Although the group is destined to disband at the end of the year, the 11 bandmates of Wanna One believed the power of destiny will hold them together through thick and thin.

After a whirlwind run of about 1 1/2 years, the boy band on Monday released its first full-length album, “Power of Destiny,” which is also its last record.

With mixed emotions, the members recalled their time with Wanna One, which brought the 11 singers from obscurity to fame.

“It was great to have performed on so many stages and experienced so many great things,” said Ha Sung-woon during a press conference for the new album in Seoul on Monday.

Yoon Ji-sung said, “Many of our fans relate us with ‘youth.’ And I hope they will remember us as ‘nice youth.’”

Meanwhile, Kang Daniel said he feels wistful about the group’s upcoming disbandment.

The 11-track album is led by “Spring Breeze,” an alternative dance track featuring a sweet melody and emotional lyrics that represent the 11 members’ feelings toward their upcoming farewell.

“Power of Destiny” deals with the destiny of two lovers who have parted ways and their will to fight to be together again. It also hints that the group’s disbandment will not be their final good-bye.
Comprising former trainees of different talent agencies picked through the second season of the competition show “Produce 101,” Wanna One has become one of the most sensational acts of the year
at a fast pace.

Since its debut with “1x1=1(To Be One),” which immediately flew off the shelves and has surpassed 1 million in sales in Korea, Wanna One has released two more EPs, which included collaborations with artists like Dynamic Duo, Zico and Heize.




As a pop sensation, Wanna One also gained traction overseas, performing in 14 countries including the US, Hong Kong and Australia during its first worldwide tour titled “One: The World” from June to September.

In early November, a Korean media outlet reported that the group had decided to extend its contract to January 2019 and wrap up with concerts in the same month.

Asked about the possibility of extending its contract with its label, Wanna One said the matter hadn’t been discussed.

“About the contract, we haven’t discussed it yet, and all I can say is that nothing’s set yet. We tried to focus on preparing for our new album first,” Ha said.

Lee Dae-hwi added, “I think it’s still too early to discuss the end. Since we’ve tried to live each day to the fullest, we couldn’t think of the end. I think we will talk about it after we wrap up promotions for the new album.”

The band collectively said that its final goal was to showcase decent performances and songs to fans up to the end.

“Power of Destiny” also features “Firebomb,” composed and penned by Ha Sung-woon, “Awake!,” featuring rap lines written by Park Woo-jin, “Home,” “One Love,” and the second version of its previous hit “Beautiful.”

Wanna One is set to stay active until Dec. 31.

(lotus@heraldcorp.com)