I.O.I Reunites After 10 Years… Even Jeon Somi Tears Up (Knowing Bros) [TV On Air]

On 'Knowing Brothers,' the group I.O.I shared their feelings about reuniting as a full group and the behind-the-scenes story of their comeback.

On the 16th, on the JTBC variety program 'Knowing Brothers,' members of the project girl group I.O.I, who reunited to celebrate their 10th debut anniversary, appeared and shared various stories.

Earlier, I.O.I was formed from the top 11 contestants of the Mnet survival program 'Produce 101.' They carried out group activities from May 2016 to January 2017 before each going their separate ways.

That day, Chungha, who opened the path to the reunion, showed her special affection for the fans. Chungha said, "I have talked with the members every time about I.O.I's 10th anniversary," adding, "I used to go to many events alone, and after performances I would see fans bringing I.O.I albums and asking for autographs, which made me actively push for a reunion." She explained the reason for the comeback.

Jeon Somi also revealed that this reunion had been carefully prepared for a long time. In response to the seniors' playful question, "Were you reunited because you were inspired by the news that the other project boy group Wanna One was reuniting?" she drew a line, saying, "We planned it first." Jeon Somi expressed pride, saying, "We respect, love, and congratulate them, but we are now officially coming out with a new album."

Im Na-young and Choi Yoo-jung also emphasized, "We began seriously discussing the reunion already a year ago," and "Since I serve as the secretary within the team, I have recorded all the specific details we discussed at the time."

Anecdotes from practicing choreography together again after 10 years were also revealed. In response to the question, "Weren't you surprised to see choreographer Bae Yoon-jung, who was your tiger teacher in the past, dancing the choreography from 10 years ago exactly as it was?" the members answered, "Somehow, our bodies remembered the choreography."

In particular, Kim So-hye, who had struggled with insufficient dance skills, showed a special determination, saying, "Teacher Yoon-jung watched our practice video and sent us unwavering support, saying, 'You guys are really amazing.' We will show a more developed side of ourselves on stage than before."

The members also expressed their ambition to make up for the regret left by their short promotional period through this activity. The members said, "In the past, we really wanted to hold a solo concert," adding, "This time, starting with Seoul, we are also holding our first overseas tour. We are grateful for the opportunity to meet our fans properly. If it's not now, we may never get to see them again, so we hope you will definitely come to the venue."

The title track of this new album drew great attention because it was known to be a self-composed song by Jeon Somi. The members praised it highly, saying, "It is a song written and composed by Jeon Somi. While we were agonizing for a long time over finding the title track, Somi casually tossed us this song, and the moment we heard it, we loved it so much," adding, "It is an extremely addictive song that keeps lingering in your ears."

Jeon Somi, who felt a great burden while presenting the title track she made herself, eventually had tears welling up in her eyes. As the members understood Jeon Somi's difficulties and comforted her, Jeon Somi became emotional, saying, "Since we are getting such a good response on 'Knowing Brothers,' I feel relieved that the song will really do well," bringing tears to the studio and filling it with emotion.