ArtistDirect News
I.O.I Secures First Music Core Trophy with "Suddenly" on 10th-Anniversary Reunion
I.O.I, the 2016 project group that rose to fame through Produce 101, captured its first Music Core trophy on Saturday, June 13, 2026, after the single “Suddenly” earned 7,815 points.
The win came amid a competitive lineup that included ILLIT’s “It’s Me” and aespa’s “LEMONADE.” I.O.I’s total surpassed the other nominees, securing the trophy for its third EP, I.O.I: Loop, released May 19, 2026. “Suddenly,” the EP’s lead single, already topped South Korea’s Circle Digital Chart, marking the group’s second number‑one hit after the 2016 single “Very Very Very.”
I.O.I was formed by CJ E&M through Produce 101 in 2016. The eleven members—Jeon So‑mi, Kim Se‑jeong, Choi Yoo‑jung, Kim Chung‑ha, Kim So‑hye, Zhou Jieqiong, Jung Chae‑yeon, Kim Do‑yeon, Kang Mi‑na, Lim Na‑young, and Yoo Yeon‑jung—released the EP Chrysalis and the single “Dream Girls” in May 2016. The group promoted as a whole and as a sub‑unit for less than a year before disbanding in January 2017. In December 2025, nine of the eleven members announced a reunion to celebrate the group’s tenth anniversary, leading to the release of I.O.I: Loop and the launch of the “LOOP” tour across Asia.
Music Core, an MBC program that airs live every Saturday at 15:30 KST, awards a weekly chart based on digital sales, physical sales, broadcast points, and live voting. The 2026 scoring system allocates 40 % digital sales, 30 % physical sales, 20 % broadcast points, and 10 % live voting. I.O.I’s 7,815 points reflect strong performance across all four metrics.
The victory is a boost for the reunion campaign. According to the EP’s press release, “Suddenly” was produced by Swing Entertainment and distributed by Stone Music Entertainment and KT Genie Music. The track’s success on Music Core enhances promotional activities, including the upcoming Loop tour and a series of fan‑meeting events scheduled for the remainder of the year.
Other performers on the June 13 episode included BOYNEXTDOOR, BABYMONSTER, TREASURE, izna, MEOVV, tripleS, FIFTY FIFTY, AND2BLE, EPEX, Mighty Mouth, Samuel, IDID, HEART OF WOMAN, Queenz Eye, CrazAngel, XODIAC, and EJel. The lineup showcased a mix of established acts and emerging artists, a typical format for Music Core’s Saturday broadcasts.
Industry analysts note that I.O.I’s win reflects a broader trend of former project groups re‑emerging for anniversary releases. The group’s strong digital performance and high point total on Music Core suggest that the reunion has resonated with both long‑time fans and newer listeners. The win also positions I.O.I as a competitive act in the current K‑pop landscape, where chart success on televised programs remains a key indicator of popularity.
At the time of reporting, I.O.I is preparing for the next leg of its Loop tour, which will include stops in Seoul, Tokyo, and Bangkok. The group’s management has confirmed that the tour will feature performances of the I.O.I: Loop tracks as well as a selection of classic hits from the 2016 era.
The Music Core trophy for “Suddenly” represents a historic moment for I.O.I, marking the first time the group has secured a first‑place award on the program since its debut. The win underscores the enduring appeal of the group’s music and the effectiveness of its reunion strategy.
The win came amid a competitive lineup that included ILLIT’s “It’s Me” and aespa’s “LEMONADE.” I.O.I’s total surpassed the other nominees, securing the trophy for its third EP, I.O.I: Loop, released May 19, 2026. “Suddenly,” the EP’s lead single, already topped South Korea’s Circle Digital Chart, marking the group’s second number‑one hit after the 2016 single “Very Very Very.”
I.O.I was formed by CJ E&M through Produce 101 in 2016. The eleven members—Jeon So‑mi, Kim Se‑jeong, Choi Yoo‑jung, Kim Chung‑ha, Kim So‑hye, Zhou Jieqiong, Jung Chae‑yeon, Kim Do‑yeon, Kang Mi‑na, Lim Na‑young, and Yoo Yeon‑jung—released the EP Chrysalis and the single “Dream Girls” in May 2016. The group promoted as a whole and as a sub‑unit for less than a year before disbanding in January 2017. In December 2025, nine of the eleven members announced a reunion to celebrate the group’s tenth anniversary, leading to the release of I.O.I: Loop and the launch of the “LOOP” tour across Asia.
Music Core, an MBC program that airs live every Saturday at 15:30 KST, awards a weekly chart based on digital sales, physical sales, broadcast points, and live voting. The 2026 scoring system allocates 40 % digital sales, 30 % physical sales, 20 % broadcast points, and 10 % live voting. I.O.I’s 7,815 points reflect strong performance across all four metrics.
The victory is a boost for the reunion campaign. According to the EP’s press release, “Suddenly” was produced by Swing Entertainment and distributed by Stone Music Entertainment and KT Genie Music. The track’s success on Music Core enhances promotional activities, including the upcoming Loop tour and a series of fan‑meeting events scheduled for the remainder of the year.
Other performers on the June 13 episode included BOYNEXTDOOR, BABYMONSTER, TREASURE, izna, MEOVV, tripleS, FIFTY FIFTY, AND2BLE, EPEX, Mighty Mouth, Samuel, IDID, HEART OF WOMAN, Queenz Eye, CrazAngel, XODIAC, and EJel. The lineup showcased a mix of established acts and emerging artists, a typical format for Music Core’s Saturday broadcasts.
Industry analysts note that I.O.I’s win reflects a broader trend of former project groups re‑emerging for anniversary releases. The group’s strong digital performance and high point total on Music Core suggest that the reunion has resonated with both long‑time fans and newer listeners. The win also positions I.O.I as a competitive act in the current K‑pop landscape, where chart success on televised programs remains a key indicator of popularity.
At the time of reporting, I.O.I is preparing for the next leg of its Loop tour, which will include stops in Seoul, Tokyo, and Bangkok. The group’s management has confirmed that the tour will feature performances of the I.O.I: Loop tracks as well as a selection of classic hits from the 2016 era.
The Music Core trophy for “Suddenly” represents a historic moment for I.O.I, marking the first time the group has secured a first‑place award on the program since its debut. The win underscores the enduring appeal of the group’s music and the effectiveness of its reunion strategy.