Nearly a decade since the iconic survival show Produce 101 made the titular K-Pop girl group I.O.I, the girls are officially gearing up for a major comeback in 2026.

Welcome to K–OSMOPOLITAN, Cosmopolitan Middle East’s first K-Pop vertical since its launch, where we spill all the tea about the Halley wave. Now let’s go debrief.

If you’ve been as tapped in as we have here in the SWANA region, there are two things you need to realise: a) I.O.I is back, and b) we’re collectively losing our marbles.

Ever since the girls Jeon So-mi, Kim Se-jeong, Choi Yoo-jung, Kim Chung-ha, Kim So-hye, Zhou Jieqiong, Jung Chae-yeon, Kim Do-yeon, Kang Mi-na, Lim Na-young, and Yoo Yeon-jung made their stellar debut on May 4, 2016, they’ve been on a meteoric rise. Even after the one-year contract and their official disbamnent on January 31, 2017, the members carved out successful solo careers and joined new groups.

With the announcement that nine girls out of the 11 members are set to reunite in 2026, the K-Pop world naturally lost its mind. Here, we spill everything you need to know about I.O.I’s highly anticipated 2026 comeback.

I.O.I Comeback 2026: When is the 3rd album and music video releasing?

I.O.I’s third album and MV are set to drop on May 19, 2026. The title? I.O.I: LOOP.

I.O.I Comeback 2026: Which members are back?

It’s official! Jeon So-mi, Kim Se-jeong, Choi Yoo-jung, Kim Chung-ha, Kim So-hye, Jung Chae-yeon, Kim Do-yeon, Lim Na-young, and Yoo Yeon-jung will be part of the major comeback. The bittersweet update? Kang Mi-na and Zhou Jieqiong won’t be joining this time around (cue the sad tears).

I.O.I Comeback 2026: When was the comeback announcement made?

Netizens spotted a new Instagram account under the username @ioi_10th on March 9, 2026, instantly clocking that this is the sign we’ve been waiting on for nearly a decade. Since then, a slew of posts has outlined the group’s next steps.

I.O.I Comeback 2026: When will the tracklist be revealed?

The official tracklist for I.O.I: LOOP will be released on April 27, 2026. So, not too long to go now!

I.O.I Comeback 2026: Will they have a concert?

Great news for fans: aside from the comeback, the group will also have three concerts to mark their new era. The deets are below:

📍Seoul, Jamsil Indoor Stadium
📆 May 29, 2026

📍Bangkok, Idea Live, Bravo BKK
📆 May 29, 2026

📍Hong Kong, Asia World-Expo, Hall 10
📆 May 29, 2026

I.O.I Comeback 2026: What is the fandom’s official name?

Chingu’s, we finally have a fandom name after nine years! Enter Angdungi’s! The name may sound cute, but its meaning runs deeper. It represents the fans who stayed, who carried on listening to the group’s songs and albums, and kept the memory alive. A sign of loyalty.

ICYMI, these are the best upcoming and completed K-Dramas of 2026.