Longtime “Wonderfuls” (Wonder Girls’ fandom) who have supported the group since their 2007 debut are particularly enraged.
On the March 12 episode of MBC’s “Radio Star”, Sunye was asked about reunion plans. She responded, “A lot of people ask me this. It’s not like the members have no interest. It feels like we’re waiting for the right time. If a good opportunity arises, we might reunite.” She also shared stories about her time in Wonder Girls, including the pressure of competing with Girls’ Generation.
It’s not uncommon for former members of iconic girl groups to reflect on their past or discuss potential reunions. However, Sunye’s past actions and current situation have clashed in a way that disappoints fans. Wonder Girls, alongside Girls’ Generation, 2NE1 and KARA, was a leading second-generation girl group. They released their first full album “The Wonder Years” in September 2007, with the title track “Tell Me” becoming a mega-hit that ignited the “Tell Me craze” across Korea. Following that, “So Hot” and “Nobody” also became major hits, solidifying their status as a national idol group. However, in January 2013, leader and core member Sunye shocked fans by suddenly announcing her marriage to a Korean-Canadian missionary. In April of that year, she revealed her pregnancy, effectively halting her activities with Wonder Girls. Eventually, in July 2015, just before the group’s comeback, she officially left Wonder Girls. Around the same time, youngest member Sohee also departed, leading to Wonder Girls’ restructuring as a four-member group (Yeeun, Yubin, Sunmi, Hyerim).
Although they continued promoting with “REBOOT” (2015), “Why So Lonely” (2016) and “Draw Me” (2017), they struggled to surpass the success of their legendary “Tell Me”, “So Hot” and “Nobody” streak. Meanwhile, Girls’ Generation, their second-generation peers, remained active as an eight-member group (despite Jessica’s departure in 2014) and even released their seventh full album “FOREVER 1” in 2022 for their 15th debut anniversary. This contrast has left “Wonderfuls” feeling even more disappointed.
While Sunye wasn’t the sole reason for Wonder Girls’ struggles, it’s undeniable that her marriage and pregnancy had a significant impact. Many fans initially harbored mixed feelings toward her but later wished her well as she focused on her family life. However, public sentiment began to shift when Sunye made a full-fledged return to the entertainment industry in 2021 through tvN’s reality show “Mama The Idol”, followed by musical and variety show appearances. Many believe it is inappropriate for her—who once dealt a major blow to the group—to now discuss a possible reunion on TV. Fans expressed their discontent with comments such as, “This is not for Sunye to say“, “Why did Wonder Girls disband in the first place?” and “The entire nation knows that the group started falling apart because of her.”
While taking a break was Sunye’s choice, regaining the public’s love depends entirely on them. Though she may have had personal struggles and reasons for her decision, was it necessary to bring up Wonder Girls after a decade? Though it’s understandable that a mother of three might want to pursue a career again, if she truly feels sorry for the members who had to give up their group activities due to her decision, it might be time for a quiet solo journey.
