Even a months-long hiatus can be agonizing in K-Pop, but fans of one girl group, in particular, have been waiting almost three years for new music. Now, after many resigned themselves to believe the group had been permanently shelved, a surprise announcement has given everyone a glimmer of hope.
The group in question is none other than Weki Meki, one of the most popular acts to follow the first Produce series survival group I.O.I.
Weki Meki first debuted shortly after I.O.I’s disbandment, with former I.O.I stars Choi Yoojung and Kim Doyeon joining the Fantagio group alongside members Elly, Sei, Lua, Rina, maknae Lucy, and leader Suyeon. The group’s first mini album, Weme, was successful for its time, peaking at no.7 on the Circle chart in 2017 with almost 50,000 sales. However, from then on, fans say Fantagio failed to adequately manage the group and keep the momentum of their success.
Weki Meki went on to release hits like “Picky Picky,” which gained strong interest from international fans back in 2019. But they’ve since been missing in action since the release of their most recent song, “Siesta,” all the way back in 2021. While many of the members have been working hard on solo endeavors — Elly joining Queendom Puzzle, for example, while Doyeon builds her acting career — they’ve been completely absent as a full group.
Now, however, things could finally be turning around for Weki Meki and their fans. 926 days after “Siesta,” the group has been spotted somewhere no one expected: in a June 2024 comeback line-up posted by popular K-Pop channel 1theK.
💜6월 컴백 라인업💜
COMEBACK LINE-UP IN June🫧
Which team do you most look forward to?😉 pic.twitter.com/VQvndKOOLg— 1theK(원더케이) (@1theK) June 1, 2024
The announcement did not specify a date, but Weki Meki was listed alongside several artists whose comebacks have already been confirmed, including soloists Kwon Eunbi of IZ*ONE fame and LOONA‘s Chuu.
Unsurprisingly, since the lineup was posted, fans have been split between excitement and disbelief, even though 1theK is seen as a fairly reputable source.
EVERYONE WAKE THE FUCK UP WEKI MEKI COMEBACK😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 pic.twitter.com/OM6P1GR8Ii
— jupi1going on🧟♀️✧˖° WEKI MEKI CB (@fromkicatcher) June 1, 2024
With several of the group’s past songs recently gaining interest on social media, die-hard Weki Meki fans are hoping the comeback will get the attention it deserves—even if it may be the group’s last.
GUYS IF THE WEKI MEKI CB IS REAL PLEASE GIVE THEM SOME LOVE THIS WILL PROBABLY BE THEIR LAST CB LIKE PLEASEEEE A BIT OF SUPPORT https://t.co/Zxr8wsPsK6
— s🗝 WEME CB???? (@haerimchu) June 1, 2024
Debuting almost seven years ago, Weki Meki’s contracts are expected to expire around August 2024, just a few months from now. Given fans’ views on Fantagio’s treatment of the group, most believe it’s unlikely that the majority of the Weki Meki members will remain with the label once renewals are announced.
As such, many are simply excited for the chance to hear music from the group one last time, especially given that Weki Meki has had one of the longest hiatuses seen amongst K-Pop girl groups.
[UPDATE]
GIRL GROUPS LATEST COMEBACKWEKI MEKI – 876 DAYS AGO
BEAUTY BOX – 655 DAYS AGO
WJSN – 647 DAYS AGO
BLACKPINK – 574 DAYS AGO
EXID – 561 DAYS AGO
MAMAMOO – 549 DAYS AGO
CLASS:y – 534 DAYS AGO
NATURE – 523 DAYS AGO
IRRIS – 505 DAYS AGO
CHERRY BULLET – 402 DAYS AGO
+— IZZY #menow 🍀 (@fromizzy_) April 11, 2024
Fantagio is yet to confirm Weki Meki’s comeback or comment on the announcement.
