[theqoo] I.O.I WHO COULDN’T KEEP UP WITH THE TRENDS BUT STILL WON #1… ‘SUDDENLY”S REVERSE APPRAISAL

To mark their 10th anniversary, I.O.I released their new album “I.O.I: Loop” on the 19th of last month. Excluding Joo Kyulkyung and Kang Mina, who were unable to participate due to scheduling conflicts, the nine members (Jeon Somi, Kim Sejeong, Choi Yoojung, Kim Chungha, Kim Sohye, Im Nayoung, Jung Chaeyeon, Yoo Yeonjung, and Kim Doyeon) reunited. This marks their first reunion in nine years since their activities ended in 2017.

However, the start was not smooth. The title track “Suddenly” garnered attention when the music video teaser was released due to a surprise kiss scene between Jeon Somi and Kim Doyeon, but some reacted by saying the “retro vibe is excessive” and that it sounded “like Trot.” This criticism stemmed from the assessment that the song was somewhat out of step with recent K-pop trends.

However, these assessments were completely overturned over time. As of the 2nd, “Suddenly” topped the Melon TOP 100 and ranked 3rd on the YouTube Music weekly chart. It is also showing strong performance on major music platforms such as Genie and Bugs, sweeping major domestic charts.

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It brought back memories of the moment nine years ago when they shed tears on stage for “Downpour” ahead of their disbandment, but the atmosphere is different this time. While the tears back then signified an end, these tears hold meaning simply because they have reunited. Above all, expectations for future full-group activities are growing, given that their Asia tour schedule remains and the reunion has actually been realized.

Attention is focused on whether I.O.I, who have successfully concluded their reunion after nine years, going beyond mere nostalgia, and whose song, once criticized for failing to keep up with trends, has now topped the music charts, will be able to stand before their fans once again.

1. You can’t miss with trot and Koreans

2. The addictiveness is here, so people will singalong. And it’s way more easy to listen to than those songs filled with English

3. I liked the song from first listen… I felt like the initial reactions were way too overblown 

4. It has familiarity + it’s not loud to the ears

5. I liked it from the beginning

6. We need more songs with more Korean in it 

7. It’s doing well because it’s I.O.I

8. Watching the music video, the stage performance, and the song together makes sense and I really like the concept. If they had just told us to listen to the song, I don’t think they would have ever become popular ㅋㅋㅋ

9. I like that it’s easy to singalong 

10. I knew it would blow up