Girl group I.O.I prepares for a major comeback next year.
For those unversed, I.O.I was an 11-member project group formed through Mnet’s survival show Produce 101 in 2016. The group included Jeon Somi, Kim Sejeong, Choi Yoojung, Kim Chungha, Kim Sohye, Zhou Jieqiong, Jung Chaeyeon, Kim Doyeon, Kang Mina, Im Nayoung, and Yoo Yeonjung.
They debuted in May 2016 and wrapped up their activities in January 2017 after a short but impactful run.
Despite promoting together for less than a year, I.O.I left a strong legacy in K-pop. Now, nearly a decade later, the members are preparing to reunite to celebrate their 10th debut anniversary in 2026.
The news was partially revealed on December 22 during KBS Cool FM’s radio show Hyojung’s Volume Up. Yoo Yeonjung confirmed on air that the group is indeed reuniting and shared that the concert venue has already been booked. She hinted that the timing would align with spring, similar to the group’s original debut period. Yoo continued
“If you divide it into early, middle, and late, then early to middle? You can think of our debut as happening around a warm spring. Since we’re coming together for such a meaningful 10th anniversary, we told ourselves, ‘Let’s not do this half-heartedly,’ and we’re preparing very hard, so please look forward to it.”
Jeon Somi has also previously shared that the concert is expected to run for three days, from Friday to Sunday. While full details have not yet been announced, the reunion is currently planned for May 2026.
One member, Kang Mina, will not take part in the reunion promotions. She is unable to participate due to scheduling conflicts related to filming and promoting upcoming dramas. The remaining ten members are expected to join the concert.
This reunion is especially meaningful, as previous attempts to bring the group together did not fully materialize. A planned reunion in 2019 was canceled, and a fifth-anniversary online gathering in 2021 took place with limited participation. The 2026 concert marks the most complete reunion since the group’s disbandment.
Since going their separate ways, I.O.I members have built successful individual careers. Several have become well-known solo artists (Chungha, Jeon Somi, Kim Sejeong) while others have established themselves as actresses (Jung Chaeyeon, Kang Mina, Kim Sohye).
Their farewell song “Downpour” (composed by Woozi of SEVENTEEN) remains a beloved track among fans and is often remembered as a defining moment of the group.
More information, including exact dates, venue details, ticket sales, and whether new music will be released, is expected to be announced closer to the event.
