I.O.I to go head-to-head with BLACKPINK

I.O.I unit / Courtesy of Twitter

By Lee Han-soo

Seven members of K-pop girl band the Ideal of Idol, better known as I.O.I, are making a comeback with a new unit on August 9.

The timing coincides with YG Entertainment’s ambitious new K-pop girl group BLACKPINK that debuts a day before.

The unit of I.O.I -- who are 11 winners from Mnet’s star audition show “Produce 101” -- includes Lim Na-young, Kim Chung-ha, Zhou Jieqiong, Kim So-hye, Choi Yoo-jung, Kim Do-yeon and Jeon So-mi.

This will be the I.O.I unit’s debut after releasing its mini album, “Chrysalis,” in May.

BLACKPINK / Courtesy of Twitter

BLACKPINK is the first girl band YG has debuted in seven years, since 2NE1 in 2009. It consists of Jennie, Lisa, Jisoo and Rose. Its dance video uploaded to YouTube has surpassed 5 million views in 24 days.