I.O.I 3rd Mini Album [LOOP]

What is I.O.I LOOP?

I.O.I: Loop (stylized in all caps) is the third extended play by South Korean girl group I.O.I. Produced by Swing Entertainment and distributed by Stone Music Entertainment and KT Genie Music, the EP was released on May 19, 2026. The release marked the group's reunion to celebrate their tenth debut anniversary.

I.O.I originally formed as a temporary project group through the television program Produce 101 in 2016. The group achieved commercial success during their active period but disbanded in January 2017 as stipulated in their contract, having promoted for less than a year. While members pursued individual careers with their respective agencies, reunion attempts remained unrealized until December 2025, when Swing Entertainment announced that nine of the original eleven members would reunite to release new music for the tenth anniversary.

The EP comprises six tracks, led by its singles "Suddenly" and "Goodbye with a Smile". "Suddenly" serves as the album's title track, while "Goodbye with a Smile" was released as a pre-release single on May 4, 2026. The physical album includes an 88-page photo book, a CD, two random photo cards (from 36 options), a poster, a printed photo, a mini accordion booklet, and a Polaroid photograph.

Nine members participate in the comeback: Im Na-young, Chungha, Kim Se-jeong, Jung Chae-yeon, Kim So-hye, Yoo Yeon-jung, Choi Yoo-jung, Kim Do-yeon, and Jeon Somi. Two members, Kang Mi-na and Zhou Jieqiong, did not participate due to prior commitments. The group promotes the EP through the Loop Tour across Asia, including three concerts scheduled at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul from May 29 to 31.

Background of I.O.I LOOP

Failed reunion attempts in 2019

Studio Blu confirmed plans for the group's return in October 2019 with nine members, excluding Yoo Yeon-jung and Jeon So-mi. The planned comeback was subsequently postponed to December on September 6. The reunion was canceled on October 29 due to scheduling conflicts between the members and the ongoing Mnet vote manipulation investigation. Reports indicated that additional members faced participation difficulties during this period. Kyulkyung (Zhou Jieqiong) encountered scheduling conflicts with her commitments in China, while Choi Yoo Jung announced a temporary hiatus for health reasons. With the likelihood of only seven members participating, discussions regarding the reunion ceased.

The 10th anniversary announcement

Members revealed on December 25, 2025, that the group would reunite for a comeback in May 2026, marking their tenth anniversary. Swing Entertainment officially announced the reunion on February 23, 2026, confirming the group would release a new album in May without Mina and Jieqiong. Chungha initiated the reunion by contacting all members, asking whether they would commemorate their tenth anniversary together. The members demonstrated immediate agreement, with Chungha noting that everyone wanted to participate despite being under different companies.

Members participating in the comeback

Nine members confirmed participation in the tenth anniversary comeback: Im Na-young, Chungha, Kim Se-jeong, Jung Chae-yeon, Kim So-hye, Yoo Yeon-jung, Choi Yoo-jung, Kim Do-yeon, and Jeon Somi. Kang Mi-na and Zhou Jieqiong did not participate due to prior commitments, with acting schedules preventing their involvement. Swing Entertainment managed the group's promotional activities for both the album release and tenth anniversary celebrations.

Track listing and album details

IOI (Where My Girls At)

The opening track spans 3 minutes and 2 seconds. Jeon Somi wrote the lyrics and co-composed the music with Dominsuk. The pop dance track captures the group's signature energy and features themes of reunion and camaraderie.

Suddenly

Serving as the title track, "Suddenly" (갑자기) runs for 3 minutes and 15 seconds. The synthpop composition was written by Jeon Somi and Vvn, while Vvn, Kush, and Ido handled the music production. The track delicately portrays unexpected waves of longing and conveys bittersweet emotions of a reunited relationship.

SPF 100+ (Summer Pop Fantasy)

This track extends to 3 minutes and 34 seconds. Emily Yeonseo Kim and Jung-yoon contributed lyrics, whereas Big Sancho, Thomas Mikailin, Emily Yeonseo Kim, Kanner, and K-Mega composed the music. The song employs metaphorical language comparing summer memories to sun protection.

If I

The shortest track on the EP at 2 minutes and 47 seconds features a rock-driven sound. Shannon Bae, Yoo Yeon-jung, and Hey Farmer collaborated on both lyrics and composition. The song explores themes of unchanging and steadfast relationships.

Then, Now, and Forever

Running 3 minutes and 50 seconds, this ballad continues the narrative established in the group's previous track "Downpour". Chungha wrote the lyrics and co-composed the music with MinGtion. The song reflects matured perspectives on promises frozen in time.

Goodbye with a Smile

The closing track spans 4 minutes and marks the longest song on the EP. Recorded in 2016, Jung Jin-young produced, wrote, and composed this archive recording. Released as a pre-release single on May 4, 2026, the track preserves the members' voices as originally captured. The total album length reaches 20 minutes and 28 seconds.

Release and promotion of I.O.I LOOP

Pre-release single strategy

Swing Entertainment released "Goodbye with a Smile (Recorded in 2016)" through major music streaming platforms at 6 p.m. on May 4, 2026. The archive recording preserves the members' vocal performances exactly as captured during the original 2016 session. Jung Jin-young, who maintained a collaborative relationship with the group, produced the track and contributed to its lyrical composition. The song captures memories of parting with optimism while maintaining mutual encouragement. By revisiting emotions preserved from their active period, the pre-release established momentum for the full album release scheduled for May 19.

Concept photos and teasers

The group unveiled a structured promotion schedule detailing content releases leading to the album launch. Promotional materials included a music video teaser for "Suddenly," an audio snippet video showcasing album tracks, and a mood film establishing the comeback's aesthetic direction. Member-specific concept photos were released in phases, featuring Lim Nayoung, Chungha, and Kim Se Jeong, followed by Choi Yoojung, Kim Doyeon, and Jeon Somi, then Jung Chaeyeon, Kim So Hye, and Yeonjung. The group concept photo, disclosed on May 10 at midnight, presented Version A styling against an exotic backdrop. Members displayed relaxed expressions and individualized styling while maintaining cohesive visual unity.

Physical album contents

The physical release, distributed on May 20, 2026, contains an 88-page photobook, a CD-R, and an envelope. Collectors receive two randomly selected photo cards from 36 available designs, one polaroid from nine options, and one printed photo from nine variations. Additional components include a standard poster and an accordion photo. The photobook measures 150 by 200 millimeters, while photo cards follow standard dimensions of 55 by 85 millimeters.

I.O.I LOOP Tour and concert

Yoo Yeon-jung confirmed during the December 22 broadcast of KBS Cool FM's Oh My Girl Hyojung's Volume Up that the concert venue had been secured. She indicated the timing would fall in early to mid-spring, corresponding with the group's original debut period. The tour announcement materialized on March 12, 2026, revealing performances across Seoul, Bangkok, and Hong Kong scheduled for May and June.

The Seoul leg comprises three consecutive performances at Jamsil Indoor Stadium from May 29 to 31, 2026. Tickets became available through the online platform NOL on March 26 at 8 p.m., with R seats priced at 165,000 won and S seats at 154,000 won. The venue implemented vehicle restrictions under the government's mandatory five-day rotation policy, prohibiting vehicles with license plates ending in 5 or 0 from entering the public parking lot on May 29.

Following the Seoul performances, the tour proceeds to Bangkok on June 6. Ticketing for the Bangkok concert operates through iMe Thai and Fantopia platforms, with presale registration closing on April 27. The presale period runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bangkok time on May 2, while general sales commence at 6 p.m. the same day.

The Hong Kong finale takes place on June 20 and 21 at AsiaWorld-Expo Hall 10. Tickets range from 899 to 1,799 Hong Kong dollars, with the premium tier including access to either a sound check session or hi-bye event, a poster with 100 randomly signed copies, Hong Kong exclusive photocards, and a lanyard with badge set.

The concert title "LOOP" reflects cyclical patterns of relationships where reunions and farewells repeat. This marks the first stage reunion in approximately nine years since the group's 2017 concert.

FAQs

When was I.O.I: LOOP released?

The album was released on May 19, 2026, marking the group's first collaborative musical release in over nine years. A pre-release single from the album was unveiled on May 4.

How many original members participated in the comeback?

Nine of the original eleven members participated in the tenth anniversary activities. Kang Mi-na and Zhou Jieqiong were absent due to prior commitments.

What is the group's official fandom name?

The group announced their fandom name as Angdungie to honor supporters who stayed by their side since 2016. The name serves as a dedication to the loyal fanbase celebrating the milestone with the group.

When did the group launch their social media presence for the reunion?

The group announced their reunion concert tour through a new Instagram account launched on March 9, 2026.

What special event accompanied the pre-release?

Members held a YouTube livestream session with fans for the tenth anniversary of their debut on the same day as the prerelease reveal. The livestream coincided with the release of "Goodbye with a Smile" on May 4.