The maturity and sincerity of I.O.I's long-awaited reunion resonated deeply with the hearts of the "National Producers" who had waited nearly a decade for this moment.
The first Seoul show of 2026 I.O.I Concert Tour: LOOP took place at Jamsil Indoor Stadium on May 31, marking the group's first standalone concert in nine years since Time Slip – I.O.I in January 2017.
Held alongside the release of the group's third mini album I.O.I : LOOP, the concert served as the fulfillment of a promise the members had made to reunite despite pursuing individual careers in different fields. More importantly, it became a renewed pledge to fans that the connection between I.O.I and its supporters would continue into the future.
Opening the tour, the concert featured more than 24 stages and showcased the mature chemistry of Lim Nayoung, Chungha, Kim Sejeong, Jung Chaeyeon, Kim Sohye, Yoo Yeonjung, Choi Yoojung, Kim Doyeon, and Jeon Somi. The evening was filled with emotional performances, heartfelt moments, and tears shared between the members and their fans.
A First Half Filled with Longing
The opening section revolved around themes of reunion and remembrance. A nostalgic opening stage blended contemporary retro aesthetics with imagery of a train journey through changing seasons, creating the feeling of returning to the youthful days that first defined I.O.I.
The members demonstrated how far they had grown since the days of Pick Me and Whatta Man, presenting performances marked by greater confidence, refinement, and emotional depth.
Songs such as Knock Knock Knock offered softer vocal moments, while I Love You, I Remember You highlighted the emotional interplay between members including Kim Doyeon and Jung Chaeyeon, supported by the powerful voices of Kim Sejeong and Chungha.
The sentimental atmosphere soon gave way to explosive EDM-driven performances. Stages featuring Fingertips, Yum Yum, and 24 Hours combined nostalgic memories of 2016 with the mature charisma that the group has developed over the past decade.
A Second Half Looking Toward New Dreams
The latter half of the concert focused on themes of renewal and energy. Following a playful VCR blending I.O.I's original concepts with contemporary challenge-style content, the members performed key tracks from their latest mini album.
Stages featuring the retro-inspired social media sensation Suddenly, the Latin-flavored SPF 100+, and the confident girl-crush anthem IOI highlighted both the group's current identity and its future ambitions.
Fan favorites including Very Very Very and Hold On further showcased the strengthened synergy created through ten years of individual growth and experience.
The finale embraced a more acoustic atmosphere. Songs such as Downpour and When the Cherry Blossoms Fade unfolded over gradually expanding band arrangements, creating deeply moving moments. Powerful vocals from Yoo Yeonjung and Kim Sejeong combined with the emotional expressions of Chungha, Kim Doyeon, Jeon Somi, Choi Yoojung, Kim Sohye, Jung Chaeyeon, and Lim Nayoung to create a sense of comfort and healing.
The concert concluded with fan interaction events and a newly arranged version of Pick Me. The performance celebrated not only the group's signature anthem but also the remarkable paths each member has taken across drama, musicals, television, and music during the past decade.
During the closing remarks, the members shared their emotions openly.
Lim Nayoung reflected, "I've missed this stage so much. Thanks to Chungha and our fans, I was able to realize this dream."
Yoo Yeonjung said, "We've been preparing this project for about a year and a half. There were many challenges, but being able to perform in front of a full audience while seeing our music reach No. 1 makes me incredibly happy."
Jung Chaeyeon admitted she had worried about her stamina during rehearsals, while Kim Sejeong expressed gratitude for both the difficult preparation process and the fans who made the moment possible.
Jeon Somi joked about wanting to go home at times during preparations before thanking fans for helping the group achieve a chart-topping result on concert day.
Chungha reflected on the emotional burden she had carried throughout her solo career and expressed amazement that a project that began in March of last year had finally come to fruition.
Choi Yoojung praised the members for supporting one another through the demanding process, while Kim Sohye recalled trembling backstage before finding comfort in the warm lights and cheers of the audience.
Kim Doyeon perhaps summarized the evening best: "Just like the album title, no matter where we are, we'll meet again, just like this."
I.O.I will continue the Seoul concerts through May 31 before officially launching the Asian leg of the 2026 I.O.I Concert Tour: LOOP.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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