[Exclusive Interview] From GreatGuys to RE:GUYS — The Members Talk About Returning as Their True Selves and Connecting With Fans

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RE:GUYS reflect on their evolution, embracing life’s challenges and returning to the spotlight stronger, closer, and ready to connect.

The Guys are back—and this time, they’re writing their story on their own terms. Formerly known as GreatGuys, the group originally debuted in August 2017 and quickly built a loyal following with their bright energy and heartfelt performances. In February 2024, members Minki, Jinhyeon, D.I, and Daeyoung announced they would not be renewing their contracts, followed by a final release as a trio (Yeongki, Semin, and Donghyun) before the group officially disbanded—or so it seemed. What felt like a closing chapter has now transformed into a powerful new beginning.

In December 2025, the group quietly reopened official social media accounts, revealing their return as a seven-member independent group under the name RE:GUYS. Embracing their real names—Minki (Uiyeon), Yeongki (Horyeong), Semin (Baekgyeol), Donghyun (Donghwi), Daeyoung (Hwalchan), Jinhyeon (Haneul), and D.I (Dongin)—this new era signals authenticity, growth, and a deeper connection with fans. While Semin is currently enlisted and the group has yet to officially redebut with new music, their upcoming mini fan meeting on February 7, 2026, suggests that something meaningful is on the horizon.

In our exclusive interview, RE:GUYS open up about the meaning behind their new name, their goals for 2026, and what this next chapter truly represents—for themselves and for the fans who never stopped believing in them.

HELLOKPOP: Before we get started, we just want to say welcome back. What has this moment of returning together been like for you?

RE:GUYS: Actually, at first, we felt more nervous than excited. But the moment our voices aligned and our eyes met in the practice room, we were convinced this was where we belonged. It felt like returning home after a long journey.

HKP: The name RE:GUYS feels hopeful and open-ended. What does it represent for you as a group right now?

RE:GUYS: The “RE” in RE:GUYS carries multiple meanings. It represents “Restart,” or beginning again, and “Remember,” meaning we are exactly who we’ve always been. It’s not about denying our past, but about honoring those memories while moving forward with a more mature version of ourselves.

YEONGKI

HKP: You’ve chosen to move forward using your real names, which feels very personal. What made this feel like the right choice for this chapter?

RE:GUYS: Rather than hiding behind fabricated concepts or characters, we wanted to show ourselves fully as “human OOO.” Performing under our real name reflects our commitment to honesty and to growing closer to our fans. We believe the most personal things are also the most honest.

HKP: When you think about RE:GUYS today, what feeling do you want fans to associate with your name?

RE:GUYS: Please don’t forget that we love you as much as you love us, and maybe even more than that.

HKP: What has been the most reassuring part of reconnecting as a group?

RE:GUYS: Above all, standing before the fans who had been waiting for us again, simply as “us,” made us certain: this is where we belong. It felt like scattered pieces finally came together to complete a painting. Most of all, knowing we can be braver together than alone has been the greatest comfort as we start over.

JINHYEON

HKP: What do you appreciate most about one another now that you might not have noticed before?

RE:GUYS: We often get emotional seeing how each other has endured challenges and grown strong enough to return. Witnessing their patience—which hadn’t been fully recognized before—and their maturity in balancing their individuality for the sake of the team, gives us a deep sense of relief, thinking, “Ahh, we’ve truly grown into adults.”

HKP: Coming back together often brings a new perspective. What have you learned about yourselves through this process?

RE:GUYS: One thing we’ve learned is how to acknowledge our shortcomings. In the past, we wanted to appear perfect within the team and tried not to show our weaknesses. But as we came back together, we realized something: we don’t have to do everything perfectly. Accepting that our shortcomings can be filled by our members and that we can, in turn, support them has made our hearts feel much lighter.

HKP: Is there something about this chapter that feels especially meaningful or healing for you?

RE:GUYS: Above all, when news of our reunion spread, fans sent us simple words: “I’ve been waiting.” Those words felt like a healing spell, instantly washing away all the anxiety and doubts we carried during our time apart. Moments like these have come together to help us breathe and live fully again.

DONGHYUN

HKP: Fans are hopeful about what the future might hold, while also appreciating the present. How do you personally approach this moment without rushing it?

RE:GUYS: We’re trying to capture that feeling as vividly and clearly as possible. Our focus isn’t on “until” but on how we are together. We hope the fans won’t feel impatient. We’re not rushing anywhere, but we’ve returned to stay by your side. The air, the temperature, our voices in this very moment—we’ll cherish all of it and take each step slowly and deliberately.

HKP: What kind of group do you want RE:GUYS to be — for yourselves and for fans?

RE:GUYS: We hope to become a group that feels like a sanctuary where we can be most honest with each other. Even if the stage lights fade over time, we want to remain unwavering friends who can sit together and smile, saying, “We really had fun back then.” We believe that we must first be happy and strong so that our energy can fully reach our fans. And for our fans, we hope to be like a season you can revisit anytime.

D.I

HKP: What kind of experiences or projects would you like to explore together in the future, such as music, performances, or creative activities

RE:GUYS: The destination we aim for isn’t some grand achievement, but the experience of deeply connecting with each other’s lives. Even if the process sometimes feels unfamiliar or awkward, we believe that every moment will be a meaningful journey shared with you.

HKP: What are some abilities, interests, or new aspects that you want to explore more freely or show in a new way?

RE:GUYS: The new side we want to show isn’t some extraordinary skill or “superpower,” but the ability to start over with a smile, even after failure. We believe that exploring our own unique colors honestly, boldly, and even a little clumsily can itself become a new strength for RE:GUYS.

HKP: Looking toward the next year or two, what would make you feel proud of this chapter?

RE:GUYS: We are moving beyond proving ourselves through results and into a phase where simply existing together becomes a source of comfort. One or two years from now, we will look back on the day we stood face to face, with stronger hearts and smiles together, as our proudest moment.

DAEYOUNG

HKP: What does “success” look like for RE:GUYS right now?

RE:GUYS: For us, success is simply walking a long, endless path with the people we love most, smiling together with no end in sight. Rather than reaching a glamorous destination, it’s about keeping all our hearts safe, warm, and unharmed on this journey. That is the only success RE:GUYS hopes for.

HKP: Lastly, please leave a message for fans who have been supporting you all along.

RE:GUYS: There were nights when we were apart, lost, and lying awake with the fear that we might never stand on stage again. Each time, what lifted us wasn’t the dazzling lights, but your voices calling our names from unseen places.

Because you never forgot us and continued to wait, the name RE:GUYS did not disappear, and we can breathe again. To us, you are more than supporters; you are proof of our reason for being.

This “new chapter” we’ve entered wasn’t written by us alone. It was made possible because your waiting erased the period and gave us a comma instead. From that precious pause, we hope to write the most heartfelt and beautiful stories together, at our own pace.

RE:GUYS exists because you are here.

Thank you for holding our hands again.

We love you.