IOI Returns After 10 Years! “It Was a Shame to Leave” as They Playfully Rival Wanna One on ‘Knowing Bros’

The project girl group IOI, who sparked a massive wave in the music industry as the pioneers of Korean audition shows, has returned to the ‘Knowing Bros’ school with a brand new full-group album to celebrate their 10th anniversary!

In the episode aired on the night of May 17, members Im Nayoung, Yoo Yeonjung, Kim Sohye, Chungha, Choi Yoojung, Kim Doyeon, and Jeon Somi appeared. The group showed off their bold wit, clearing up past conflicts and rumors.

During the show, the members honestly confessed their lingering regrets. While their official activity period was known to be 10 months, they revealed it was actually only 8 months, leaving them with the shortest track record among the audition series groups.

Yoo Yeonjung explained, “Since we were the first, the creators didn’t realize it would be such a huge hit.” She added, “It wasn’t a case of leaving while the applause was loud; we had to leave just as people were about to start applauding,” drawing attention. It was revealed that Chungha’s persistent efforts led to this reunion after 10 years. Chungha shared that even during her solo activities, seeing fans still waving IOI lightsticks and bringing old albums gave her a deep sense of responsibility, prompting her to lead the comeback.

The conversation also turned to the behind-the-scenes stories regarding Wanna One, another project group that announced a reunion around the same time. When Lee Sang-min suspiciously asked if they formed quickly because they were stimulated by another group’s moves, Yoo Yeonjung expressed her frustration, stating they had been preparing much earlier. Jeon Somi, known for being close friends with Wanna One’s Lee Daehwi, stepped in with a more detailed explanation.

Jeon Somi proudly declared, “We are first!” and added, “We respect, love, and congratulate their reunion, but we came back with an album.” She playfully sent a competitive glance toward the studio, jokingly asking for interest in their meaningful 10th-anniversary comeback, which left the studio in laughter. Leader Im Nayoung added that detailed discussions had begun a year ago. When Lee Su-geun asked for proof, Choi Yoojung confidently responded that she had served as the team’s secretary and still has the detailed meeting minutes and schedules carefully recorded.

Heartwarming news about Kim Sejeong, who unfortunately couldn’t attend due to drama filming, was also shared. Yoo Yeonjung revealed that Sejeong is the most active member in their group chat, sharing that “Sejeong unnie writes long gratitude diaries saying ‘I’m so happy’ after returning home from practice,” proving their unchanging teamwork. Im Nayoung also shared a funny story about being nicknamed “The Little Mermaid Who Lost Her Voice” by staff due to her blunt personality, and an anecdote where Yoo Yeonjung didn’t even realize she was present at a meeting because she spoke so little.

The members’ explosive stage presence and growth also stole the spotlight. Chungha, who sought advice from seniors while trying her hand at radio broadcasting, bonded with Kim Shin-young over her humble eating habits, including her love for cilantro and pumpkin leaves. Kim Sohye, who previously struggled with her dancing, showed she had completely overcome her trauma by performing a high-level wave dance to a song by pop star Tyla, earning high praise from choreographer Bae Yoon-jung.

Starting with the solo concert they had long dreamed of, followed by a Seoul show and their first overseas tour, IOI performed a medley of their past hits and premiered their new song ‘Suddenly’, which was written and composed by Jeon Somi. As cheers and praise poured in after the performance, Jeon Somi, who had been under immense pressure, teared up. Wiping away her tears, she shared, “Seeing the positive reaction on ‘Knowing Bros’ makes me feel relieved that the song will do well,” delivering a touching moment.