The comeback will feature a 9-member lineup excluding Kang Mina and Zhou Jieqiong.
They plan to release a new album and hold an Asia tour as well.
[TV Daily Kim Ji-ha Reporter] I.O.I has announced its upcoming comeback, marking its 10th anniversary in the music scene. On the 23rd, Swing Entertainment confirmed, "I.O.I (Im Na-young, Chung-ha, Kim Se-jeong, Jeong Chae-yeon, Kim So-hye, Yoon Jeong, Choi Yoo-jung, Kim Do-yeon, Jeon So-mi) will make their comeback in May," adding, "They are currently preparing a new album." Swing Entertainment will oversee all management for the 10th-anniversary project.
This reunion is particularly meaningful as it comes roughly nine years after their last activity in 2017. The members have consistently expressed their desire to reunite in various interviews, and after considerable discussions, they are finally coming together again. However, due to personal commitments, Kang Mina and Zhou Jieqiong will not participate, meaning I.O.I will return with a nine-member lineup.
Having each thrived individually as solo artists, actors, and entertainers, fans are keen to see what musical style the team will present. I.O.I was formed through Mnet's 'Produce 101' in 2016 and debuted that May, quickly gaining popularity with hits like 'Dream Girls.' They have established themselves as a significant figure in the music industry by winning several rookie awards. Although they officially ended their group activities in January 2017, they have remained memorable. In conjunction with the album release, they plan to host concerts starting in Seoul and an Asia tour, promising an extensive celebration for their 10th anniversary. Further schedule details and album information will be revealed later.
The reunion of I.O.I comes as an exciting announcement for fans. This comeback, marking the group's 10th anniversary, serves not just as a musical endeavor but also as a way to express gratitude to loyal supporters and address their long-standing anticipation. The members are expected to present impressive stages and new musical trials, leveraging their experiences from individual activities.
With each member having carved a niche in various fields, there is hope that their unique styles will blend into the team's music. This comeback has a strong potential to showcase a more diverse musical palette, facilitating deeper communication with fans.
Moreover, this endeavor is poised to be more than just a new album release, as it aims to strengthen connections with fans through an Asia tour and concerts beginning in Seoul. This initiative reflects I.O.I's commitment to honor their past while creating opportunities for engagement with global fans, reinforcing their status in the music industry.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
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