The project girl group IZ*ONE may have parted ways in 2021, but their fans, WIZ*ONEs, are still hoping for a reunion. Is it possible?
Here's what the members are up to.
Where Is IZ*ONE Now? Members' Status in 2022
In 2019, IZ*ONE, a 12-member project girl group, was launched by CJ ENM wherein members were selected through Mnet's survival audition program, "Produce 48," in 2018.
At the end of the program, the 12 "Nation's Pick" or much-loved participants debuted in the group. They were Kwon Eun Bi, Kang Hyewon, Choi Yena, Lee Chaeyeon, Kim Chaewon, Kim Minju, Yabuki Nako, Honda Hitomi, Jo Yuri, An Yujin, Jang Wonyoung, and Miyawaki Sakura.
Throughout their short-lived career, IZ*ONE received great love for producing hit songs "La Vie en Rose," "Violeta," "FIESTA," "Secret Story of the Swan," and "Panorama."
Despite huge popularity, the 12-member team had to end all their official activities on April 19, 2021, due to a voting manipulation scandal against the "Produce" series. Their last activities together were through an online solo concert, "ONE, THE STORY," held in March.
Since then, the members parted ways and established their own careers under their respective agencies.
An Yujin and Jang Wonyoung re-debuted under Starship Entertainment in December last year. Due to their initial popularity, the team received massive attention and later on cemented position as IVE after creating own hits, "ELEVEN," "LOVE DIVE" and "After LIKE."
Alongside An and Jang, they became rivals to former IZ*ONE Kim Chaewon and Sakura, who debuted in LE SSERAFIM, one of the most popular girl groups today.
LE SSERAFIM is widely known for hit songs "FEARLESS" and "ANTIFRAGILE."
In addition, Kwon Eun Bi, Kang Hyewon, Choi Yena, Lee Chaeyeon, and Jo Yuri are all active as soloists.
Kim Minju is also receiving praises for her acting skills. She made a special appearance as the crown princess in the ongoing K-drama, "Forbidden Marriage."
PD Park Sang Woo stated:
"The audition was to find a calm and composed crown princess. Kim Minju auditioned about four times and was cast. I'm looking forward to her growth potential because she took her first step well as an actress."
READ MORE: Jang Wonyoung & Sakura Have 'Beef' With Each Other? DIVEs, FEARNOTs Defend Idols
As for Hitomi, she went back to Japan and is building her career as an idol and actress.
Nako, on the other hand, returned to Korea after graduating from HKT48. She is currently the MC for "The Idol Band: Boy's Battle."
Will IZ*ONE Reunion Finally Happen?
Amid year-end ceremonies, WIZ*ONEs are expressing the desire for IZ*ONE to reunite before the year ends.
Recently, some of the members have been sharing their interactions through social media. With these, the members are raising speculations to their reunion, even if it's through year-end shows.
What motivates fans more is the fact that IZ*ONE wasn't able to properly bid farewell during their disbandment due to COVID-19.
Although it is possible, some nonetheless believe that this reunion will probably not happen anytime soon due to the "busy and booked" schedules of most former members.
Herald Pop added:
"Meanwhile, the reunion of IZ*ONE was promoted last year, but it was not finally achieved. Attention is focused on whether IZ*ONE will be able to stand in front of fans as a whole in the future."
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Written by Eunice Dawson.