I.O.I Confirms 10th Anniversary Reunion With New Album and Asia Tour

Nine years, eleven members, and one of the most anticipated reunions in K-pop history. I.O.I (아이오아이) is officially coming back.

On February 23, SWING Entertainment confirmed that nine of the original eleven members will reunite in May 2026 to celebrate the group's 10th debut anniversary, according to the agency's official statement. A new album and an Asia tour are in the works, with SWING taking full management control of the project. This is not another false start. This is happening.

The Confirmation

"I.O.I has confirmed their comeback this coming May. They are currently preparing a new album," SWING Entertainment stated on February 23. The agency will oversee all activities for the reunion project, including a concert in Seoul and a subsequent Asia tour, as confirmed by SWING's press release.

The returning lineup includes Jeon Somi, Kim Sejeong, Choi Yoojung, Chungha, Kim Sohye, Jung Chaeyeon, Kim Doyeon, Yoo Yeonjung, and Lim Nayoung. Two original members, Kang Mina and Zhou Jieqiong (Pinky), will not be participating.

Why This Reunion Matters

I.O.I is not just another disbanded group getting back together. They are the group that started it all.

When Mnet's Produce 101 aired in early 2016, it introduced a concept that would fundamentally change how K-pop groups are formed: let the public vote. One hundred and one trainees from dozens of agencies competed for eleven spots, and the final lineup debuted on May 4, 2016, with the EP Chrysalis, according to Mnet's official records. The format was so successful that it spawned Wanna One, IZ*ONE, and X1, turning survival show debuts into one of K-pop's most reliable commercial models.

But I.O.I only had eight months together. Their contract was a temporary one, and by January 2017, the members had returned to their respective agencies. The farewell concert, Time Slip, held January 20 to 22, 2017, marked their final group activity. What followed was nearly a decade of fan campaigns, failed reunion attempts, and industry speculation.

Where They Are Now

The trajectories of I.O.I's members since 2017 tell the story of an entire generation of K-pop talent.

Chungha (청하) built the most successful solo music career of any member. After debuting solo in June 2017 with Hands on Me, she became one of K-pop's defining soloists with hits like "Gotta Go" and "Snapping." Her 2021 album Querencia received international acclaim. She is currently signed with More Vision and 88rising, as confirmed by her agency.

Jeon Somi (전소미), the show's first-place winner, left JYP Entertainment and signed with The Black Label. Her 2019 debut single "Birthday" and 2021 album XOXO established her as a solo force, with "Fast Forward" becoming her highest-charting single in 2023.

Kim Sejeong (김세정) pivoted into acting and never looked back. After a stint with Jellyfish Entertainment's Gugudan, she landed lead roles in The Uncanny Counter (2020), Business Proposal (2022), and Brewing Love (2024), becoming one of South Korea's most in-demand actresses while maintaining a solo music career.

Jung Chaeyeon (정채연) followed a similar path, earning critical praise for The King's Affection (2021), The Golden Spoon (2022), and Family by Choice (2024) under BH Entertainment.

Choi Yoojung and Kim Doyeon debuted together in Weki Meki under Fantagio, with Yoojung releasing her solo single album Sunflower in 2022. Yoo Yeonjung joined Starship Entertainment's WJSN (Cosmic Girls). Kim Sohye transitioned to acting with roles in Best Chicken (2019) and My Lovely Boxer (2023). Lim Nayoung, the group's former leader, debuted with Pristin under Pledis Entertainment before that group also disbanded in 2019.

The Failed Reunions

This is not the first time an I.O.I reunion has been announced. In 2019, reports emerged of a planned comeback, but the project collapsed due to conflicts between the members' various agencies. A 2021 livestream reunion brought some members together virtually, but Kang Mina was absent and Zhou Jieqiong could only video-call in from China.

What makes 2026 different is the management structure. SWING Entertainment has secured full control of the reunion project, eliminating the multi-agency coordination problems that derailed previous attempts. With one entity managing schedules, creative direction, and logistics, the path from announcement to execution is significantly clearer.

The Missing Members

Kang Mina and Zhou Jieqiong (Pinky) will not join the reunion, according to SWING Entertainment. Kang Mina, who was also absent from the 2021 livestream, has been notably disengaged from I.O.I group activities. Zhou Jieqiong returned to China after I.O.I disbanded and has built a career in Chinese entertainment, making participation in a Korean-based reunion logistically difficult.

Nine out of eleven is still a remarkable turnout for a project group that was only active for eight months a decade ago. The fact that members with thriving solo careers, like Chungha and Jeon Somi, are clearing their schedules speaks to the genuine bond between the members and the cultural significance of this reunion.

What to Expect

SWING Entertainment has confirmed a new album, a Seoul concert, and an Asia tour. The May 2026 timeline aligns perfectly with the group's original debut month, adding symbolic weight to the anniversary. Specific dates, venue information, and tracklist details have not yet been announced.

For fans who have waited since January 2017, the message is simple: I.O.I is back. For real this time.