I.O.I Hits No. 1 on Music Charts Despite Claims of Being "Out of Touch"... Evaluation "Suddenly" Flips [MD Focus]
[MyDaily = Reporter Kim Ha-young]
(Omitted)
To celebrate their 10th anniversary since debut, I.O.I released a new album, 'I.O.I: Loop', on the 19th of last month. Excluding Zhou Jieqiong and Kang Mina, who could not participate due to scheduling conflicts, nine members reunited: Jeon Somi, Kim Sejeong, Choi Yoojung, Kim Chungha,
,
,
,
,
. This marks their reunion after a full 9 years since their activities ended in 2017.
However, the start was not smooth. The title track '
' garnered attention when the music video teaser revealed a surprise kiss scene between Jeon Somi and Kim Doyeon, and some reactions claimed that "the retro vibe is too much" or "it sounds like trot." This criticism was based on the assessment that the song was somewhat distant from recent K-pop trends.
However, these evaluations were completely overturned over time. As of the 2nd, 'Suddenly' rose to No. 1 on the Melon TOP100 and ranked 3rd on the YouTube Music weekly chart. It is currently sweeping major domestic charts, showing strong performance on major music platforms such as Genie and Bugs.
Various memes and challenges are cited as the background for such a huge hit. Notably, the "I lay down to sleep, but Yang Eui-ji" meme became a hot topic online. The melody of 'Suddenly' blended exquisitely with the cheer song of Doosan Bears player Yang Eui-ji, spreading rapidly through various short-form content and online communities; the group even met Yang Eui-ji in person, showcasing an unexpected combination.
Members like Kim Sejeong and Jeon Somi actively communicated with fans by applying the 'Suddenly' challenge to various situations or used their own networks to lead the promotional front. Furthermore, after the full track was released, reactions such as "it's more addictive than I thought" and "I keep listening to it" led to a re-evaluation of the song itself. Fan reactions were just as passionate as the chart performance. I.O.I held a solo concert for three days from the 29th to the 31st of last month to meet their fans, and during the final sold-out performance, the members shed tears, expressing overwhelming emotion.
This recalled the moment they cried during the 'Downpour' performance before their disbandment 9 years ago, but the atmosphere this time is different. While the tears back then signified an end, these tears hold meaning in the fact that they have met again. Above all, with an Asia tour schedule remaining and the actual reunion having been achieved, expectations for future full-group activities are growing.
A song that was once evaluated as failing to keep up with trends has reached the top of the music charts, and I.O.I has successfully completed a reunion after 9 years, moving beyond simple nostalgia. Attention is now focused on whether they will be able to stand before their fans once again.
https://m.entertain.naver.com/home/article/117/0004070898
Source: https://theqoo.net/hot/4227908234