Where is I.O.I Now? A Look Into the First 'Produce 101' Debut Group's Current Activities
I.O.I is the first-ever debut group of Mnet's "Produce 101" series. Debuting back in May 2016 and disbanding in January 2017, I.O.I only promoted for a little over eight months, which is much too soon for the group's fans who never even got their own fandom name.
Undoubtedly, many fans are still missing I.O.I after four years. Now that each I.O.I member has established their own careers, here are the current activities of each of the 11 former members of the group!
1. Kim Sejeong
Following I.O.I's disbandment, Kim Sejeong continued with her activities as a member of gugudan. Besides her activities with gugudan, she also embarked on her solo career - releasing solo songs, appearing on numerous shows, as well as becoming an actress.
With gugudan disbanding, Kim Sejeong put her focus on her solo promotions. Most recently, she released her second mini-album "I'm," back on March 29, 2021, and renewed her contract with Jellyfish Entertainment on May 11. From June 7 to August 22, Kim Sejeong will be appearing in the musical "Red Book," and will star in the upcoming SBS drama "A Business Proposal."
On July 23, Kim Sejeong released her digital single "Baby I Love You."
2. Lim Nayoung
Lim Nayoung debuted as a member of Pristin and their sub-unit Pristin V. However, the group disbanded in 2019 and Lim Nayoung eventually departed from the label.
In 2020, she began her acting career by appearing on tvN's "Flower of Evil" with a supporting role. She landed her first lead role in 2021 with the web-drama "Summer Guys," and lent her voice for the OST. Since then, she has been appearing in shows and films, as well as singing OSTs.
This coming August, Lim Nayoung will be appearing in the musical "I Love You."
3. Kim Sohye
Since Kim Sohye's end of activities with I.O.I, she pursued her acting career that she was originally training for. She has appeared in dramas and films such as "Best Chicken," "Moonlit Winter," "How to Buy a Friend," and more.
Most recently, she starred in the web-drama "Ask Ms Shin," and will be appearing in the upcoming film "Her Bucket List."
4. Kim Chungha
Kim Chungha went on to become a successful soloist after I.O.I's promotions, releasing numerous hit songs and albums that topped multiple charts such as "Roller Coaster," "Gotta Go," "Snapping," "Stay Tonight," "Bicycle," and many more. She also featured and collaborated with other artists, as well as lend her voice to drama OSTs. She also made guest appearances on shows.
Most recently, Kim Chungha released her studio album "Querencia," and featured in Rain's "Why Don't We."
5. Choi Yoojung
Choi Yoojung debuted as the main rapper of Weki Meki and the special four-member project group WJMK. Besides her group activities, Choi Yoojung also appeared on several variety shows, such as "Secret Unnie," "My Mad Beauty 3," "The Gashinas," and "V1."
Her most recent role as an actress was taking the lead role in Kok TV's "Melo Not Solo." She is currently a cast member of iHQ's "Spicy Girls."
6. Jung Chaeyeon
Jung Chaeyeon became the sub-vocalist of DIA, and is currently rumored to be preparing for a comeback sometime in the second half of 2021. Their most recent comeback was a year ago with their sixth mini-album "Flowers 4 Seasons."
Besides her group activities, Jung Chaeyeon has appeared and starred in numerous dramas, such as "Reunited Worlds," "To. Jenny," "Marry Me Now," and "My First First Love." She is also set to appear in the upcoming KBS2 drama "Yeonmo," airing in September.
7. Kang Mina
Following I.O.I, Kang Mina also debuted as a member of gugudan. In 2017, she started her career as an actress with a role in "Children of the 20th Century." She also starred in her first lead role in the tvN drama "History of Walking Upright." Since then, she has appeared in other hit dramas with main and supporting roles.
Kang Mina will be starring in the upcoming KBS2 drama "When Flowers Bloom, I Think of the Moon," which will air in the second half of 2021.
8. Yoo Yeonjung
Yoo Yeonjung became the 13th and youngest member of Cosmic Girls. Besides her activities with the group, she also lent her voice for numerous OSTs. Her most recent activity is releasing Cosmic Girls' ninth mini-album "Unnatural" back on March 31, and singing an OST for "My Roommate is a Gumiho."
9. Kim Doyeon
After promoting as a member of I.O.I, Kim Doyeon made her debut as a member of Weki Meki as well. Besides Weki Meki, Kim Doyeon also became active as an actress, appearing in the dramas "Short," "Pop Out Boy!," "Single & Ready to Mingle," and more.
She recently appeared as a supporting role in the tvN drama, "My Roommate is a Gumiho."
10. Zhou Jieqiong
Zhou Jieqiong, also known by her Korean name Joo Kyulkyung, debuted as a member of Pristin and its sub-unit Pristin V. At the same time, she also started her career in China, appearing as a mentor in the Chinese version of "Produce 101." She also made her solo debut in China with her digital single, "Why," in 2018. Since then, she has been active in China and ventured into acting.
She has starred in the Chinese dramas "Miss Truth," "Legend of Fei," "To Be With You," and "Be My Princess."
11. Jeon Somi
I.O.I's center, Jeon Somi, started her solo career after the group's disbanding, leaving JYP Entertainment and signing as an artist under The Black Label. Since then, she has appeared in numerous variety shows as a cast member, hosted shows, and released solo songs such as "Birthday" and "What You Waiting For," as well as featuring and collaborating with other artists.
Jeon Somi's most recent activity is making her comeback back on August 2 with her new single, "Dumb Dumb."
Which I.O.I member do you miss the most?
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Written by Robyn Joan
