ioi comeback 2026

On May 19 at 6 PM KST, I.O.I released their third mini album I.O.I : LOOP, marking the group’s first album release in nearly nine years.

Originally formed through Mnet survival program Produce 101 in 2016, I.O.I became one of the most iconic project groups in K-pop despite promoting for only one year. The reunion has generated massive excitement among longtime fans who have waited nearly a decade to see the members together again.

The comeback lineup includes Lim Nayoung, Chungha, Kim Sejeong, Jung Chaeyeon, Kim Sohye, Yoo Yeonjung, Choi Yoojung, Kim Doyeon, and Jeon Somi.

The new album reflects on the members’ 10-year journey while capturing the emotions of their reunion in the present day. Each member reportedly contributed creatively to the project, showcasing the growth they achieved individually over the years.

 

The title track, “Suddenly”, is a synth-pop song that delicately expresses unexpected feelings of nostalgia and lingering memories. Jeon Somi participated in writing the lyrics, adding emotional sincerity to the song’s message about reconnecting after years apart.

The album also highlights the members’ direct involvement in songwriting and production.

Opening track “IOI (Where My Girls At)” was co-written and composed by Jeon Somi, delivering the group’s energetic chemistry through upbeat house rhythms.

Rock-inspired track “IF I”, co-written and composed by Yoo Yeonjung, compares the members’ enduring friendship to a cinematic story that has remained unchanged for a decade.

Meanwhile, Chungha participated in writing and composing the ballad “Back Then, Us Now”, described as a continuation of the emotional narrative from I.O.I’s earlier song “Downpour”.

The album also includes “Goodbye With a Smile (Recorded in 2016)”, an archive track produced by Jinyoung and pre-released on May 4. The song preserves the members’ raw voices and emotions from their original 2016 recording sessions.

Another standout track, “SPF 100+ (Summer Pop Fantasy)”, uses sunscreen as a metaphor for the overwhelming emotions of reunion and is built around an Afrobeats-inspired sound.

Following the album release, I.O.I will kick off their 2026 I.O.I Concert Tour: LOOP from May 29 to 31 at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul before continuing the tour across Asia.

Sources: Daum | 엑스포츠뉴스