IZONE Disband: Girl group IZ*ONE bid farewell to the industry. WIZ*ONEs are left in tears, mourning the disbandment of the group that gave them immense happiness.
In June 2018, Produce 48, third season of the South Korean reality competition show Produce 101, brought together 96 girls from idol groups and entertainment companies in Japan and South Korea to form a 12-person Korean-Japanese group that would be active for two and a half years.
The show started with 96 contestants, who were initially grouped into several classes. After several episodes of competitions and eliminations, on August 31 the same year, the show gave us – Kwon Eunbi, Sakura Miyawaki, Kang Hyewon, Choi Yena, Lee Chaeyeon, Kim Chaewon, Kim Minju, Nako Yabuki, Hitomi Honda, Jo Yuri, An Yujin and Jang Wonyoung – the 12-member girl group IZ*ONE.
IZ*ONE’s Online Showcase: Farewell
On March 13 and 14, IZ*ONE held their online concert “ONE, THE STORY.” This was their first concert in six months since their “ONEIRIC THEATER” concert in September. The concert featured the theme of seven different chapters in which IZ*ONE’s performances unfolded.
Opening the stage with “La Vie en Rose” and “Mise-en-Scène,” the IZ*ONE members shared, “Although we can’t be in one location together due to unfortunate circumstances, we feel reassured and gain strength at the thought of WIZ*ONE [IZ*ONE’s official fan club name] from all over the world supporting us. We’ll work even harder while thinking that we’re together with WIZ*ONE from all over the world.”
IZ*ONE proceeded to perform their hit title tracks and b-sides such as “BEAUTIFUL COLOR,” “O’ My!,” “Sunflower (Hey. Bae. Like it.),” “Highlight,” “Violeta,” “FIESTA,” “Rococo,” “Merry-Go-Round,” “Secret Story of the Swan,” “Panorama,” and “Sequence.” They also rearranged songs such as “OPEN YOUR EYES,” “Up,” “Airplane,” “Island,” “Pretty,” and “O Sole Mio” with beautiful acoustic melodies.
The members of the girl group might be the saddest right now. Spending more than two years of time with each other, sharing happiness and struggles, is bound to create very strong bonds between people. On her Bay FM radio show Tonight, Under the Cherry Blossom Tree, on April 28, former member Miyawaki Sakura read letters from fans. She also shared her feelings of loneliness and other feelings that haven’t made themselves known.
Having no schedule for about a year, the girls spent time with each other in the dorms or going on vacations. She comforted the fans, “It’s the end, but it’s also a new beginning.” For all the fans still unable to accept it, she advised to stay a while in that time period but to “come back to this world when you are ready”.
IZ*ONE also showcased surprise video letters towards each other. While expressing their gratitude towards fans who continued to love and support them during the two and a half years, the members couldn’t hold back their tears. They shared, “We were able to endure well and stand up again every time we were exhausted and struggling because the members and WIZ*ONE were there. Please always reliably be on our side, and thank you for making us unforgettable memories. We were happy each and every day thanks to WIZ*ONE.”
Reason for IZ*ONE Disbanding
According to Mnet, IZ*ONE will be disbanding in April as planned. K-pop girl group IZ*ONE will be holding a concert in March ahead of the expiration of their exclusive contract. IZ*ONE held the online concert “One, The Story” on March 13 and 14, according to an announcement by Stone Music Entertainment. The concert’s poster is similar to the concept of the teaser video of IZ*ONE’s “La Vie en Rose,” the lead single of their debut album.
Who IS IZ*ONE?
IZ*ONE is a twelve-member group that debuted in 2018 after winning the Kpop survival show Produce 48 which ended in 2018. IZ*ONE made its debut on Oct. 29, 2018, with the album “ColorIz.” Their contracts are for two years and six months and will expire in April. By the end of 2020, IZONE’s three albums sold 1.23 million copies. According to Hanteo Chart, “Oneiric Diary” garnered 439,994 copies in sales while “BLOOMIZ” had 415,827 copies and “ONE-REELER: Act 4” had 378,443.
The group consists of 9 Korean and 3 Japanese members. The first-ever group is managed both by Korean and Japanese management systems.
Upon its release, the group received immediate and immense success, selling over 225,000 units and peaking at number 2 on South Korea’s Gaon Album Chart from their debut album, Color*iz.
IZ*ONE’s Miyawaki Sakura, Yabuki Nako, And Honda Hitomi Head Back To Japan
On April 29, Miyawaki Sakura, Yabuki Nako, and Honda Hitomi made their way to Incheon International Airport to return to Japan.
The previous day, Miyawaki Sakura shared during her radio show, “After the concert, there was a period when we didn’t have any scheduled activities, so we spent time together at the dorm, went out for meals, or went traveling.” She added, “I will use everything I learned and gained through IZ*ONE as well as everything I learned from WIZ*ONE (IZ*ONE’s fan club) and live my life without regrets.”
Last month, it was reported that Miyawaki Sakura would be joining Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE), but the company stated that nothing had been decided.
Dispatch revealed a video of the three members at the airport today. Honda Hitomi appears to get slightly emotional after stepping into the airport, but she pulls herself together for the photos. Watch the clip below:
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