I.O.I Announces May 19 Comeback With ‘Loop’

Author Minji Park

Update April 21, 2026

Date April 21, 2026

I.O.I members rehearse a synchronized dance routine in matching pink sweatshirts and black shorts.

The group practice together ahead of their comeback, marking a new era with Loop and a Seoul concert tour. (Photo / I.O.I SNS

The long-awaited return of I.O.I has been officially confirmed, with the group set to release new music for the first time in years. On April 21, Swing Entertainment announced that I.O.I will drop their third mini album, “I.O.I : Loop,” on May 19, marking a major reunion nearly a decade after their disbandment.

The lineup includes original members Im Nayoung, Chungha, Kim Sejeong, Jung Chaeyeon, Kim Sohye, Yoo Yeonjung, Choi Yoojung, Kim Doyeon, and Jeon Somi, bringing together all nine members for the highly anticipated project.

Comeback schedule signals full-scale promotions

Alongside the announcement, the group unveiled a promotional scheduler through official social media channels. The pastel-toned image outlined a structured rollout plan leading up to the album release, signaling a full-scale comeback campaign.

According to the schedule, I.O.I will begin teasing the project with a mood film on April 22, followed by concept photos, a tracklist reveal, album previews, music video teasers, and audio snippets. A pre-release track is set to drop on May 4, accompanied by a YouTube live broadcast to engage global fans ahead of the official comeback.

The structured timeline reflects a modern K-pop promotional strategy, suggesting that the group is aiming to reconnect not only with longtime fans but also with newer audiences who may not have experienced their original run.

Promotional poster for I.O.I’s 3rd mini album Loop, featuring release schedule and anniversary events. — I.O.I reveal the detailed timeline for their long‑awaited reunion album Loop, leading up to the May 19 release. (Photo / Swing Entertainment)

Nine-year reunion revives a defining K-pop project group

Formed through Mnet’s survival program Produce 101 in 2016, I.O.I quickly rose to prominence with hits such as “Very Very Very” and “Downpour.” Despite their success, the group concluded official activities in January 2017, following a pre-determined project timeline.

The upcoming release marks approximately nine years since their disbandment, making it one of the most significant reunions among K-pop project groups. Industry watchers note that the return of I.O.I reflects the enduring influence of early survival show groups on the current K-pop landscape.

Each member has since built individual careers across music, acting, and variety entertainment, adding further anticipation to how their distinct styles will converge in the new album.

Concert tour expands comeback momentum

In addition to the album release, I.O.I will launch a concert series titled “2026 I.O.I Concert Tour : Loop.” The tour will begin with a three-day run from May 29 at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul.

The concerts are expected to serve as both a celebration of the group’s legacy and a platform to introduce new material from the upcoming album. Given the group’s historical popularity and the rarity of full-member reunions, strong ticket demand is anticipated.

As the countdown to May 19 begins, I.O.I’s return is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched K-pop comebacks of 2026, bridging past and present in a rapidly evolving industry.