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.
![[240회 예고] 예능과 연기 톤이 다르다고? 예능 만렙 이상엽 & 만능캐 김소혜 [옥탑방의 문제아들/Problem Child in House] | KBS 방송](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/W9eZr6LiCnw/hqdefault.jpg)
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.
#Sohye is said to have revealed the real reason and behind-the-scenes story that the reunion of IOI was unfortunately canceled, raising expectations for the main broadcast.#ioi #김소혜 #소혜 #아이오아이
— Sohye Nation 🐧 (@SohyeNation) August 16, 2023
“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.
Sohye said that Sejeong is one of her closest member in IOI along with Doyeon and Yoojung. She also joined Sejeong's Acting Study!pic.twitter.com/ooxesyCILw
— 𝙲𝙷𝙰 (@se____lene) August 16, 2023
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.
![[ENG] I.O.I Yes I Love It - 5th Anniversary Reunion Livestream](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/62QMnHrnylk/hqdefault.jpg)
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