I.O.I's 10th Anniversary Reunion: Members' Strong Will to Reunite Sparks Fan Excitement

The Exciting News: I.O.I Reunion Discussions Begin

The exciting news that fans of I.O.I have been waiting for has finally arrived! On May 15, 2025, multiple Korean media outlets reported that the beloved project girl group is in serious discussions about reuniting to celebrate their 10th debut anniversary next year in 2026. According to Sports DongA, the members have initiated talks about coming together for a special project that would include releasing a commemorative single and possibly organizing a fan meeting.

This development has sent waves of excitement throughout the K-pop community, especially among longtime fans who have been hoping for a reunion since the group's disbandment in January 2017. What makes this news particularly significant is that the reunion idea reportedly came from the members themselves, who expressed a strong desire to work together again as a way to give back to their fans who have supported them throughout their individual careers.

An industry insider revealed that representatives from the members' respective agencies recently gathered to discuss specific details about the potential reunion, including promotion timing, management arrangements, and activity formats. While nothing has been officially confirmed yet, the fact that formal discussions are taking place is already a promising sign for fans who have been waiting for this moment for years.

The Original I.O.I Journey

For those who might need a refresher, I.O.I was formed through Mnet's groundbreaking survival show "Produce 101" Season 1, which aired in 2016. The group consisted of eleven trainees who emerged victorious from a pool of 101 contestants: Jeon Somi, Kim Sejeong, Choi Yoojung, Kim Chungha, Kim Sohye, Zhou Jieqiong (Kyulkyung), Jung Chaeyeon, Kim Doyeon, Kang Mina, Lim Nayoung, and Yoo Yeonjung.

During their brief but impactful time together, I.O.I released several hit songs including "Dream Girls," "Whatta Man," "Very Very Very," and "Downpour." Despite promoting for only about 10 months before disbanding in January 2017, the group left an indelible mark on the K-pop industry and paved the way for future project groups formed through survival shows.

At the time of their disbandment, the members had promised to reunite in five years, which they partially fulfilled with a special live broadcast celebration for their 5th anniversary in 2021. During that emotional reunion, several members expressed their desire to promote together again, with Chungha specifically mentioning that she wanted to "promote together" and "go on variety shows" with her groupmates again.

Previous Reunion Attempts and Challenges

This isn't the first time that an I.O.I reunion has been discussed. In 2019, there were concrete plans for the group to reunite for special promotions. However, those plans were ultimately scrapped due to the vote manipulation controversy that engulfed the "Produce 101" series, casting a shadow over what should have been a joyous reunion.

The current reunion discussions face their own set of challenges. The most significant obstacle is coordinating the schedules of eleven members who are now established in their own careers across different agencies. Since their disbandment, the former I.O.I members have pursued diverse paths in the entertainment industry. Some have debuted in new idol groups, while others have focused on solo music careers or transitioned into acting.

As one agency representative noted in a statement to the press, "Since all the members are under different agencies, there are many steps that need to be taken. While it's challenging to coordinate due to each member's current commitments, the members are strongly motivated to reunite, so things are looking positive." This sentiment was echoed by another source who emphasized that despite the logistical difficulties, the members' strong will to come together again is driving the process forward.

Where Are They Now: The Members' Current Activities

In the years since I.O.I disbanded, each member has carved out her own path in the entertainment industry, showcasing the diverse talents that made the group so special in the first place.

Jeon Somi has established herself as a successful solo artist after leaving JYP Entertainment and signing with THE BLACK LABEL. Kim Sejeong has built an impressive career both as a singer and as an actress, starring in several popular K-dramas. Chungha has become one of K-pop's most respected solo artists, recently returning from a hiatus with her album "Aivio."

Choi Yoojung and Kim Doyeon debuted together in Weki Meki under Fantagio. Jung Chaeyeon pursued acting while also promoting with DIA before the group's disbandment. Yoo Yeonjung joined Cosmic Girls (WJSN) and has showcased her powerful vocals in various projects.

Kim Sohye focused on acting after I.O.I, while Lim Nayoung pursued both solo music and acting opportunities. Kang Mina promoted with Gugudan before the group disbanded and has since focused on acting and solo activities. Zhou Jieqiong (Kyulkyung) returned to China where she has built a successful career as an actress and performer.

In a February 2025 interview with Vulture magazine, Chungha expressed her feelings about the group's short promotion period, saying, "I envy the groups who stay together longer than ten months! I really do. I would love to gather with my girls again. We always talk about it. I don't know if it would really happen, but it would be one of my dreams come true." Her comments reflect the close bond that the members still share despite their different career paths.

Fan Reactions and Community Response

The news of potential reunion discussions has predictably sent I.O.I fans (known as IOI-NE) into a frenzy of excitement. Social media platforms have been flooded with supportive messages, nostalgic memories, and hopeful anticipation from fans worldwide.

On Korean community forums like TheQoo, Instiz, and DC Inside, the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Many long-time fans have shared their emotional journeys of supporting both I.O.I as a group and the individual members throughout their separate careers. The sentiment that "I.O.I never truly disbanded in our hearts" is a common theme among fan comments.

International fans have been equally enthusiastic, with many expressing how I.O.I was their introduction to K-pop and the "Produce" series. The possibility of seeing all eleven members together again has reignited interest in the group's discography, with streaming numbers for their past hits reportedly seeing a significant increase since the news broke.

Fan communities have already begun organizing projects in anticipation of the potential reunion, including streaming parties for I.O.I's past releases and social media campaigns using hashtags like #IOIReunion2026 and #10YearsWithIOI. This grassroots enthusiasm demonstrates the enduring impact that I.O.I has had on their fanbase, despite their short time together.

What to Expect: Possibilities for the 10th Anniversary

While details about the potential reunion remain scarce, industry insiders have suggested several possibilities for how I.O.I might celebrate their 10th anniversary. The most concrete plan appears to be the release of a new single, which would be their first new music together since "Downpour" in 2017.

A fan meeting or concert is also being discussed, which would give fans the rare opportunity to see all eleven members perform together again. Given the members' growth as artists over the past decade, such an event would showcase not only their nostalgic group performances but also potentially highlight their individual developments and achievements.

Some reports have also mentioned the possibility of variety show appearances, which would be fitting given I.O.I's reputation for their entertaining and charismatic group dynamic on shows like "Weekly Idol" and "Knowing Bros" during their active period.

Whatever form the reunion takes, it represents a full-circle moment for both the members and their fans. From their formation through a groundbreaking survival show to their brief but impactful career and now a potential reunion on their own terms, I.O.I's journey embodies the unique and evolving nature of K-pop project groups.

As fans eagerly await official confirmation of the reunion plans, one thing is clear: the legacy of I.O.I extends far beyond their short promotion period. Their influence on the K-pop industry and the careers they launched continue to resonate, making their 10th anniversary not just a celebration of the past, but a testament to their enduring impact on Korean popular culture.