Introducing The 'I-LAND 2' Finalist That Won't Debut With izna: Fuko, Nam Yuju, More
Here are the talented finalists of "I-LAND 2: N/a" that will not be making their K-pop debut with izna.
Following the finale of "I-LAND 2: N/a," izna is one of the most anticipated girl groups to debut this year. The members were formed in the finale, ending with a seven-member line-up. However, three finalists were unable to make the final line-up, leaving many disappointed due to their immense talents.
Here are the three finalists of "I-LAND 2: N/a" that will be making their debut elsewhere.
1. Fuko
(Photo : I-LAND 2 on X)
Fuko was born on August 22, 2004, and has been training for seven years: five years in Japan and two in South Korea. Before competing on "I-LAND 2: N/a," she competed on "Girls Planet 999" in 2021, but was eliminated in episode five. During the finale of "I-LAND 2," Fuko ranked in eighth place.
IN OTHER FUKO NEWS: 'I-LAND 2' Fans Distraught After THIS Trainee Fails To Debut With izna
During her time on the show, Fuko was considered a top-contender for the debut spot. During the sixth episode of the show, she ranked second place overall, and even won the songwriting mission for "IWALY." During the finale of part one, she was third place. Besides the finale, Fuko had never dropped out of the top six.
While on the show, Fuko was the oldest contestant, making many upset that she was unable to debut.
2. Nam Yuju
(Photo : I-LAND 2 on X)
Nam Yuju was born on July 28, 2007, and is mixed Korean-Japanese. She can speak both languages and holds citizenship in both countries. Before competing on "I-LAND 2," Nam Yuju competed on "CAP-TEEN" in 2020 but was eliminated in the semi-finals. Nam Yuju ended "I-LAND 2" at ninth place.
She was also a contestant and member of the idol group "Stars Awakening" in 2022, but was eliminated in episode seven. In 2023, she was a member of the trainee group EVERMORE MUSE under Evermore Music, but she left during the latter part of the year.
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Fans are worried for Yuju's career, as during her time on "I-LAND 2," she repeatedly claimed she saw the show as her last chance of making her debut. This makes sense, as she had already been training for over four years. However, since she is only 17 years old, she still has a chance of debuting elsewhere.
3. Kim Gyuri
(Photo : I-LAND 2 on X)
Kim Gyuri was born on September 15, 2008. Before appearing on "I-LAND 2," Kim Gyuri was active as a child actress and model, and acted alongside IU in "Hotel del Luna" and "My Mister." As a child, she sang at the Baeksang Awards.
During her time on the show, Gyuri earned praise for her sweet and refreshing charm. Her puppy-like visuals and amazing vocals garnered her a loyal fanbase. However, her time on "I-LAND 2" was not easy; for most of part one, Gyuri was in the GROUND, and had only gotten into I-LAND once.
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Despite making it to part two and joining the girls in the finale, Kim Gyuri was ultimately unable to debut with izna. Her final rank was tenth place.
Who was your favorite "I-LAND 2" contestant? Tell us in the comments below!
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Written by Alexa Lopez