I.O.I Reunites After 9 Years for 10th Anniversary Comeback — May Return Confirmed

The wait is finally over. I.O.I is officially returning to the stage to celebrate their 10th debut anniversary, marking one of the most emotional second-generation project group reunions in K-pop history.

A 9-Member Comeback With a Special Meaning

According to the group’s management for the anniversary project, I.O.I will release a new album in May and begin full promotional activities. This will be their first official group return since their disbandment in 2017, making it a long-awaited reunion nearly nine years in the making.

Nine members are set to participate:
Lim Nayoung, Chungha, Kim Sejeong, Jung Chaeyeon, Kim Sohye, Yoo Yeonjung, Choi Yoojung, Kim Doyeon, and Jeon Somi.

Kang Mina and Zhou Jieqiong will not be joining this round of activities due to pre-scheduled commitments, but the project is still expected to carry deep symbolic value for fans who have waited a decade to see the group together again.

I.O.I / X

From Project Group to “Nation’s Girl Group”

Formed through Produce 101 in 2016, I.O.I quickly became a cultural phenomenon. In less than a year, the group dominated charts and music shows with hits such as:

  • “Dream Girls”
  • “Whatta Man”
  • “Very Very Very”
  • “Downpour”

They swept major rookie awards and built a reputation as the definitive project girl group, setting the blueprint for every survival-show group that followed.

I.O.I / X

A Reunion Built on Individual Growth

Since their disbandment, the members have each built strong individual careers across music, acting, variety, and hosting. Their reunion is not just nostalgic — it represents the fusion of nearly a decade of experience and star power.

That accumulated growth is expected to reshape the group’s sound and stage presence, turning the anniversary into more than a one-time event.

Concerts and an Asia Tour Already in the Works

The comeback will not stop at an album release. Plans are underway for:

  • A large-scale Seoul concert
  • An Asia tour to meet global fans

The project is being positioned as a full celebration of I.O.I’s legacy, rather than a short promotional cycle.

Why This Comeback Matters for K-pop

I.O.I’s return is more than a reunion. It is a milestone moment for the survival-show generation and a rare example of a project group successfully reuniting years after disbandment.

For fans who grew up with Produce 101, this comeback is not just about new music. It is the continuation of a story that helped shape modern K-pop.

More details about the album, schedule, and performances will be revealed in the coming weeks.