The group izna expressed their commitment to bring greater happiness.
izna (Mai, Bang Ji-min, Yoon Ji-yoon, Coco, Yoo Sa-rang, Choi Jung-eun, Jeong Se-vi) is a girl group born through the debut survival program 'I-LAND 2', and the team name conveys the confident and assertive belief that they are defined as 'me' anytime, anywhere, and regardless of what it is. They challenged themselves to break their limits and fears through their mini-album 'N/a', released on Nov. 25.
With their debut album, izna entered the top 10 of iTunes top album charts in 14 countries worldwide, achieving first place in Japan's Apple Music K-Pop album rankings and Rakuten Music rankings. On the 31st of last month, they made a rapid return after four months by releasing their first digital single 'SIGN'.
There was confidence in izna's rapid return. The new song 'SIGN' is a dance genre track characterized by its stylish lyrics and addictive melody, singing about the courage and certainty to convey love as a clear signal. It conveys the meaning that only when one listens to the signals inside them can they face the moment of seizing both love and dreams.
Proving their limitless musical potential, izna showcased a brilliantly diverse concept and growth. They entered the upper ranks of major domestic music sites like Melon and Genie upon release, as well as achieving 2nd place on Spotify Japan's sudden rise chart, 2nd in Amazon Digital Music single popularity, and 3rd in iTunes K-Pop top songs. They celebrated their first music broadcast win on SBS M's 'The Show' and also took first place on 'ENA K-Pop Chart Show'.
Meeting with izna, who achieved musical growth and individual capacity, as well as success, we had a conversation after wrapping up their 'SIGN' activities.
Below is the Q&A session concluding izna's activities.
Q. You must feel that you have grown a lot through this activity. What would you say were the points of growth for each other?
Choi Jung-eun → Bang Ji-min: Ji-min unnie is becoming an issue as a hair artist. I was envious because she has been good with hair even before it became an issue, and with that title, her hair looks even better. I admired her changing gestures and emotional lines.
Bang Ji-min → Coco: Coco did an amazing job with the rap this time as well. I think the song 'SIGN' kept the attention focused without being boring, so thank you. And her Korean has improved a lot.
Coco → Yoo Sa-rang: I think Yoo Sa-rang showed her unique voice tone charm to the fullest in this 'SIGN' compared to the impressive appearance during 'IZNA'. And while she rapped and sang during 'IZNA', this time she only sang, which allowed her to showcase more of her charm.
Yoo Sa-rang → Jeong Se-vi: I knew Se-vi loved the stage since trainee days, but during the debut activities, I realized she really makes every part her killing part during the 'SIGN' activities. The level of research and attention to gestures was impressive, and I feel she has really grown this time.
Jeong Se-vi → Mai: Mai unnie took on the first chorus, and I think she gave an impactful performance with her pure visuals. I also think her voice tone fits perfectly with 'SIGN'.
Mai → Choi Jung-eun: I thought Jung-eun would be able to showcase her charm a lot through this 'SIGN' activity, and she did wonderfully. Having such a great vocalist in our team gives me so much confidence. I'm proud to be on a team that can showcase Jung-eun's voice powerfully and in detail.
Q. By the way, Choi Jung-eun was the first member of izna to appear on 'King of Mask Singer' and reached the second round, right?
Choi Jung-eun: I found out about my appearance on 'King of Mask Singer' while filming the 'SIGN' music video. It was a program I enjoyed watching since I was a child, so I couldn't believe I'd be appearing as a contestant. I was extremely nervous upon hearing it, because I was representing both izna and Choi Jung-eun, so I thought I could show my charm well and prepared diligently. Even though I didn't make it to the final, I was really happy to reach the second round on my first attempt, and many people speculated I was a second-generation idol; I think my powerful yet smooth and clear vocal tone stood out well.
Q. Not only MC Jeong Se-vi of 'The Show,' but also special MC Bang Ji-min and Yoo Sa-rang were impressive, right?
Jeong Se-vi: I expected Ji-min unnie and Sa-rang unnie to do well, but they were so great that I was surprised. Ji-min unnie has done it about three times, and I could see her improving each time. Sa-rang unnie was new, but she blended really well with the other special MCs. If we have the chance later, I think it would be nice to have the three of us as MCs together.
Yoo Sa-rang: I have wanted to be an MC for music broadcasts for a long time, so I was really excited to get this opportunity. I was nervous during the VCR filming for 'So So Ga Baek' because it was my first time being an MC, but I wasn't nervous at all for the special MC gig at the music broadcast. Since the concept was cute, it was really enjoyable, and if I get the chance again, I would love to do it.
Bang Ji-min: It was an honor to be able to fulfill my dream of being a music broadcast MC since my trainee days in this good opportunity. I also want to showcase a more grown-up version of myself as the K-CON MC.
Q. Many stars participated in the 'SIGN' challenge; is there a memorable challenge?
Yoo Sa-rang: I did a challenge with Sunbaenim Kwon Eun-bi, and it was great because she felt like a veteran to me and I had cheered for her since the IZ*ONE days. I couldn't say anything while we were filming together, being so nervous and shy, but I told her, 'You are so beautiful.' I still remember how shy I looked alone in the challenge video.
Jeong Se-vi: I did a challenge with IVE's Lee Seo, and I was so happy that I bragged to my unnie about it all night. Since I'm also a 'DIVE' (IVE's fandom name), I was really nervous, and I never thought a day like this would come, but I was so happy to have filmed together. I conveyed a lot of my feelings too.
Q. The opening performance for professional baseball must have been an unforgettable activity, right?
Yoo Sa-rang: It was very fun since it had been a long time since I had been to a baseball stadium, and it was even more amazing to perform on stage. It was my first time doing an outdoor performance, and I really loved being on stage. Personally, I enjoyed cheering and remembering the cheer songs we learned together during the baseball game, which was a fun memory.
Coco: When I was younger, my dad and brother loved baseball, so I often went to the stadium while I was in Japan. It was fun being able to go to a stadium in Korea too, and I found the Korean baseball culture to be different and very interesting.
Mai: I don't know much about baseball, but I felt it was so fun this time. I remembered that I had played baseball in school, and I thought it would be great to go again in the future.
Q. While you have been actively meeting the public, there are still those who are not yet 'Naya' (fandom name), so please provide us with a pitch to attract them.
Mai: I think we have shown a different charm through our 'SIGN' activities compared to our 'IZNA' activities, and since we still have many charms we haven't shown yet, we hope you look forward to us more. Although this activity has concluded, I hope you all listen to our great songs a lot.
Jeong Se-vi: The sooner you become a fan, the more happiness you will be able to enjoy. So please join us quickly!
Yoo Sa-rang: We will create a happy day for you^^
Coco: Izna is cool, cute, pretty, and perfect, so hurry up and become a fan~
Bang Ji-min: In izna, there are cats, dogs, foxes, and bears. You can feel various charms, so I hope you come in as soon as possible.
Choi Jung-eun: Life wouldn't be fun without izna^^
Q. I believe this activity was successfully completed thanks to the 'Naya' fans. Do you have anything to say to your fans?
Choi Jung-eun: While preparing, I was only thinking about the 'Naya' fans, and even during activities, I thought only of 'Naya.' I believe I could successfully wrap up this activity thanks to 'Naya.' Please trust and wait as I will do my best so that you don't get tired while waiting.
Bang Ji-min: Thank you always for your overwhelming love, and I will return that happiness, support, and love tenfold.
Coco: Thank you for all the love always. Please continue to expect that we will develop more and show wonderful aspects.
Yoo Sa-rang: I really appreciate this activity, and I will make sure to return quickly so I can provide even more happiness.
Jeong Se-vi: I would like to express my gratitude for the overwhelming love and support we received during this activity, and I promise we will return it several times over.
Mai: I will work hard to repay you with an even better and greater appearance.
<The end.>
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