Ten Years of WJSN: A Cosmic Career

Photo: WJSN Official X

Starship Entertainment girl group WJSN (also known as Cosmic Girls) is finally coming back for their tenth anniversary with the single album Bloom hour. Dropping on February 25 at 6 p.m. KST, the release  will end a years-long music gap since Sequence in 2022. Before Bloom hour drops, there is no better time than now to revisit parts of their career.  

WJSN’s Beginnings

WJSN debuted in 2016 as a 12-member group managed by both Starship Entertainment and YH Entertainment (then called Yuehua Entertainment). The two companies entered a partnership the year before, aiming to promote their artists in both South Korea and China. WJSN released their debut EP WOULD YOU LIKE? on February 25 with the title track “MoMoMo.” This retro dance song came with a bubbly concept that introduced EXY, Seola, Xuanyi, Bona, Soobin, Luda, Dawon, Eunseo, Chengxiao, Meiqi, Yeoreum, and Dayoung. 

Ahead of their first comeback, Yeonjung, who was also in I.O.I at the time, joined WJSN in July. I.O.I’s contracts allowed members to promote concurrently in other groups, which let Yeonjung to split her time there. The group released their second EP THE SECRET on August 17 with the title track “Secret.” This synth-pop song featured a celestial concept, one missing from their debut, that prominently highlighted the stars and moon. 

Lineup Changes

WJSN finished 2016 and 2017 with some notable achievements. The group released their first full album HAPPY MOMENT (1) on June 7, 2017 and kicked off 2018 with Dream your dream and its title track “Dreams Come True.” However, 2018 would see changes to their lineup once again. Xuanyi and Meiqi participated in Produce 101 China, where they would both secure spots in the project group Rocket Girls 101 by June 2018. Though YH Entertainment confirmed the two members would remain part of WJSN, they did not join promotions for the group’s WJ PLEASE? EP. In addition, Chengxiao’s career as an actress also prevented her from joining.

Despite the circumstances, WJSN secured their first win with the EP’s title track, “Save Me, Save You.” As another ethereal synth-pop song, the track says the truth helps heal wounds. From that comeback onwards, WJSN would continue promoting as a 10-member group. 

Notable Songs

It would be a disservice not to mention “As You Wish.” Originally released on November 19, 2019, this song has gained a reputation as a must-listen song on New Year’s Day. Its lyrics of good fortune make the song a popular way to kick off the year. With its positive sound and message, it makes sense why this song keeps resurfacing on music charts each consecutive year after its release. 

After winning Mnet’s Queendom 2 in June 2022, WJSN capitalized on that achievement by releasing their first single album, Sequence, that July. “Last Sequence” promises to make moments last, saying that everything will remain “forever and always.” “Last Sequence” was the last title track released before WJSN’s contract expirations/renewals in 2023. On March 3, 2023, Luda, Dawon, Xuanyi, Chengxiao, and Meiqi all had their contracts officially terminated with Starship Entertainment. However, the company stated that Luda and Dawon would remain in the group.   

Sub-Unit and Solo Debuts

WJSN has two sub-units with drastically contrasting concepts. WJSN Chocome’s Soobin, Luda, Yeoreum, and Dayoung brought back K-Pop quirkiness with “Hmph!” on October 7, 2020. Very reminiscent of Orange Caramel, WJSN Chocome injected lots of silliness into their releases. Their follow-up with “Super Yuppers!” on January 5, 2022, came with a disco-pop instrumental and a concept based on magical girl tropes. On May 12, 2021, EXY, Seola, Bona, and Eunseo suited up as WJSN THE BLACK, a girl-crush-focused sub-unit. Their first and only single album so far came with the title track “Easy,” which combined the dance influence seen in WJSN’s music with an alluring, sexy concept. 

Two soloists have emerged from WJSN so far: Seola went pop-rock with “Without U” in January 2024 and Dayoung kept a pop-dance influence in her title track “body” in September 2025. Much like the contrast between WJSN Chocome and WJSN THE BLACK, Seola and Dayoung’s solo careers offer more variety to WJSN’s discography. Though WJSN’s comeback will happen as an octet, with Luda and Dawon not making appearances, the group has already accomplished so much in their time together. As “Last Sequence” says, “forever and always, this moment will shine.”

Edited by Clark Royandoyan