I.O.I has successfully reunited to celebrate their 10th debut anniversary, but the response to their new track is looking a bit shaky.
I.O.I is set to release their 10th-anniversary mini album ‘Loop’ on the 19th. Before the official drop, a challenge for the title track ‘Suddenly’ went viral. However, fans who heard the song through the challenge aren’t exactly thrilled. Some critics commented, “They’re cooking fish roe soup with caviar again,” “I had high expectations, but why did they release a trot song?”, “How many ears do you have to pick this one?”, “I was about to sleep, but I woke up terrified after hearing this song,” and “I naturally thought they’d bring back something exciting like ‘Very Very Very’.”
The song ‘Suddenly’ was composed by VVN of THEBLACKLABEL, who is famous for specializing in city pop and has written hits like Jisoo’s ‘Flower’, Cho Hyun-ah’s ‘Give’, and Heize’s ‘Round and Round’. As the reaction to ‘Suddenly’ turned sour, VVN also became a target. Fans reacted negatively, saying things like “A repeat offender” and “Of all people, why them?”.
Jeon Somi recently appeared on MBC’s ‘Radio Star’ to talk about the ongoing reunion project. She bragged about the team’s unchanging chemistry, mentioning that their group chat is still active and sharing behind-the-scenes stories. She revealed that they’ve finished the album jacket shoot and recording and are now waiting for the official comeback. She also shared that they are practicing 4 to 6 hours a day, sparking laughter as she honestly admitted feeling the difference in her stamina compared to 10 years ago.
I.O.I debuted in 2016 through the Mnet girl group survival show ‘Produce 101’. While fans were disappointed to hear that original members Kang Mina and Zhou Jieqiong decided not to participate in the reunion, the group will be promoting as a 9-member ensemble.
