On Tuesday, May 4, I.O.I members reunited for a special broadcast to celebrate their 5th debut anniversary. During the broadcast, former PRISTIN member Nayoung couldn't help but shed tears after seeing Zhou Jieqiong, also known as Kyulkyung, during a video call portion. Keep on reading for all the details.
Former I.O.I and PRISTIN Member Nayoung Sheds Tears Upon Seeing Kyulkyung During Video Call
On Tuesday, May 4, I.O.I held a special broadcast for their 5th debut anniversary. I.O.I member Jeon Somi, Kim Sejeong, Choi Yoojung, Kim Chungha, Kim Sohye, Jung Chaeyeon, Kim Doyeon, Im Nayoung, and Yu Yeonjung were present for the broadcast.
ALSO READ: I.O.I to Reunite after Four Years of Disbandment in Celebration of 5th Debut Anniversary
During the start of the program, Nayoung, who was the leader of the group, informed fans that Kyulkyung and Mina would be unable to attend the event due to schedules. Kyulkyung is currently promoting in China, while Mina is busy with her acting career. Despite being absent from the physical broadcast, Kyulkyung made sure to make an appearance and surprised fans by video calling the girls all the way from China.
Kyulkyung, like the other I.O.I girls, did their iconic "Yes, I love it!" greeting and introduced herself as a member of the girl group. As Kyulkyung gave her message, Nayoung immediately started crying.
no like nayoung and jieqiong have been through so much together i can’t pic.twitter.com/Iqx6OH96lw
— sherl (@pristinfilms) May 4, 2021
The two are known to have gone through a lot together. Both became trainees under PLEDIS Entertainment in 2010 and have trained together for years. The two both competed on Mnet's "Produce 101" and debuted in I.O.I together. Following I.O.I's disbandment, they debuted with PRISTIN in 2017 and remained members of the group until their disbandment in 2019.
During the video call, she expressed sadness over not being able to be there physically with the girls. Despite that, she is grateful and touched that I.O.I was able to keep their promise of reuniting during their 5th debut anniversary. She recalled how she had spoken with Yoojung the day prior to the broadcast and how they talked about being thankful that there are still so many people who are fans of I.O.I.
Kyulkyung expressed her hopes of I.O.I returning the love the fans have given them one day, as well as working hard to be a better version of herself. She hopes that an opportunity will arise where the girls will be able to meet their fans once more. The girls talk about wanting to see Kyulkyung soon, and the Chinese idol notes that she will visit when she can.
She also asks the girls to download WeChat, China's most popular multi-purpose message, social media, and mobile payment application.
Check out the clip here:
Do you miss I.O.I.? Tell us in the comments below!
History of I.O.I
I.O.I was formed through the Mnet's survival program "Produce 101 Season 1." The girls competed against 101 trainees to debut in the eleven-member group. On May 4, 2016, I.O.I made their debut with their debut mini-album "Chrysalis," which features the lead single "Dream Girls."
On Aug. 2016, I.O.I debuted their first sub-unit composed of Chungha, Nayoung, Sohye, Yoojung, Kyulkyung, Somi, and Doyeon. They debuted with the song "Whatta Man (Good Man)," and member Chungha choreographed the dance.
That same year, they made their return will all eleven members with "Very Very Very," the title track of their mini-album "Miss Me?" They earned their first music show win as a whole group with the comeback.
I.O.I held their last concert. "Time Slip - I.O.I" from Jan. 20 to Jan. 22. Prior to their concert, they released their farewell track on Jan. 17 titled "Downpour," which was written and co-produced by SEVENTEEN's Woozi. I.O.I formally disbanded on Jan. 31, 2017.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 6 Legendary Female Groups' Comebacks and Reunions That K-Pop Fans Yearn For
For more K-Pop news and updates, always keep your tabs open here on KpopStarz.
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Alexa Lewis
