The group izna (Izna) reminisced about 2025, a year filled with three comebacks in one year.
izna (Mai, Bang Jimin, Coco, Yoo Sarang, Choi Jeong-eun, Jeong Se-bi) was created after being chosen by viewers from 217 countries and regions around the world through Mnet's I-LAND 2 and, starting with their debut album N/a, and then SIGN, BEEP, and most recently the mini 2nd album Not Just Pretty, they have attempted a different concept with each album, proving limitless transformation and a wide musical spectrum.
In particular, last year they put on active promotions described as "three comebacks in one year," cementing izna's presence and achieving remarkable growth. Before their first year since debut had even passed, they surpassed 100 million cumulative streams on the world's largest music streaming platform, Spotify, and last October they earned their first No. 1 on a terrestrial music program (KBS2 MUSIC BANK), demonstrating a dazzling growth trajectory.
Having expanded their global influence through such dazzling activities, izna met with OSEN for Lunar New Year 2026. The members reflected on 2025 and talked about their activities in 2026, from their expectations for celebrating their second Lunar New Year with fans since debut.
Q. You had tightly packed activities with three comebacks last year. What word would you use to describe 2025?
Choi Jeong-eun: I want to say you worked hard. Having three comebacks wasn't easy, and each comeback had a different concept, so we worked hard a lot. But because we were able to show such a variety of images, I think 2025 will be remembered as a year of hard work.
Bang Jimin: I think of it as a build-up. With each comeback we grew little by little and were able to go further. Because we built up, there's a thought that we should become bigger.
Q. You attended many stages and award shows last year. Are there any stages or awards that stand out in your memory?
Bang Jimin: The best performance award stands out to me. While performing at year-end award shows we showed many aspects performance-wise, and one of the reasons many people became fans was the performance. So I take a lot of pride in winning the best performance award.
Yoo Sarang: The MAMA stage stands out to me. We pre-released before our debut on the MAMA stage. This year we showed a really cool dance break and the reaction was very good. Many people became fans after seeing the MAMA stage, and being able to show how much we've grown in a year makes it memorable and gratifying.
Jeong Se-bi: The fan concert stands out to me. When I was asked in interviews last year if there was anything I wanted to do, I said a fan concert. That's because we achieved it. It feels like an old story, but we were able to accomplish it quickly, and because it was a stage that was just for us and Naya, it was even more special.
Q. Last year you covered stages by legendary second-generation groups such as Wonder Girls, Girls' Generation, and KARA. Which stage stands out in your memory?
Choi Jeong-eun: Girls' Generation senior's "Tell Me Your Wish" stage stands out to me. Our members are all tall with long arms and legs, and "Tell Me Your Wish" has many points that can highlight those charms, so I think it was a stage that could show our strengths.
Mai: Wonder Girls senior's "Be My Baby" stage stands out to me. It was a stage that could bring out our physicality well. In styling, stage composition, and performance, I think it was a cover stage that showed us well.
Jeong Se-bi: KARA senior's "Pretty Girl" stage stands out to me. While promoting with "Mamma mia" we tried to create a cool atmosphere, but with "Pretty Girl" the performance naturally brought out eye smiles when our eyes met the seniors. It was an extremely cold day, but it was a stage that made us smile, so I think we had a lot of fun.
[OSEN]