I.O.I. (Photo : MNet)
After the conclusion of Mnet's survival program "Produce 101," the final 11 members of the nation's girl group were revealed.
The final members of I.O.I. were revealed on the final episode of the show on Apr. 1 via live telecast and those who made the cut are: JYP's Jeon Somi, Jellyfish's Kim Sejong and Kang Mina, Fantagio's Choi Yoojung and Kim Doyeon, Redline's Kim Sohye, M&H's Kim Chungha, MBK's Jung Chaeyeon, Pledis' Pinky and Im Nayoung, and Starship's Yu Yunjung.
Previous reports claimed that I.O.I.'s debut was supposedly in late April or right after the reality show, but was delayed in May. According to All Kpop, the delay is due to the recording of the group's mini album. The group was supposed to promote a single, but received support from various producers. I.O.I will reportedly promote two songs as a group and two songs by unit groups.
Another possible cause of the delayed debut is due to the mere fact that the group will film the official music video of their single "Crush". On Apr. 4, I.O.I. released the unofficial music video of the song. The video showed the girls recording the song and having fun in the practice room. While many were disappointed with the video, CJ E&M Entertainment will release a new MV.
Other probable reason why there is a change in debut schedule is because the girls are deciding on their roles in the group. At first, it was thought that JYP's trainee Jeon Somi will be the leader and center of the pack after she won first place, but may not be the case since she is the youngest or maknae in the group. In the recent group appearance via V App, it seems that Pledis' Im Nayoung is the leader being the eldest in I.O.I.
In addition to that, Kim Sohye is reportedly practicing hard to learn her parts and the danceto avoid negative comments from netizens. Sohye is known for lacking skills, but works very hard that gained her many fans.
