In what can only be described as a historic moment for K-pop fans, the “National Girl Group” I.O.I has officially confirmed they will reunite in May 2026 to celebrate their 10th debut anniversary.
On February 23, Swing Entertainment- the agency overseeing this special milestone project- announced that the group is currently in the final stages of preparing a new album.
This marks their first official collective activity in nine years, since their emotional “final” concert in January 2017.
The Returning Lineup: Nine Members, One Heart
The most anticipated aspect of the announcement was the reveal of the participating members.
While I.O.I was originally an eleven-member group, the 10th-anniversary comeback will proceed with nine members. The confirmed lineup includes:
- Jeon Somi, Chungha, and Kim Se-jeong (The solo powerhouses)
- Jung Chae-yeon, Kim Do-yeon, and Choi Yoo-jung (The center-stage icons)
- Yoo Yeon-jung, Lim Na-young, and Kim So-hye (The vocal and performance anchors)
Unfortunately, Kang Mi-na and Zhou Jieqiong (Kyulkyung) will not be able to participate in this specific round of activities due to unavoidable scheduling conflicts related to their individual acting and international commitments.
Despite their absence, the agency emphasized that the reunion was made possible after “lengthy and sincere discussions” among all the members, who have consistently expressed their desire to fulfill the “five-year” (and now ten-year) promise they made to fans during their disbandment.
A Global Celebration: New Album and Asia Tour
This reunion is not merely a digital single or a one-off performance; it is a full-scale comeback designed to “quench the thirst” of fans who have waited nearly a decade.
Swing Entertainment confirmed that the group will release a new album in May 2026, exactly ten years after their debut with Chrysalis.
While the specific title track and concept remain under wraps, industry insiders hint at a sound that honors their “Produce 101” roots while showcasing the immense growth each member has achieved as seasoned soloists and actresses.
Beyond the music, I.O.I is planning to meet their global “National Producers” in person. The celebrations will kick off with a large-scale concert in Seoul, which will serve as the starting point for a subsequent Asia Tour.
This tour is particularly significant as I.O.I’s original promotional period in 2016 was relatively short, leaving many international fans without the chance to see them live.
The 10th-anniversary tour is expected to feature upgraded versions of their legendary hits, including “Very Very Very,” “Whatta Man,” and the tear-jerking ballad “Downpour.”
Legacy of the “National Girl Group”
The return of I.O.I carries immense weight within the industry. As the first-ever group formed through the Produce survival series, they paved the way for the “temporary project group” model that has since defined much of the 4th and 5th generations of K-pop.
Since 2017, the members have flourished individually: Kim Se-jeong has become a top-tier Hallyu actress, Jeon Somi and Chungha have solidified themselves as solo queens, and others have led successful careers in variety and film.
The synergy of these nine “stars” reuniting as a single team is expected to be a major cultural event in 2026.
Fans are already calling it the “Year of the Reunion,” as I.O.I joins other iconic groups in celebrating major milestones.
Swing Entertainment has promised to release the comeback schedule and specific album details sequentially over the coming weeks.
