Lyrical2026-04-28·6

I.O.I Returns After 9 Years: 'LOOP' Tracklist Revealed

I.O.I is back after 9 years. The 10th anniversary EP 'LOOP' drops in May with self-composed songs, a 2016 recording, and Jeon Somi on the title track.

On April 27, 2026, I.O.I posted something fans had waited nearly a decade to see: a tracklist. The image appeared on their official social media at midnight KST, confirming what had been rumored for months. The project group formed from the first season of Produce 101 was returning for their 10th debut anniversary, and they were bringing more than nostalgia with them.

The EP is called "I.O.I : LOOP." It contains seven songs. The title track is "Suddenly," featuring participation from Jeon Somi. The tracklist includes "IOI (Where My Girls At)," "SPF 100+ (Summer Pop Fantasy)," "IF I," "Back Then Us Now," and something that stopped fans scrolling: "Say Goodbye With a Smile (Recorded in 2016)."

That final track was recorded nine years ago, before the group disbanded. It has been sitting in a vault, waiting for this moment.

Here is everything we know about I.O.I's return, who is participating, and why this comeback matters beyond the anniversary.

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From "Dream Girls" to "Whatta Man" to "Very Very Very" — I.O.I's discography defined an era. Lyrical shows every word as it plays, in Korean and romanized.

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The Tracklist: Seven Songs, Nine Years Apart

The full tracklist for "I.O.I : LOOP" reveals a project that bridges past and present:

1. "IOI (Where My Girls At)" — Opening track, likely an anthemic group statement

2. "Suddenly" — Title track with Jeon Somi participation

3. "SPF 100+ (Summer Pop Fantasy)" — Summer-themed track suggesting bright, upbeat energy

4. "Back Then Us Now" — Explicit nostalgia track, comparing past and present

5. "IF I" — Ballad or mid-tempo reflection

6. "Say Goodbye With a Smile (Recorded in 2016)" — The vault track, recorded before disbandment

The inclusion of a 2016 recording is significant. I.O.I disbanded in January 2017 after their contract ended. "Say Goodbye With a Smile" was apparently recorded during their active period but never released. It has waited nine years for fans to hear it.

Who Is Returning

Nine of the original eleven members are participating in the comeback:

Im Nayoung
Chungha
Kim Sejeong
Jeong Chaeyeon
Kim Sohye
Yoo Yoonjung
Choi Yoojung
Kim Do-yeon
Jeon Somi

Not returning: Mina and Jieqiong (Kyulkyung). Both have established solo careers in their respective countries and are not participating in the reunion.

The nine-member lineup still represents the core of what made I.O.I special. Chungha and Kim Sejeong have become major solo artists. Jeon Somi has built an international career. Seeing them return to the group that launched them carries emotional weight for fans who watched them grow.

Self-Composed and Member-Participatory

What distinguishes this comeback from a simple nostalgia play is the creative involvement. Reports indicate the album features significant member participation in composition and songwriting.

This is not a corporate-mandated reunion with factory-produced tracks. The members have reportedly been involved in crafting the music, making this a genuine artistic statement from women who have spent nine years developing their skills.

The 2016 recording adds another layer. It captures the group at their peak, before the pressures of disbandment, before solo careers and scandals and military service. It is a time capsule being opened in 2026.

The 10th Anniversary Context

I.O.I debuted on May 4, 2016, as the winning group from Produce 101 Season 1. The show created the modern K-pop survival competition format. The group's immediate success proved the concept worked.

Their discography was brief but impactful:

"Dream Girls" — debut single, aspirational anthem
"Whatta Man" — retro-inspired hit
"Very Very Very" — peak cute concept
"Downpour" — emotional ballad, their final release

The group disbanded after less than a year, as their contract specified. Members returned to their respective companies. Some redebuted in permanent groups. Others pursued solo careers. A few faded from the industry entirely.

The 10th anniversary marks a full decade since that debut. The members are now in their late twenties. They are established artists, not trainees competing for spots. This comeback represents something rare in K-pop: a reunion of equals, returning by choice rather than contract obligation.

Hear this live in Lyrical:

"Dream Girls" — the song that started it all. "You are my dream girl, dream girl." Sing along with full romanization and real-time sync.

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Swing Entertainment and the Business Side

Swing Entertainment, which managed I.O.I during their original run, is handling the comeback. The company confirmed in February 2026 that a reunion was planned for the 10th anniversary.

The logistics are complex. Nine members from different agencies must coordinate schedules. Recording sessions, promotional activities, and a planned Asia tour all require negotiation. The fact that it is happening at all speaks to the members' commitment and the financial viability of the project.

The Asia tour, announced alongside the album, suggests this is more than a single release. I.O.I is planning a full promotional cycle, potentially lasting through 2026.

Why This Comeback Matters

Project groups are designed to be temporary. Produce 101 created I.O.I, Wanna One, IZ*ONE, and X1 with explicit expiration dates. The format depends on the knowledge that the group will end.

Reunions are rare. Wanna One reunited for a performance at the 2021 MAMA Awards. IZ*ONE's reunion has been discussed but never materialized. I.O.I's 10th anniversary comeback is the most substantial project group reunion to date.

For fans, it is validation. The emotional investment in a temporary group often feels one-sided. The members move on, and fans are left with memories. This comeback says the memories mattered to the artists too.

For the industry, it is a test case. If I.O.I's reunion succeeds commercially, other project groups may follow. The K-pop landscape could see more anniversary comebacks from disbanded groups.

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Experience I.O.I's Music With Lyrical

I.O.I's discography spans multiple concepts and sounds. "Dream Girls" is aspirational pop. "Whatta Man" is retro R&B. "Very Very Very" is pure bubblegum. "Downpour" is emotional balladry. Each song has its own lyrical personality.

Lyrical helps you experience all of it. Real-time synced lyrics in Korean and romanized. Every word visible as it plays. Whether you are revisiting their 2016 classics or learning the new "LOOP" tracks, the lyrics come alive with perfect timing.

Nine years is a long time. The music makes it feel like no time passed at all.

Download Lyrical and sing along to every I.O.I song with full lyrics and real-time sync.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is I.O.I's comeback EP released?

"I.O.I : LOOP" releases in May 2026. The exact date has not been announced.

Which members are participating?

Nine members: Im Nayoung, Chungha, Kim Sejeong, Jeong Chaeyeon, Kim Sohye, Yoo Yoonjung, Choi Yoojung, Kim Do-yeon, and Jeon Somi. Mina and Jieqiong are not returning.

What is the title track?

"Suddenly," featuring Jeon Somi participation.

What is the 2016 recording?

"Say Goodbye With a Smile" was recorded in 2016 before I.O.I disbanded but was never released. It appears on the new EP.

Will there be a tour?

Yes, an Asia tour has been announced alongside the album.

Who is managing the comeback?

Swing Entertainment, which managed I.O.I during their original 2016-2017 run.

*I.O.I unveils tracklist for 10th anniversary comeback EP "I.O.I : LOOP" on April 27, 2026. Nine members participating. Title track "Suddenly" features Jeon Somi. Album includes 2016 recording "Say Goodbye With a Smile." Release: May 2026.*

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