I.O.I (which stands for ‘Ideal Of Idol’) are an 11 member female idol group that debuted earlier this year under YMC Entertainment/CJ E&M. The members are: Lim Na Young (leader), Kim Chung Ha, Kim Se Jeong, Jung Chae Yeon, Zhou Jieqiong, Kim So Hye, Yu Yeon Jung, Choi Yoo Jung, Kang Mi Na, Kim Do Yeon and Jeon So Mi.
I.O.I were formed as a result of the Mnet survival television show ‘Produce 101’ this year. The show brought together 101 trainees from 46 different entertainment companies with the aim of creating an 11 member girl group. Since their official debut at the beginning of May, they have released an EP called “Chrysalis” and 2 official MVs. The EP also features the songs they performed as a group during their time on ‘Produce 101’.
Many of the members participated in a few different projects while training in their respective entertainment companies. Member Kim Se Jeong was a contestant on the survival talent show ‘K-Pop Star 2’ and worked as a model, Jung Chae Yeon is on hiatus from MBK Entertainment’s girl group DIA and Chinese member Zhou Jieqiong in Orange Caramel’s ‘My Copycat’ MV (also with leader Lim Na Young) and Seventeen’s ‘Mansae’ MV. These are just a few examples of the many activities the I.O.I members have partaken in previously.
I.O.I are unique and interesting for the fact that it is actively intended for their time as a group to be limited. It has even been suggested that they will disband by the end of January 2017. In the meantime, they are expected to work either as a group of a number of sub-units as they promote around 4 more albums. After disbandment, many have plans to pick back up with previous work or go back to their traineeships within their respective companies.
Below are a few videos to help you get to know the group better:
‘Crush’ MV
‘Dream Girls’ MV
[MelOn Premiere Showcase] I.O.I(아이오아이) _ Pick Me(픽미)
