, it reinforced the account that had already been given in earlier reporting: she had existing acting-related work and chose to focus on that schedule.

Acting Commitments Remain The Stated Reason

Kang Mina had previously addressed the issue publicly on April 21, 2026, at a press event for the Netflix series ‘기리고.’ Sports Seoul reported that she explained her decision by saying, “It was my decision to focus on acting activities that had already been scheduled first.” ⁴

Financial News, citing Newsis, also reported from the same April 21 event that Kang Mina expressed regret to fans while explaining that she would concentrate on acting activities. She was quoted as saying, “I feel only very sorry to the fans.” ⁵

Her later interview comments followed the same line. In an April 29, 2026 interview reported by Sports Chosun, Kang Mina said it was unfortunate that she could not participate in the 10th-anniversary project, but that she was supporting the members. The report also said she explained that drama filming and promotional schedules made participation difficult, and that she and the members exchanged support through direct messages and social media reactions. ⁶

Taken together, the available reports show consistency rather than a shift in explanation. The February announcement identified schedule conflicts. The April press event and interview specified acting, filming, and promotional commitments. The May fan-platform comments rejected the interpretation that her absence reflected poor relations with other I.O.I members.

I.O.I Reunion Continues As Nine-Member Project

I.O.I’s 2026 activities are tied to the group’s 10th anniversary. Sports Donga reported on February 23, 2026, that Swing Entertainment confirmed the group’s May comeback, with a new album, a Seoul concert, and an Asia tour planned as part of the anniversary project. ³

The reunion follows the end of I.O.I’s official activities in 2017. Sports Seoul described the 2026 project as the group coming together again after about nine years, with Kang Mina and Zhou Jieqiong absent for personal circumstances. ⁴

The project has since moved beyond announcement stage. The third mini album ‘I.O.I : LOOP’ was released on May 19, 2026, according to multiple reports, and the Seoul concert run is set for May 29 to 31. ² EToday also reported that Kang Mina did not participate because she was focusing on her acting career, while Zhou Jieqiong was unable to join because of activities in China. ¹

I.O.I 10주년 불화설 해명 reunion absence concept

Kang Mina’s denial narrows the issue around her absence from the anniversary lineup. Based on the available source material, the confirmed explanation remains scheduling and acting-related commitments, while the claim of discord among I.O.I members has been directly rejected by Kang Mina herself.