Are You Ready for I.5.I?
Although I.O.I disbanded over four years ago, they still have an impact on K-Pop fans. Debuting as the first project group of the Produce series, the girls made Korean and global fans’ hearts flutter. Here’s a short summary prior to their upcoming fifth anniversary reunion I.5.I – Yes, I Love It!
The 11 winners of Produce 101, Somi, Sejeong, Yoojung, Chungha, Sohye, Kyulkyung, Chaeyeon, Doyeon, Mina, Nayoung, Yeonjung, debuted with the album Chrysalis at No. 4 on the Gaon Album Chart. Proving how Korean K-Pop fans were all excited for their debut after the survival show, all the tracks from the album made it onto the Gaon Digital Chart, where the title track “Dream Girls” peaked at No. 7.
Following the highly-anticipated debut, some members had already re-joined their company to promote with their original or new groups the same summer, while Nayoung, Chungha, Kyulkyung, Sohye, Yoojung, Doyeon, and Somi also created a sub-unit in I.O.I.
The excitement and anticipation wasn’t limited to fans; many big names in the industry were ready to work with the group. Their first comeback was written and composed by none other than JYP. “Very Very Very,” from their mini-album Miss Me?, brought I.O.I their first of several music show wins, and just a few months later, the project group released their last single "Downpour," produced by SEVENTEEN's Woozi.
These project groups usually have a short active period, so the early disbandment didn’t come as a surprise to anyone, but the fact that five years later they still have an impact as I.O.I proves their great success. All the members have been active ever since. Attending other competitions as contestants or mentors, joining different groups and re-joining their original groups, getting into acting, solo careers, and global success—the girls are still everywhere in the Hallyu world.
In 2019, I.O.I planned a reunion, but some obstacles like poor health and members living abroad made it hard to happen—and the investigations around the Produce series probably didn’t help the event either. But five years after their debut, here we are getting ready for the anniversary of one of K-Pop’s most successful project groups. As promised by the members at their disbandment, their fifth anniversary reunion is happening and I.5.I – Yes, I Love It! will be broadcast for free online on May 4.