I.O.I, worth the 9-year wait… “National girl group” proves it’s still going strong [Focus S]

[Sportv News=Reporter Jeong Hye-won] The group I.O.I proved once again that its reputation as a "nation's girl group" remains intact, showing unchanging firepower even with the release of a new album for the first time in 9 years.

I.O.I is drawing attention on various music charts with the title track "Suddenly" from their third mini album, "I.O.I : LOOP," released on the 19th.

As of 2 p.m. on the 26th, "Suddenly" is ranked No. 4 on Melon Top 100 and No. 3 on Hot 100. This is significant because it shows the group is still maintaining both mainstream appeal and strong fandom support despite a long hiatus.

I.O.I was formed in 2016 through Mnet's survival program "Produce 101" and debuted after being chosen by the "nation's producers." Even during their short activity period, they drew unparalleled attention and were called a "nation's girl group," so the announcement of their reunion attracted intense interest from the start.

To mark their 10th debut anniversary this year, I.O.I decided to reunite and is promoting with a nine-member lineup, excluding Kang Mina and Zhou Jieqiong, who cannot take part due to scheduled commitments, while Lim Na-young, CHUNG HA, Kim Se-jeong, Jung Chae-yeon, Kim So-hye, Yoo Yeon-jung, Choi Yoo-jung, Kim Do-yeon, and Jeon So-mi have released a new album and returned to activities after about 9 years.

After their team activities ended, I.O.I members returned to their respective agencies and built their careers as new group members, solo artists, and actors. Coming back together, they once again created explosive synergy. Not only did they retain their beauty, but they also captivated the nation's producers again with a more seasoned presence on stage.

In particular, they impressed audiences by performing fully live on music shows, and their challenge content with junior artists also became a hot topic, demonstrating influence across generations. I.O.I is broadening its buzz by bringing nostalgia to the old "nation's producers" and fresh charm to new fans alike.

The public response toward them has also been enthusiastic. Netizens reacted with comments such as, "Those nation's producers picked the members really well back then," "It really is an Avengers-level lineup even now," "The member chemistry is perfect even after 9 years," and "Can't they get together once a year and make a comeback?"

The I.O.I members also expressed their joy over the great love they received. Through their respective SNS accounts, they said, "It feels like a dream. Thank you sincerely to the nation's producers, the Angdongies, and everyone who listened," "Lately, every time I go on stage, so many emotions cross my mind. Thank you so much for relating to the reason we came together and the feelings we wanted to convey," and "It's so amazing and overwhelming that our names are in the charts again after such a long time," expressing their gratitude.

With a new release that dominated music charts after 9 years, I.O.I will kick off "2026 I.O.I Concert Tour: LOOP" at Jamsil Indoor Stadium from the 29th to the 31st. After the Seoul shows, they will tour across Asia, including Bangkok and Hong Kong.

Attention is gathering on what kind of appearance I.O.I, which has proven its undiminished popularity even after such a long 9 years, will show through the concert and what memories it will create with fans.