Beloved 4th Gen Idol Hints At The True Reason For His Surprise Departure From Group

In 2019, the survival show To Be World Klass aired, aiming to debut a global boy group.

The series ended with the debut of the ten-membered group then known as TOO. TOO eventually was renamed TO1 following a dispute between the two agencies involved in the survival show.

In 2022, the group underwent multiple line-up changes, including three members leaving the group and another three joining, which was shared in the same announcement. Many fans were left in confusion which resulted in a lot of speculation about what was going on with the group.

One of the members announced to have left the group was Cha Woongki, who was later announced as a contestant on Boys Planet.

Woongki ultimately did not make the Boys Planet final group and was revealed to have left WakeOne in the summer of 2023. Since then, he has run a YouTube channel but surprised many when he was announced to compete in another survival show, Universe League.

On November 22, Universe League aired its first episode, spotlighting Woongki, who discussed his time with TO1. The idol spoke about the group honestly, admitting that they “didn’t do too well.”

I was a part of TO1 until I left the group. The group didn’t do too well. Like, I could tell because I would see the outcomes. We would put in so much work and try so hard but… I would always think, ‘Is this all that we can see in return?’ I’ve asked that since debut, to be honest.

— Cha Woongki

Woongki also spoke about the anxiety this brought, saying that there was no moment where he did not feel anxious. Woongki went on hiatus for anxiety while still in the group and seems to hint that this was the reason for his departure.

I would feel anxious even when I was sitting still, or when I had to go to sleep. Waking up or getting my hair/makeup done… Even when I had to go on stage, I was anxious and felt like crying. Ever since I was very young, that’s all I’ve known. So… In a sense, I was always preparing myself.

— Cha Woongki

Hopefully, Woongki is able gain the success he desires with his time on Universe League.