It's been seven years since "Nation's Pick" I.O.I captivated every K-pop fan's heart. Here are what the members are up to following disbandment.
Who is I.O.I? Project Girl Group Launched Through Mnet's 'Produce 101' Season 1
I.O.I is a project girl group created through the Mnet survival audition, "Produce 101." The group was comprised of 11 members: Jeon Somi, Kim Sejeong, Choi Yoojung, Kim Chungha, Kim Sohye, Joo Kyulkyung, Jung Chaeyeon, Kim Doyeon, Kang Mina, Lim Nayoung, and Yoo Yeonjung.
The season 1 aired in 2016, and the 11-member team debuted in May of the same year.
Since then, I.O.I established itself as "Nation's Pick" with hit tracks "Pick Me," "Very Very Very," "DOWNPOUR," and "Whatta Man."
Despite their massive popularity, the group had to part ways after a year and return to their respective companies.
At the time, the members decided to pursue various paths – either going solo, debuting in a new group, or embarking on an acting career.
Where Is I.O.I in 2023? Status of Members
Seven years later, things have changed a lot. Currently, most of the members have moved to different paths several times.
1. Jeon Somi
The "Nation's Center" Jeon Somi, who was initially a JYP Entertainment trainee, terminated her contract and failed to debut in ITZY.
Eventually, she transferred to YG's subsidiary THEBLACKLABEL and cemented herself as a soloist.
2. Chungha
Among I.O.I, Chungha is one of the first members to debut as a soloist under MNH Entertainment.
However, recently, she announced her exclusive contract expiration with the label after seven years and decided to leave the company.
Chungha is yet to find her new nest.
3. Kim Sohye
ALSO READ: Where Is Kim Sohye Now? Status of 'Victory Fairy' After IOI Disbandment
After I.O.I, Kim Sohye left her initial agency and instead established her one-man company S&P Entertainment, along with her family to manage her full-fledged acting career.
4. Jung Chaeyeon
After disbandment, Jung Chaeyeon re-debuted in DIA. Although the group received decent success, they eventually disbanded and since then, Chaeyeon put more weight on her acting career.
5. Lim Nayoung
After I.O.I, Nayoung joined a new girl group Pristin launched by Pledis Entertainment, but it disbanded after more than two years.
Since then, she has been with Sublime Artist Agency for nearly four years, but her contract with the company ended last month so she is currently active alone.
6. Kang Mina
When I.O.I ended their activities, Kang Mina continued promoting gugudan until it also disbanded in 2020.
Despite this, she remained under Jellyfish Entertainment as an actress and became known for her acting in "Hotel Del Luna."
In June 2023 then, Kang Mina announced contract expiration with the company and is in talks to join Story J Company, home to Kim Tae Hee and Oh Yeon Seo.
7. Kim Sejeong
Contrary to Mina, Sejeong, who is also a former gugudan member, decided to maintain the relationship with the company and renewed her contract with Jellyfish in 2021.
Under the label, Sejeong is engaged in both musical and acting activities at the company.
8. Yoo Yeonjung
Meanwhile, Yoo Yeonjung also renewed her contract with Starship Entertainment in January and continues promoting with WJSN.
9-10. Choi Yoojung and Kim Doyeon
Since I.O.I's disbandment, Yoojung and Doyeon remained as artists under Fantagio and are also both working under the same girl group Weki Meki.
They started their activities in 2017 but attention is focused on their next moves as their contracts are about to expire next year.
11. Joo Kyulkyung
Although Kyulkyung is still under Pledis, she has been active in China since September 2019.
According to the agency, she established a private studio under an agreement with Pledis and is currently conducting entertainment activities on her own through the studio.
READ MORE: K-Media Explains Reason Chinese K-pop Idols Leave Korea To Pursue Careers in China
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Written by Eunice Dawson.
