The beloved fourth generation idol hints at the real reason for his surprise departure from the group

In 2019, the survival show Be world class on the air, with the goal of debuting a global boy group.

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

In 2022, the group has undergone several lineup changes, including three members leaving the group and three more joining, which was shared in the same announcement. Many fans were left confused, which led to a lot of speculation about what was happening to the group.

One of the members who announced that they had left the group was Cha Woongkiwho was later announced as a contestant The planet of boys.

Woongki didn’t make it in the end The planet of boys final group and was revealed to have left WakeOne in the summer of 2023. Since then, he has been running 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 honestly about the group, admitting that “it didn’t go very well.”

I was part of TO1 until I left the group. The group didn’t do very well. For example, I might say this because I would see the results. We tried so hard and put in so much effort, but… I always thought, ‘Is this all we can see in return?’ I’ve been asking myself this since the debut, to be honest.

—Cha Woongki

Woongki also spoke about the anxiety this brought him, saying there wasn’t a moment he didn’t feel anxious. Woongki went on hiatus due to anxiety while still in the group and seems to suggest that this was the reason for his departure.

I felt anxious even when I sat still or when I had to go to sleep. Waking up or putting on makeup/wigs… Even when I had to go on stage, I was anxious and felt like crying. Since I was very young, this is all I have known. So… I was always preparing in a way.

— Cha Woongki

Hopefully Woongki can achieve the success he wants with his free time League of the Universe.