In This Article
Who Are fromis_9, and Why Do People Call Them "The Group That Survived"?
fromis_9 debuted on January 24, 2018, formed through Mnet's survival show Idol School — the same format that produces most K-pop project groups, except project groups are supposed to disband after a set contract period. fromis_9 didn't. Under Ascend Entertainment (formerly Pledis's sub-label before an independent split), the group kept going well past the point most survival-show acts expire, which is part of why longtime fans describe them as scrappy and durable rather than manufactured.
fromis_9 — "#menow" Official MV (2023) · Ascend Entertainment · via YouTube
What Happened to the Other Members?
fromis_9 debuted with nine members. As of the 2026 comeback, five remain active under the group name: Song Hayoung, Park Jiwon, Lee Chaeyoung, Lee Nagyung, and Baek Jiheon. Members have exited the lineup at different points over the years for a mix of individual reasons that were addressed publicly at the time by the group and agency. What matters for a new fan is simpler: the five who stayed chose to keep building under the same name, and the July 2026 album is framed by the group themselves as a milestone tied directly to that continuity — their first full-length album in three years.
What Is "Glow ME," and Why Does It Matter?
Glow ME is fromis_9's second full-length Korean album, released July 21, 2026 at 6 PM KST. It's a ten-track record built around the idea of finding your most authentic, "glowing" self through new encounters, setbacks, and growth — a fitting theme for a group that's spent years proving it's still standing. The tracklist includes the title track "Vitamin ME" alongside "ETERNAL," "Pocket Treat," "Blue Heart," "Screen Time," and more, marking the group's first full album in three years and their first as a confirmed five-member unit.
fromis_9 — "Vitamin ME" Comeback Teaser (2026) · Ascend Entertainment · via YouTube
Why Is "Vitamin ME" the Right Title Track for This Comeback?
Members described "Vitamin ME" as a track meant to hand listeners energy rather than just perform it — a bright, summer-ready sound that leans into the "glow" concept rather than a moodier comeback statement. It's a deliberate choice: after years of lineup uncertainty, fromis_9 chose a title track built around positivity and momentum instead of a comeback that leans into the group's harder history. That's consistent with how the group has generally handled its public narrative — forward-looking rather than dwelling on what's changed.
fromis_9 — "DM" Official MV (2022) · Ascend Entertainment · via YouTube
Where Should New Fans Start?
fromis_9's discography spans two distinct chapters — the 9-member era and the current 5-member era — and both are worth knowing if you want the full context behind the July 2026 comeback.
| Era | Lineup | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Debut (2018) | 9 members, formed via Idol School | Project-group origin, unusually long survival past the typical contract window |
| Transition (2019–2023) | Gradual departures | Lineup narrowed to 5; group and agency addressed changes publicly at each point |
| Glow ME (2026) | Current 5-member lineup | First full album in 3 years, built around growth and reinvention as a five-piece |
FAQ
Is fromis_9 still a 9-member group?
No. The group currently promotes as five members: Song Hayoung, Park Jiwon, Lee Chaeyoung, Lee Nagyung, and Baek Jiheon.
What is "Glow ME"?
It's fromis_9's second full-length Korean album, released July 21, 2026, led by the title track "Vitamin ME."
Is this a good entry point for new fans?
Yes — the album's themes of growth and reinvention make it an easy jumping-on point without needing deep knowledge of the group's earlier lineup history.
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