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Awww! IOI Members Reunite to Celebrate the Holidays

Here’s a lovely treat for you, IOI fans! On Monday, January 22, soloist Jeon Somi surprised the K-pop world with a video of her mini-reunion with disbanded project girl group IOI. 

In her Youtube vlog titled “2023 MAMA Behind & Merry Mungchismas,” the members were seen celebrating the holidays together.

In a series of clips, the Fast Forwardsinger shared fun clips from their gathering that proved their close bond. Moreover, members Kim Sejeong, Chung Ha, Lim Nayoung, Mina, Doyeon, Yoojung and Yeonjung were seen coming together to celebrate the Christmas party hosted by Somi.

As this is their first reunion in a while, the idols shared that they took extra time and effort to meet up. Although it was a difficult task, Somi said that she prepared the dishes the members wanted to try. On the other hand, Chung Ha brought gifts for everyone. 

At the end of the video, the IOI members all sent their holiday greetings for the viewers. “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Let’s be happy!”, the girls said in unison.

Fans’ reaction over the mini-gathering of IOI

After seeing clips of the girls’ mini-reunion, fans couldn’t help but become emotional. On social media, many supporters expressed their delight in seeing the members’ closeness. Others are also moved that they remain to be supportive of each other despite no longer being part of a group. 

One fan wrote: “Y’all don’t know how much this makes me happy. Some fans also pointed out that the vlog was probably IOI’s first time making a public appearance in recent years. In 2021, the group reunited for a live broadcast during their fifth debut anniversary. 

Furthermore, several fans also became hopeful for the possibility of a reunion comeback in the future. Another stated that she can’t wait for an OT11 reunion as members Chaeyeon, Sohye, and Kyulyung were unable to attend Somi’s holiday party for the group.

https://twitter.com/Rinaaaa47590236/status/1749321171794026712

 

For those who don’t know, IOI was a project girl group formed through the survival show Produce 101. After making their official debut in May 2016, the group had to disband in January 2017. Notably, they only had around eight months of promotions.

Throughout their career, IOI received a lot of support from both local and international fans. Among their best known tracks are Very Very Very,” “Pick Me,” andDownpour.”

As of writing, the IOI members are embarking on their respective careers. Some have pursued careers as solo artists, while others entered the world of acting.

Featured image: Jeon Somi shares through a vlog her recent reunion with fellow IOI members. Credit: YouTube/Jeon Somi

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Kim Sohye Reveals I.O.I Members Want to Reunite

It’s been more than five years since girl group I.O.I has disbanded but the bond between the members remains strong. And it even reaches the point that they’re even hoping for a possible reunion. 

In the Wednesday, August 16 episode of Problem Child in House, Kim Sohye opens up how she misses her idol days. Since I.O.I’s disbandment, Sohye has ventured more into acting. 

 

Then, she shared that despite I.O.I’s short-lived existence, the members still keep in touch with each other. 

Note that I.O.I was a project group that was formed in May 2016 following the first season of Produce 101. During their promotional activities, the group got the nickname “Nation’s Pick” and became known for hits “PICK ME,” “Whatta Man,” and DOWNPOUR.” 

Unfortunately, I.O.I still disbanded in 2017 despite their huge following and popularity. 

And during Sohye’s variety guesting appearance, she revealed that I.O.I almost had a reunion. 

 

“We almost reunited but it didn’t work out. The plans unfortunately collapsed in the end,” the idol-actress said. “It was close to happening.” 

She continued that the members are still hopeful that it will happen. “Everybody desperately wishes to get back together. It’s something we talk about all the time,” Sohye said. 

Among the I.O.I members, she said that it’s Doyeon, Sejeong, and Yoojung she remain closest to. 

 

Where are the I.O.I members now? 

For season one of Produce 101, only 11 members were chosen to debut from a pool of 101 trainees. Said group was named I.O.I. 

When the group disbanded, they promised fans that they’ll be reuniting for their fifth debut anniversary. And in May 2021, they fulfilled that promise by gathering together for a live broadcast. 

However, two out of the 11 members weren’t able to attend the reunion in person. Kang Mina and Kyulkyung only joined the special event through a video call. 

Since then, the I.O.I members continued their respective ventures. 

Members Jeon Somi and Chungha have become soloists, with the former being under THEBLACKLABEL. Additionally, Chungha has recently left MNH Entertainment, her agency of seven years. 

Next, Sohye has established her company S&P Entertainment. She has also received several awards as an actress. 

Chayeon re-debuted in group DIA and Nayoung with Pristin. Both girl groups have disbanded as well, and the two chose to focus on their acting careers instead. 

Meanwhile, Kang Mina and Sejeong also debuted as members of girl group gugudan. However, it disbanded in 2020. But the two are also active as actresses. 

Moreover, Yoojung and Doyeon are under the girl group Weki Meki, with Yeonjung in WJSN. In September 2019, Kyulkyung returned to China to continue her idol activities there. 

Featured image: Project girl group I.O.I during one of their promotions in 2016. Credit: Instagram/I.O.I

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Former I.O.I Member Lim Na Young Leaves Sublime Artist Agency

Lim Na Young has parted ways with her long-time agency. The former I.O.I member officially departed from Sublime Artist Agency, the company that represented her for four years.

Lim Na Young Ends Contract With Sublime

Sublime Artist Agency confirmed Lim Nayoung’s departure in a statement. “Our exclusive contract with Lim Na Young has come to an end,” the statement read. The company also revealed that there was a discussion about a possible renewal. However, both parties mutually agreed to part ways.

“After sharing a careful conversation with Lim Na Young, we have come to an agreement to end our contract here,” it read.

Sublime further expressed their support for the former PRISTIN singer.

“We would like to express our gratitude to Lim Na-young who has been with us as our company artist and to the fans who have shown her a lot of love. We sincerely support her in her future endeavors as she is about to make a new start,” the statement read.

Lim Nayoung got her start as a participant on the Mnet survival show “Produce 101” where she finished in tenth place. She later debuted as a member of I.O.I in 2016. After I.O.I’s disbandment, Na Young returned to Pledis Entertainment and debuted in the girl group PRISTIN in 2017.

When PRISTIN disbanded in 2019, Lim Nayoung left Pledis and signed with Sublime Artist Agency. Since then, she has led a successful acting career, appearing in shows like “Flower of Evil”, “Summer Guys”, and “Imitation”. Lim Na Young is currently working on the film “4:44 Seconds”.

Sublime Confirms Jinni’s Joint Management

Although Sublime Artist Agency lost a talented artist, the company recently gained a promising one. It was previously reported that former NMIXX member Jinni signed a contract with UAP (United Artist Production). Sublime will carry out management duties through their MOU (Memorandum Of Understanding). 

“We plan to give our unsparing support to UAP artist Jinni’s global activities so that she can fully display her wide array of hidden potential, and we are delighted to be able to work together,” their statement read.

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