In 2016, Mnet officially launched the survival show Produce 101 with a unique and captivating format that garnered significant attention at the time. As a result, the 11 girls who won debut spots with the group I.O.I became idols overnight. Although I.O.I was only active for a short period, they achieved remarkable success, rivaling even the top third-generation girl groups.
What has happened to the members of the first girl group to debut from Produce 101?
I.O.I consisted of 11 girls who won the first season of Produce 101.
Despite their success, it has been seven years since I.O.I disbanded, and the 11 members have “re-debuted” in various forms, but all have faced significant challenges. Surprisingly, most groups with I.O.I members have also announced their disbandment.
Solo Careers: Constantly Changing Companies and Limited Activities
Among the 11 I.O.I members, three pursued solo careers after the group disbanded: champion Jeon Somi, top 4 Kim Chungha, and top 5 Kim Sohye. Somi, initially under JYP, missed out on debuting with TWICE and ITZY. She later shocked fans by moving to The Black Label and becoming a solo artist. Despite being guided in a genre that suits her, infrequent comebacks have caused her initial popularity to wane.
Similarly, Chungha, once considered the most stable member of I.O.I with a string of hits, had her career “frozen” due to conflicts with her former management. Though she eventually found a new agency, rebuilding her career has been a struggle.
Kim Sohye, perhaps the most “settled” member, chose to pursue an acting career instead of singing. She left her old company to join a new one established specifically for her.
Re-debuting in New Groups: Most Have Disbanded
The remaining members re-debuted in new girl groups. Despite debuting as the “ace” of their groups, Kim Sejeong and Kang Mina’s group gugudan failed to achieve the expected success and eventually disbanded. However, Sejeong has found individual success in singing, musical theater, and acting, with notable achievements like the drama “Business Proposal” in 2022. Mina also switched companies and shifted to acting.
Sixth-place finisher Zhou Jieqiong and tenth-place Lim Nayoung made impressive debuts with the girl group Pristin. Despite their promising start, Pristin’s sudden disbandment after just two years left fans puzzled. Jieqiong returned to China and remained active in various roles, though she faced considerable controversy. Nayoung changed companies and focused on music, acting, and choreography.
Seventh-place Jung Chaeyeon, once known for her viral “ending fairy” visuals, debuted with DIA before joining I.O.I. Many hoped her popularity would boost DIA, but poor company direction led to the group’s decline and eventual disbandment. Chaeyeon, once a hot name, has faded from the spotlight.
Before joining Weki Meki, third-place Choi Yoojung and eighth-place Kim Doyeon were standout I.O.I members. However, Weki Meki’s inactivity for three years due to company neglect led to their disbandment upon announcing their comeback.
Weki Meki returned after three years of inactivity only to announce their disbandment.
Among all groups with I.O.I members, WJSN (Cosmic Girls) is the only one yet to disband. Eleventh-place Yoo Yeonjung was added to the lineup while still under contract with I.O.I. However, due to various upheavals, WJSN has been inactive for nearly two years, with no new music releases and members participating in other activities.
