After nearly 10 years since disbandment, the former “nation’s girl group” made their official comeback with the EP I.O.I : Loop. The release marked the group’s first official music project since ending activities, making it an emotional moment for longtime fans.
I.O.I’s Reunion Album Sales Spark Debate
However, while the title track “Suddenly” has received positive reactions and shown stable performance on digital charts, the group’s physical album sales have become a major talking point. According to the report, “I.O.I: Loop” sold 5,611 copies on its first day. But on the second day, sales dropped sharply, with only 195 additional copies sold. After 3 days, the album had recorded just 6,303 copies sold.
For a group once considered one of K-pop’s biggest public favorites through Produce 101, the number has surprised many fans and netizens. Some fans have defended the result, explaining that the comeback appears to be more of a gift for fans than a heavily commercial project. Others pointed to possible delays in packaging and shipping as reasons why early sales may look lower than expected.
Still, the situation reflects a harsh reality. I.O.I was always a short-term project group, and the members had no group activities for nearly a decade. Without consistent promotions or a long-term fandom-building period, massive album sales were unlikely. Even during their peak, I.O.I was not known as a dominant physical album seller. Across their previous 2 mini-albums and 1 unit single, the group reportedly sold around 272,000 copies in total. Considering their original activity period lasted only 8 months, their reunion sales show how much the K-pop market has changed.
Digital Charts Tell A Different Story
As of 9 AM KST on May 22, “Suddenly” was rising on major Korean music charts. The song reportedly reached No. 22 on MelOn, No. 15 on Genie, No. 6 on Bugs, and No. 40 on FLO. On MelOn, the track jumped 54 spots and entered the top 30 after the group’s first promotional stage.
The comeback also brings renewed attention to the difficult paths many I.O.I members faced after disbandment. Kim Sejeong and Kang Mina debuted again in Gugudan, but the group struggled to establish a strong musical identity and officially disbanded in 2020. Both later shifted toward acting, with Sejeong gaining recognition through dramas.
Choi Yoojung and Kim Doyeon also faced difficulties with Weki Meki. The group failed to gain strong chart momentum and eventually disbanded in August 2024. Lim Nayoung and Zhou Jieqiong’s PRISTIN once appeared to have major potential, even winning rookie awards, but the group suddenly disbanded in 2019. Jung Chaeyeon also tried to carry DIA, but the group quietly faded before she moved further into acting.
Even the solo standouts faced challenges. Chungha rose to huge popularity with “Gotta Go” in 2019, but her momentum later slowed. Jeon Somi gained attention as a soloist under The Black Label, but her long gaps between releases reportedly reduced her buzz. Meanwhile, Kim Sohye’s acting career was interrupted by personal controversy, while Yoo Yeonjung has mainly focused on musicals as WJSN’s overall activity and market power slowed.
Despite the underwhelming album sales, I.O.I’s reunion still carries deep meaning for fans. After almost a decade, seeing the members stand together again, release new music, and perform as I.O.I is already a rare moment in K-pop.
Sources: K14
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