I.O.I (아이오아이)
A South Korean girl group formed by CJ E&M through Mnet’s 2016 survival program Produce 101, I.O.I stands for “Ideal of Idol” — a name that proved prophetic. From 101 trainees representing 46 entertainment companies, the nation voted to select eleven members: Lim Nayoung, Chungha, Kim Sejeong, Jung Chaeyeon, Kim Sohye, Yoo Yeonjung, Choi Yoojung, Kim Doyeon, Jeon Somi, Zhou Jieqiong, and Kang Mina.
They debuted on May 4, 2016 with the EP Chrysalis and actively promoted as a full group and in sub-units for less than a year, officially disbanding at the end of January 2017 as required by their temporary project contract. In that brief window, they became one of the most beloved girl groups of their generation — their single “Very Very Very” swept music charts, and album sales came in just behind TWICE. The farewell concert at Jangchung Gymnasium in January 2017 drew tears from fans and members alike, a rare level of emotional weight for a group barely eight months old.
The Produce 101 format and I.O.I’s success directly sparked the rise of idol competition programs across the industry — a legacy that reshaped how K-pop groups are formed to this day.
After the Goodbye: Where Each Member Went
The disbandment scattered eleven careers in eleven different directions. What followed was one of the more fascinating parallel stories in K-pop history.
Chungha debuted as a soloist in June 2017 with her first mini album Hands on Me, and never looked back. She built a devoted following through relentless touring, acclaimed choreography, and a string of hits including “Gotta Go,” “Roller Coaster,” and “Spark.” By 2026, many younger idols regard Chungha as the dance standard-bearer of her generation — the role BoA once held for hers.
Jeon Somi established herself as a soloist under The Black Label with a punk Barbie-inspired concept, releasing songs including “Dumb Dumb” and “Fast Forward” — carving out one of the most distinctive solo identities in fourth-generation K-pop despite being a third-generation product.
Kim Sejeong became a K-pop and K-drama darling, with the hit drama Business Proposal among her most notable works. She debuted with girl group Gugudan in June 2016 while still active with I.O.I, and later launched a solo career that proved her versatility extended well beyond music.
Choi Yoojung and Kim Doyeon were part of the girl group Weki Meki, which was active for seven years. Jung Chaeyeon continued with DIA. Zhou Jieqiong and Lim Nayoung were members of PRISTIN. Yoo Yeonjung joined WJSN (Cosmic Girls), recently releasing the single “Bloom Hour.” Kim Sohye transitioned primarily to acting. Kang Mina also pursued acting, eventually signing with Seo In-guk’s agency.
Ten Years Later: The Loop Begins Again
On December 25, 2025, the members revealed that I.O.I would reunite for a comeback in May 2026 to mark their tenth debut anniversary. Nine of the eleven original members joined the project — Zhou Jieqiong and Kang Mina were unable to participate due to acting commitments.
Their third EP I.O.I : LOOP, produced by Swing Entertainment and distributed by Stone Music Entertainment and KT Genie Music, was released on May 19, 2026. The EP features six tracks, led by singles “Goodbye with a Smile” and “Suddenly.” The album’s title symbolizes “continuity, reconnection, and a story starting again” — a fitting metaphor for a group whose story never really ended, only paused.
The reunion tour 2026 I.O.I Concert Tour: LOOP opened with three nights at Seoul’s Jamsil Indoor Stadium from May 29–31, followed by Bangkok on June 6, and two nights in Hong Kong on June 20–21.