On February 23, Swing Entertainment officially announced that I.O.I will make a comeback in May to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their 2016 debut through Mnet’s Produce 101. The long-awaited reunion carries special meaning for fans who have hoped to see the members reunite on stage.
However, the agency stated that Kang Mina and Kyulkyung would not participate in the anniversary project due to prior schedules, leaving many fans disappointed.
Shortly after the news broke, fans were surprised to discover that Kyulkyung was actually in Seoul. Photos circulating online show the 1998-born idol dressed elegantly in winter attire, wearing a beret and a red knit sweater while posing against the city backdrop. Other candid snapshots captured her smiling while holding bungeoppang (a popular Korean winter street snack) and enjoying local cuisine at a restaurant — offering glimpses of her daily life in the city where she once trained and promoted.
Her presence in Seoul quickly reignited speculation among fans. Some expressed excitement, commenting, “I thought she wasn’t participating. Why is she in Seoul?” and “Could this be a surprise appearance?” Others wondered whether a full-member reunion might still be possible.
At the same time, a portion of netizens began speculating about her relationship with the other I.O.I members. Some questioned whether internal tensions may have prevented her from joining the anniversary activities, while others suggested she may simply have chosen not to reconnect with the group. However, these claims remain purely speculative, with no official confirmation of any discord.
Kyulkyung first gained fame in 2016 as a trainee under Pledis Entertainment, successfully debuting in I.O.I after ranking in the final lineup of Produce 101. Following I.O.I’s disbandment, she returned to Pledis and re-debuted with PRISTIN, though the group eventually disbanded as well.
Since then, she has shifted her focus to China, building a stable career in acting and variety shows while cultivating a strong domestic fanbase.
Meanwhile, the confirmed lineup for I.O.I’s 10th anniversary project includes Lim Nayoung, Chungha, Kim Sejeong, Jung Chaeyeon, Kim Sohye, Yoo Yeonjung, Choi Yoojung, Kim Doyeon, and Jeon Somi.
Whether Kyulkyung’s recent trip to Seoul is purely personal or connected to the anniversary celebrations remains unclear — but for now, her unexpected “check-in” has certainly reignited hope and controversy within the fandom.
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