 In January 2016, Kim participated in the Mnet reality-survival program "Produce 101", which aimed to form an eleven-member girl group that would promote for a year under YMC Entertainment.She represented Fantagio along with Choi Yoo-jung and three other trainees from their company, eventually ranking eight in the show's finale on April 1, 2016.As a result, she debuted as a member of I.O.I alongside Choi.