Weki Meki Disbands After 7 Years, Leaving WJSN As Only Group With Ex-I.O.I Member

The formation of I.O.I was a result of Mnet’s survival show “Produce 101”. On May 4th, 2016, the group debuted with 11 members, consisting of Im Na-young, Kim Chung-ha, Kim Se-jeong, Jung Chae-yeon, Zhou Jieqiong, Kim So-hye, Yoo Yeon-jung, Choi Yoo-jung, Kang Mi-na, Kim Do-yeon, and Jeon So-mi.

I.O.I made their official debut with the release of their first mini album “Chrysalis” , which included the title track “Dream Girls” . In October of that same year, they returned with their second mini album “miss me?” and received an overwhelming amount of love for their title track “Very Very Very” .

Despite the ongoing support from their fans, I.O.I released their final single, “Downpour” , on January 18th, 2017 and concluded their activities on the 31st of the same month. The song quickly climbed to the top spot on music sites and was also performed for the first time at their farewell concert, “I.O.I Time Slip”, causing many emotional reactions from their devoted fans.

After the disbandment of I.O.I, the members resumed their activities with their respective original groups. They now promote as DIA’s Jung Chae-yeon, WJSN’s Yoo Yeon-jung, gugudan’s Kim Se-jeong and Kang Mi-na, Pristin’s Lim Na-young and Zhou Jieqiong, along with Weki Meki’s Choi Yoo-jung and Kim Do-yeon.

Despite their success, Pristin, gugudan, and DIA all eventually disbanded in 2019, 2020, and 2022, respectively, causing much disappointment. Meanwhile, fans have expressed frustration with Weki Meki’s three-year hiatus since their last promotion with “Siesta”in 2021.

Ultimately, Weki Meki (Ji Su-yeon, Elly, Choi Yoo-jung, Kim Do-yeon, Sei, Lua, Rina, and Lucy) confirmed their disbandment after the release of their digital single “CoinciDestiny” on June 12th.

In March 2023, WJSN’s members (Exy, Seola, Bona, Soobin, Eunseo, Yeoreum, Dayoung, and Yeonjung) renewed their contracts, making them the only active group with members from I.O.I.

Despite the continued anticipation of fans for an I.O.I reunion, it is disheartening to witness the disbandment of groups composed of former I.O.I members one by one.