I.O.I releases final group EP ‘Miss Me?’

SEOUL, Oct. 17 (Yonhap) — South Korean girl group I.O.I released its second and final group EP on Monday, kicking off the last stretch of its term as a project group developed through hit idol audition show “Produce 101,” which premiered in January this year.

In a media showcase held in eastern Seoul, all 11 members — Na-young, Chung-ha, Se-jeong, Chae-yeon, Jieqiong, So-hye, Yeon-jung, Yoo-jung, Mi-na, Do-yeon and So-mi — came together as a team to kick off the last of their group activities presenting the EP “Miss Me?,” which follows previous EP “Chyrsalis” that dropped in May.

The band was officially formed in April through the show broadcast as a temporary project group that would run until January 2017. It now has only one subunit album left for release before the members disband to pursue individual activities.

The EP’s name conveys I.O.I’s wishful message to fans to miss the members after the group is gone.

“We’ve been well aware of the fact that we are ‘project’ idols (with finite term of activity) from the start, and took it as motivation to build up great memories,” said Na-young. The 20-year-old idol said the members are willing to make the most out of their experience and to continue seeking their dreams as K-pop artists.

South Korean girl group I.O.I performs during a media showcase for its second and last group EP “Miss Me?” in eastern Seoul on Oct. 17, 2016.

At the media event, I.O.I showcased the EP’s two lead singles, “Very Very Very” and “Hold Up.”

“Very Very Very” was composed, arranged and produced by Park Jin-young, the chief of K-pop giant JYP Entertainment. With an energetic beat, as fast as 206 beats per minute, the dance-pop track talks of a woman’s wish to hear her sweetheart say he loves her “very, very, very much.”

“Hold Up,” on the other hand, portrays a wistful dialogue in the face of parting with a lover. Composed, arranged and produced by songwriter and B1A4 member Jin-young, the song blends a powerful dub step rhythm and traditional Korean melody, conveying the group’s farewell to its fandom.

Upon the EP’s release, I.O.I swept the No. 1 spot on the daily charts of multiple local mainstream music downloading and streaming services, such as MelON Music, Mnet and Genie Music.

Chae-yeon of South Korean girl group I.O.I performs during a media showcase for the group’s second and last EP “Miss Me?” in eastern Seoul on Oct. 17, 2016.

Despite their current success, the members did not reveal details of their plans for after I.O.I’s disbandment, citing uncertainties, and vowed to concentrate on the current group activities.

Their post-I.O.I plans, however, have remained the big question, as some have already joined different girl groups or soon-to-debut groups with longer contracts. Jieqiong, the group’s only Chinese member, and Na-young were named selective trainees for 10-member prospective girl group Pledis Girlz in June. After finishing their contracts with I.O.I, the two will undergo further training at Pledis Entertainment, who confirmed the group’s debut.

Similarly, Chae-yeon joined new girl group DIA and Yeon-jung joined Korea-China joint group Cosmic Girls, while Se-jeong and Mi-na are members of girl group gugudan. These groups are currently carrying out promotions without the I.O.I members.

Looking back, Yeon-jung wished she had had more chances to show more diversified concepts, such as the daring “girl crush.” In reflecting on what she felt was her most impressive moment, the singer picked her first-ever performances outside Korea.

“My first-ever overseas performances were in France and Los Angeles, at the KCON festival. I’ve never stood on such a huge stage — I will never forget the moment when the international listeners would sing along to our songs,” she recalled.

With about three months left till the completion of the I.O.I project, the idol singers hoped to continue their careers in K-pop.

“Since we are split up in so many different agencies, I think you will be able to see at least one of us in every (new girl group).” Chung-ha said with a cheerful smile.

So-mi of South Korean girl group I.O.I poses during a media showcase for the group’s second and last EP “Miss Me?” in eastern Seoul on Oct. 17, 2016.