On the April 29 broadcast of MBC’s Radio Star, Jeon Somi appeared as a guest and opened up about how I.O.I reunited for their 10th debut anniversary. The group is set to come together again after around 9 years, although some members will not take part in the upcoming activities.

Jeon Somi explained that the reunion was planned with the hope that fans could remember the girls they loved from that era. According to Jeon Somi, I.O.I had previously tried to reunite for their 5th and 7th anniversaries, but those plans did not work out due to various circumstances.

This time, however, the members were more determined. Jeon Somi revealed that the members personally wrote their own contract for the reunion. The contract reportedly stated that when a practice schedule was set, team activities would take priority over individual schedules or events.

Jeon Somi shared, “We took that contract and all went to C company together.” The “C company” refers to CJ ENM, as I.O.I was formed through Mnet’s Produce 101 Season 1, produced under CJ ENM. She also named Chungha as the person who took the lead in bringing the members together, saying, “The members were summoned by Chungha unnie’s call.”

Jeon Somi also honestly admitted that the reunion process took longer for I.O.I than it did for Wanna One. Despite the long preparation process, she emphasized that the members remain close. She said they can talk until their throats hurt even without alcohol, joking that they keep propolis spray nearby while chatting.

I.O.I will release a new album on May 19 to celebrate their 10th debut anniversary and begin official activities. However, Kang Mina and Kyulkyung will reportedly not participate in the reunion due to previously scheduled commitments. The reunion marks a meaningful moment for longtime fans, as I.O.I prepares to return with a special project nearly a decade after their original activities.

Sources: Daum | 스포츠경향