Group I.O.I is preparing to reunite next year for their 10th debut anniversary, but a full-group comeback has become difficult.
Formed through Mnet's audition program "Produce 101" in 2016, the project group I.O.I is preparing to reunite next year to mark their 10th debut anniversary. The news was first reported in May, and recently members themselves mentioned the reunion and showed positive reactions.
First, Jeon Somi said, "We seem to be talking concretely about how we should meet and gather to give the public beautiful memories. We're discussing among ourselves about the best timing." She explained, "We're trying to make it happen next year. We're also coordinating schedules. We're having more concrete conversations."
The response from Jung Chae-yeon, who has now transitioned to acting, was not much different. She said, "We, too, want to get together out of a sense of repayment because we were chosen by the people's love. We're trying our best to push this forward as much as possible. I hope we can meet with good results."
While expectations for a full-group reunion rose, on the 12th it was reported that member Kang Mina will not participate in the 10th anniversary reunion project.
Regarding this, Kang Mina's agency Story J Company told OSEN, "It is correct that she will not participate. The period being discussed for reunion activities overlapped with filming for her next drama and the subsequent drama promotion period to be opened later, so there was a lot of concern," giving an official statement.
They added, "Recognizing the long wait and expectations of fans, we had lengthy consultations with the artist, and after those discussions we concluded that it would be difficult for her to participate this time in order to respect the artist's wish to focus on acting."
In fact, Kang Mina is currently appearing in the drama "Twelve," which is being released through KBS2 and Disney+. She also appeared in the recently released Netflix film "Love Untangled." In addition, her appearances in the Netflix series "Girigo" and the tvN Monday-Tuesday drama "See You at Work Tomorrow!" have been confirmed, leaving several upcoming projects lined up.
With members already dropping out ahead of next year's reunion and the full-group comeback falling through, attention is focused on whether their reunion will proceed smoothly.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]