Rookie girl group Izna is already facing—and overcoming—major trials less than a year into their career. Just three months after their November 2023 debut, the group was hit with an unexpected challenge: member Yoon Jiyoon halted activities due to health reasons in February, putting the rest of the members in a position that could have shaken even seasoned idols. Instead, they turned it into an opportunity for growth and unity.
Izna Proves their Strength with Award Wins and a Powerful Comeback
On March 25, members Mai, Bang Jeemin, Coco, Ryu Sarang, Choi Jung-eun, and Jeong Sae-bi sat down with TenAsia at their agency’s headquarters in Jungnim-dong, Seoul, where they opened up about the emotional and professional impact of continuing without their seventh member.
“We didn’t try to force anything just because Jiyoon wasn’t with us,” said Bang Jeemin, the eldest Korean member and unofficial leader. “We focused on improving our skills and teamwork, hoping that fans wouldn’t feel her absence.”
Despite the pressure, Izna thrived. They secured back-to-back wins on SBS M’s The Show and ENA’s K-Pop Up Chart Show, even while performing as six. This milestone marked a significant step forward for WAKEONE’s first full-fledged girl group, especially since Izna wasn’t a pre-selected ensemble but formed organically through the survival show I-LAND 2: N/a in July 2023.
Inside the Group’s Growing Bond and the Secret to Their No-Leader Teamwork Model
“Her health is our top priority,” Bang Jeemin emphasized. “Although we’re sad, we gave it our all to ensure our vocals and performance didn’t feel lacking. I think we filled her absence well.”
The group’s leaderless system has also proven effective. According to Jeemin, “Each member excels in different areas. We all take responsibility and support each other where we’re strongest. It works really well for us.”
Ryu Sarang reflected on how the group has evolved:
“During our first promo cycle, we were so nervous and focused on getting through the performance. This time, we tried to be more relaxed and engage with fans. When we made eye contact on stage, everyone was smiling. That’s when I knew, we’ve grown.”
Advertisement
She also credited the intense environment of I-LAND 2 for preparing them:
“In I-LAND, we had to prepare a high-level performance each week. It was tough, but now I realize that intensity helped us a lot. We can pick up choreography faster and practice more efficiently.”
Japanese members Mai and Koko discussed why they chose to pursue music in Korea.
“I’ve loved dancing since I was three,” said Koko. “In middle school, I discovered BLACKPINK and became interested in K-pop. That led me to start training.” Now working with Teddy, BLACKPINK’s producer, Coco said it feels like a dream come true.
Looking Back with Gratitude, and Forward with Ambitious Dreams
Meanwhile, Mai, known for her composed personality since I-LAND 2, said:
“I’m learning to build confidence. Fan support has shown me how important that is. Reading fan letters—both the praise and constructive feedback—really helps. I want to grow, step by step, just as they hope I will.”
Reflecting on the year since their survival show filming began, Ryu Sarang shared:
“It’s been almost exactly a year since we filmed I-LAND. Life’s been so hectic that I didn’t even realize a year had passed. Watching those old clips gave me chills. Back then, just being on stage made me happy. I’ll never forget that feeling—it motivates me every day.”
Looking ahead, the members are already setting ambitious goals.
“We debuted at the MAMA Awards last year,” said Koko. “This year, I hope we win Rookie of the Year and chart in the top 20.”
Jeong Sae-bi, recalling a special performance at Inkigayo’s Tokyo Dome special, added, “It was such a great memory. Someday, I hope we fill Tokyo Dome with just our fans… and Gocheok Dome, too!” she said with a smile.
With resilience, unity, and genuine affection for their fans, Izna is already showing signs of a long and meaningful journey ahead. Their ability to transform a crisis into growth proves that their name—and their potential—may be just as memorable as the legends before them.
