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Chung Ha opens up about the possibility of I.O.I reunion: We always dream about it

Chung Ha opens up about the possibility of I.O.I reunion: We always dream about it

TOI Entertainment Desk / etimes.in / Feb 22, 2025, 13:05 IST

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Chung Ha discusses the possibility of an I.O.I reunion, expressing both longing and uncertainty about the future. Despite her successful solo career, she and her former bandmates often talk about reuniting. Her latest album, 'Alivio,' marks a turning point where she embraces artistic freedom and vulnerability.

Chung Ha opens up about the possibility of I.O.I reunion: We always dream about it

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Since rising to fame as a solo artist following the disbandment of I.O.I in 2017, Chung Ha has continuously delivered hit after hit, proving her versatility and talent. However, despite her success, she has never forgotten her time with the temporary girl group formed through 'Produce 101.' In a recent interview, Chung Ha expressed her longing for a potential I.O.I reunion, sharing that she and her former bandmates frequently discuss the idea.
Fans recently got a taste of nostalgia when Chung Ha collaborated with some of her former I.O.I members—Lim Na-young, Kim Se-jeong, and Jung Chae-yeon—for her 2024 holiday track 'There Goes Santa Claus.' The brief reunion reignited hope among fans that a full-scale comeback could one day be possible. While Chung Ha remains uncertain about whether it will happen, she admits that she deeply envies groups that get to stay together for more than just a short period.
“I really admire groups that last longer than ten months,�?Chung Ha shared in an interview with Vulture. “I.O.I members and I always talk about getting back together. I don’t know if it will become reality, but it would be a dream come true.�?br/>

I.O.I was formed through the highly competitive first season of 'Produce 101,' a survival show that gave many trainees a chance to debut but only for a limited period. Chung Ha reflected on the experience, admitting that it was both a launching pad for her career and a difficult journey filled with challenges. She sympathizes with contestants on similar shows today, acknowledging the immense pressure they face.
“For those who go through survival programs, the journey is really tough,�?she said. “Trainees pour their hearts into their performances, but sometimes they don’t receive the attention they deserve. There are both positive and negative reactions and it’s difficult to endure.�?br/>Though watching such shows reminds her of her own struggles, she hopes that every aspiring artist gets the chance to succeed in the industry.
Following her time in I.O.I, Chung Ha built a successful solo career, but it wasn’t always easy. Her latest album, 'Alivio,' released on February 12, represents a personal turning point. She revealed that earlier in her career, her former agency expected her to maintain a polished, glamorous image. While she embraced that persona for a while, she eventually wanted to show a more vulnerable and authentic side of herself.
With her 2022 album 'Bare & Rare,' she attempted to break away from these expectations, but her company still wanted her to maintain a bright and perfect image. Now, with 'Alivio,' she has fully embraced her artistic freedom, letting go of external pressures and focusing on expressing her true emotions.
“This album is about allowing myself to feel weak sometimes,�?she explained. “For years, I carried a lot of emotions, but now I feel like I’ve finally found closure.�?br/>Even though I.O.I was only active for a short time, its impact on the K-pop industry remains undeniable. Alongside Chungha, the group included talented artists like Jeon Somi, Kim Se-jeong, Choi Yoo-jung, Kim So-hye, Zhou Jieqiong, Jung Chae-yeon, Kim Do-yeon, Kang Mi-na, Lim Na-young and Yoo Yeon-jung—many of whom have also built successful careers.
While nothing is set in stone regarding a reunion, Chungha’s words give fans hope that one day, the members might reunite for something special. Whether it’s a one-time project or a full comeback, the idea of I.O.I coming together again remains an exciting possibility. Until then, Chungha continues to evolve as an artist, staying true to herself and her music.

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TOI Entertainment Desk

The TOI Entertainment Desk is a dynamic and dedicated team of journalists, working tirelessly to bring the pulse of the entertainment world straight to the readers of The Times of India. No red carpet goes unrolled, no stage goes dark - our team spans the globe, bringing you the latest scoops and insider insights from Bollywood to Hollywood, and every entertainment hotspot in between. We don't just report; we tell tales of stardom and stories untold. Whether it's the rise of a new sensation or the seasoned journey of an industry veteran, the TOI Entertainment Desk is your front-row seat to the fascinating narratives that shape the entertainment landscape. Beyond the breaking news, we present a celebration of culture. We explore the intersections of entertainment with society, politics, and everyday life.

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