In 2016, Mnet officially debuted the survival show Produce 101, which gained widespread attention due to its distinctive and captivating format. As a result, the 11 girls who were chosen to debut in the group I.O.I became instant idols. Despite their short time as a group, I.O.I achieved impressive success, even competing with the top third-generation girl groups.
What has become of the members of I.O.I, the first girl group to debut from Produce 101? The group was formed by 11 girls who emerged as the winners of the first season of Produce 101.
Although they achieved success, it has been a full seven years since I.O.I disbanded, and its 11 members have each encountered significant obstacles in their “re-debut”in various capacities. Surprisingly, the majority of groups with I.O.I members have also made the decision to disband.
Individual Careers: Frequent Company Changes and Limited Scope of Work
Out of the 11 members of I.O.I, three decided to pursue individual careers after the group disbanded. These members are champion Jeon Somi, top 4 Kim Chungha, and top 5 Kim Sohye. Somi, who was initially signed under JYP, was unable to debut with TWICE or ITZY. However, she surprised fans by joining The Black Label and launching her solo career. Despite being able to showcase her talents in her preferred genre, her infrequent comebacks have resulted in a decline in her initial popularity.
Likewise, Chungha, who was previously regarded as the most consistent member of I.O.I due to her series of successful releases, faced a career setback due to disagreements with her previous management. Despite eventually signing with a new company, she has faced difficulties in reviving her career.
Despite being the most “settled”member, Kim Sohye decided to pursue an acting career over singing. As a result, she parted ways with her previous company and joined a newly formed one that was solely dedicated to her.
Despite re-debuting in new groups, most of them have since disbanded.
Despite initially debuting as the “ace” of their respective groups, Kim Sejeong and Kang Mina’s girl group gugudan ultimately disbanded due to lack of success. However, Sejeong has since found success as a solo artist, as well as in musical theater and acting. In 2022, she achieved recognition for her role in the drama “Business Proposal” . Mina also left her previous company and transitioned to pursuing acting opportunities.
Despite their impressive debuts with the girl group Pristin, Zhou Jieqiong and Lim Nayoung, who finished in sixth and tenth place respectively, were met with disappointment when the group suddenly disbanded after just two years. Jieqiong returned to China and continued to be active in various roles, although she faced some controversy. Meanwhile, Nayoung switched companies and pursued her passions in music, acting, and choreography.
Despite debuting with DIA and joining I.O.I as the seventh-place contestant, Jung Chaeyeon’s popularity as the viral “ending fairy”was unable to save the group from decline and eventual disbandment due to poor company direction. As a result, her once prominent name has faded from the spotlight.
Despite being standout members of I.O.I, Choi Yoojung (third-place) and Kim Doyeon (eighth-place) joined Weki Meki. However, after the company neglected the group for three years, their comeback announcement ultimately led to their disbandment.
After a three-year hiatus, Weki Meki announced their disbandment upon their return.
Despite all the groups that had I.O.I members, WJSN (Cosmic Girls) remains the only one that has not disbanded. Even though eleventh-place Yoo Yeonjung was added to the group during her contract with I.O.I, WJSN has faced challenges and has been inactive for almost two years, without any recent music releases and with members pursuing other projects.
Leave a Reply