IOI Reunites for 10th Anniversary Amid Teasing, Confessions of Past Conflicts

Key facts

• IOI, a project group formed in 2016, reunited for its 10th anniversary.
• Tak Jae-hoon teased the group on 'Real Talk', asking if they ran out of money.
• Jeon Somi confessed past conflicts with Kim Se-jeong and Kim Do-yeon on the same show.
• Kim Se-jeong revealed her heavy-drinking side on 'No, but Really!'.
• The group released a pre-release track 'Smile and Say Goodbye' from a third mini-album.
• The song was recorded in 2016 and produced by Jin-young.
• The reunion was covered on 'Running Man' with behind-the-scenes details.
• Members cited the 10th anniversary as a reason to reunite.

A Decade Later: IOI's Emotional Return

Ten years after their debut, the project group IOI has reunited, sparking a wave of nostalgia across South Korea. The reunion, which includes a new mini-album and variety show appearances, marks the first time all members have come together since their disbandment in 2017. The group's return is driven by the milestone anniversary, with members stating that the 10th anniversary prompted them to reunite in a single decision.

Tak Jae-hoon's Playful Provocation

During a special episode of SBS's 'Real Talk', host Tak Jae-hoon greeted the reunited members with a sharp joke: 'Did you run out of money?' The comment, delivered in his characteristic 'spicy' style, drew laughter and set the tone for the show. Tak Jae-hoon's teasing reflects the group's long hiatus and the public's curiosity about their sudden return.

Jeon Somi's Confession of Dormitory Clashes

On the same program, former member Jeon Somi made a surprising confession about past conflicts within the group. She detailed dormitory clashes and disputes over speech styles, specifically naming Kim Se-jeong and Kim Do-yeon as involved. The revelation offers a rare glimpse into the tensions that existed behind the scenes during IOI's original run, humanizing the group's polished image.

Kim Se-jeong's Heavy-Drinking Revelation

In a separate appearance on the show 'No, but Really!', Kim Se-jeong disclosed her heavy-drinking side, admitting she was 'afraid the drinking session would end.' The confession, made in a candid interview, adds another layer to the group's reunion narrative, showcasing the members' willingness to share personal stories after a decade.

New Music and Nostalgic Releases

IOI has released a pre-release track titled 'Smile and Say Goodbye', recorded in 2016 and produced by Jin-young. The song is part of a third mini-album, marking the group's first new music in years. The track's vintage recording date ties directly to the group's original era, evoking the sound and sentiment of their debut.

Behind the Scenes on 'Running Man'

The reunion was also documented on the variety show 'Running Man', where members shared behind-the-scenes stories. The episode highlighted the group's chemistry and the ease with which they fell back into old routines, despite the years apart. The appearance underscores the enduring appeal of IOI as a cultural phenomenon.

The Stakes of a Temporary Group's Reunion

IOI's reunion is more than a nostalgic trip; it tests the viability of project groups in K-pop. Originally formed through the survival show 'Produce 101', IOI was always intended to be temporary. Their successful return, despite past conflicts and individual careers, suggests a model where disbanded groups can reconvene for milestone events. The public's enthusiastic response, measured in search trends and media coverage, indicates a strong appetite for such reunions.

The bottom line

• IOI reunited for its 10th anniversary, releasing new music and appearing on variety shows.
• Tak Jae-hoon's teasing highlighted the group's long absence and financial speculation.
• Jeon Somi's confession of past conflicts reveals the human side of the group's history.
• Kim Se-jeong's heavy-drinking admission adds to the candid nature of the reunion.
• The pre-release track 'Smile and Say Goodbye' was recorded in 2016, linking past and present.
• The reunion's success may influence future project group reunions in K-pop.