IOI (Photo : Kooknim Bank)
Produce 101 I.O.I has ended their promotion as a group after winning the survival program. Now, some of the group members will promote in a sub unit.
According to Naver, I.O.I will not promote under a different name. This could be because YMC Entertainment still wants to capitalize in the name's popularity, which has become a household name.
In a statement, YMC Entertainment announced:
"I.O.I has finished their first album promotions with their performance at Dream Concert on June 4. We are preparing for their second promotions through a unit group."
The unit will comprise of seven members including Kim Doyeon, Kim Sohye, Kim Chungha, Lim Nayoung, Jeon Somi, Zhou Jieqiong, and Choi Yoojung. The members are currently working very hard to show a new image."
As for the members who are not in the unit group, Kim Sejeong, Kang Mina, and Jung Chaeyeon, will return to their agencies and promote as members of their groups that they have prepared a long time for."
Meanwhile, the girls will still see each other as Jung Chaeyeon will promote with DIA for its comeback, while Kim Sejeong and Kang Mina will debut under Jellyfish Entertainment with Kim Nayoung. Yu Yunjung will reportedly use the break from the group to further hone her skills.
The I.O.I unit will release a mini-album in the summer, which will make it a tough battle as many girl groups are slated for a summer comeback like Sistar, Gfriend and Wonder Girls.
One thing is for sure, YMC Entertainment is milking the girls' fame following the survival program.I.O.I is set to disband after a year, until January 2017.
