I.O.I Confirms May Comeback With Nine Members to Celebrate 10th Debut Anniversary
The legendary Produce 101 girl group reunites after nine years for a new album, Seoul concert, and Asia tour
By Jang Hojin
I.O.I, the iconic project girl group born from Mnet's Produce 101, has officially confirmed their long-awaited reunion comeback. SWING Entertainment announced on February 23 that the group will make their return in May 2026, marking their 10th debut anniversary with a brand new album and a series of live events that are sure to send fans into a frenzy.
Nine Members Unite Once More
The reunion will feature nine of the original eleven members: Lim Nayoung, Chungha, Kim Se Jeong, Jung Chaeyeon, Kim So Hye, Yoo Yeonjung, Choi Yoojung, Kim Doyeon, and Jeon Somi. Kang Mina and Zhou Jie Qiong (Kyulkyung) will not participate due to prior scheduling commitments. Despite the two absences, the nine-member lineup represents a remarkable feat of coordination, given that each member has since built thriving solo careers across music, acting, and entertainment.
SWING Entertainment will serve as the central management agency overseeing all reunion activities, coordinating with each member's respective label to bring the project to life. The agency stated that a new album is currently in preparation, with detailed schedules and tracklist information to be revealed in the coming weeks.
From Seoul to Asia: A Celebration Worthy of a Decade
The 10th anniversary celebration will go far beyond a single album release. According to reports from multiple Korean media outlets including Chosun, JoongAng Ilbo, and JTBC, I.O.I plans to kick off with a Seoul concert before embarking on an Asia tour. The agency has hinted at an unprecedented scale for the concert events, raising expectations that this could be the group's most ambitious venture since their original eight-month promotional period in 2016.
The announcement has generated immense excitement across Korean media and social platforms. Within hours of the news breaking, I.O.I trended on major portals, with fans expressing their joy over a reunion that many had hoped for but few believed would actually materialize.
A Legacy That Endures
I.O.I originally debuted on May 4, 2016, as the winning group of the first season of Produce 101. Despite their brief eight-month promotional window before disbanding in January 2017, the group left an indelible mark on K-pop history. Their debut track "Dream Girls" and follow-up "Very Very Very" became instant classics, while individual members went on to achieve extraordinary success.
Chungha has established herself as one of K-pop's premier solo artists, while Kim Se Jeong has become a leading actress with hit dramas. Jeon Somi has carved out a successful solo music career, and Kim Doyeon has risen as both an actress and fashion icon. The diverse trajectories of the members make this reunion all the more significant, as it brings together some of the most accomplished figures in the current entertainment landscape.
What Fans Can Expect
While specific details about the album's concept and the tour dates remain under wraps, the confirmation alone has ignited a wave of anticipation. For IOI fans who have waited nearly a decade, the May comeback represents not just a nostalgic reunion but a chance to witness the group at the peak of their individual powers coming together once more. Further announcements regarding album pre-orders, concert ticketing, and tour stops are expected to follow in March.
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저작권자 © KEnterHub 무단전재 및 재배포, AI학습 및 활용 금지
Entertainment Journalist · KEnterHub
Entertainment journalist specializing in K-Pop, K-Drama, and Korean celebrity news. Covers artist comebacks, drama premieres, award shows, and fan culture with in-depth reporting and analysis.
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