I.O.I (Hangul: 아이오아이; also known as IOI or Ideal of Idol) is a South Korean girl group formed by CJ E&M through the 2016 reality show Produce 101 on Mnet.
CJ E&M’s project girl group I.O.I released its second mini-album “Miss Me?” on Monday, staging a showcase performance for their last official activity before their disbanding in January.
The 11-member girl group was formed through the Mnet reality survival show “Produce 101,” which starred 101 trainees from various entertainment companies. They were contracted for only one year.
The final 11, picked by the audience, released their first mini-album “Chrysalis” on May 4. Three months later, seven members of the group released the digital single “Whatta Man” that topped online music charts.
Jung Chae-yeon of MBK Entertainment and Kim Se-jeong and Kang Mi-na of Jellyfish Entertaiment returned to their original agencies to pursue their own music careers _ Jung rejoining her original band DIA in June and Kim and Kang debuting in another girl band Gugudan the same month.
For their final mini album, I.O.I has returned as a full group with the energetic new song “Very Very Very” written by Park Jin-young, founder of talent agency JYP Entertainment. He revealed that I.O.I’s new title is one of the fastest songs he has ever made and its rhythm is clocked at 206 beats per minute.
Park has produced many girl group hit songs including Wonder Girls’ “Tell Me” and “Nobody” as well as Miss A’s “Bad Girl Good Girl.”
Group member Jeon So-mi, who belongs to JYP Entertainment, said she is glad to work with Park despite being nervous at the same time.
“As Park is the representative of my company and the record producer here, I was nervous to sing in front of him,” said Jeon during the press conference at Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, eastern Seoul. “It was my first time recording a song with him and I was happy.”
Se-jeong also recalled her memories with Park when she participated in an audition show five years ago and the producer said her singing style was too old-fashioned then. But this time, he complimented her that she has improved and Kim felt she was glad she didn’t give up.
Asked how they felt about topping the online music charts again, Lim Na-young said they did not expect such an achievement as this is their last activity and they wanted to enjoy it. However she expressed her gratitude for the love and attention of their fans.
Park Sa-lim, Seoul
where will ioi be in 5 years after they grow up…..where will i be in 5 years
— GIRLGROUP CONFESSION (@GRLGROUPCONFESS) October 18, 2016
IOI got certified all kill today congrats?
Ah too bad they will disband after this promo ends https://t.co/Al4e6IOGwa— minguk is asking❓ (@Kpop_Polling) October 18, 2016