IZ*ONE was a captivating twelve-member South Korean-Japanese project girl group formed by CJ E&M through the Mnet reality survival show "Produce 48." This innovative collaboration between South Korean and Japanese talents resulted in a unique and dynamic group that attracted fans from both countries and beyond. IZ*ONE made a stunning debut on October 29, 2018, with their mini-album "COLOR*IZ," which showcased their diverse talents and refreshing musical style.
Throughout their career, the group released multiple successful albums and singles, earning accolades and recognition for their captivating performances and distinct sound. IZONE became a powerful force in the K-pop industry, amassing a loyal international fan base known as "WIZ*ONE."
However, all good things must come to an end, and on April 29, 2021, the group disbanded following the expiration of their exclusive contract. Despite their disbandment, the members continue to pursue their individual careers in the entertainment industry, leaving a lasting legacy and impact on the global music scene.
Let’s take a look at where the former twelve members of the group are now.
1. Jang Won Young
Wonyoung, who finished first on "Produce 48," became the center and the face of Iz*One. She debuted as a member of Starship Entertainment's girl group IVE on December 1, 2021, with the single album "Eleven," following the disbandment of Iz*One. Wonyoung is also a brand ambassador for several luxurious fashion brands. Until January 13, 2023, she was also a Music Bank MC.
2. Miyawaki Sakura
Sakura, a Japanese actress, singer-songwriter, and model, came in second place on "Produce 48." After Iz*One disbanded, she went back to Japan and announced her graduation from HKT48. Sakura made her debut as a member of Le Sserafim on May 2, 2022, with the mini album "Fearless." She signed with A.M. Entertainment, a Japanese talent agency, for her individual activities in Japan.
3. Jo Yu Ri
Yuri is a singer, songwriter, and actress under the label WAKEONE. She was placed third on "Produce 48." After the disbandment of Iz*One, she made her solo debut on October 7, 2021, with the first single, "Glassy." On October 24 of last year, Yuri released her second mini album, "Op.22 Y-Waltz: in Minor." She performed at concerts such as UNI-KON and KCON 2022 Japan in 2022.
4. Choi Ye Na
Yena is a singer, rapper, songwriter, host, and actress signed to YUE HUA Entertainment. She took fourth place on "Produce 48" and became a member of Iz*One. Yena debuted as a soloist on January 17, 2022, and released her first mini album, "(SMiLEY)." On January 16, 2023, Yena made a comeback and released her first single album, "Love War."
5. Ahn Yu Jin
Yujin is a vocalist and leader of IVE. She was a former member of Iz*One who ranked fifth on "Produce 48." Yujin made her debut with IVE on December 1, 2021. She was also an MC on SBS’s music shows Inkigayo until March 27 of last year. On January 17, 2022, Yujin was revealed to be the new face of the fashion brand Fendi.
6. Yabuki Nako
Yabuki Nako, a Japanese actress, singer, songwriter, and radio personality, came in sixth place on "Produce 48." She returned to Japan after Iz*One’s disbandment and continued as a member of HKT48. On October 16, 2022, during the 11th-anniversary concert of HKT48, she announced her graduation from the group. In the spring of 2023, Nako will hold her graduation concert.
7. Kwon Eun Bi
Seventh rank holder of "Produce 48," Eunbi is now a singer, songwriter, and musical actress under Woollim Entertainment. She debuted as a soloist on August 24, 2021, with her debut mini album, "Open." Eunbi was one of the actresses who played Seo Haena in the musical "Midnight Sun" in 2022. On October 12 of last year, Eunbi released her third mini album, "Lethality."
8. Kang Hye Won
Hyewon is a South Korean singer, rapper, songwriter, and actress signed to 8D Entertainment. With the third season of the KOK TV web series "Best Mistake," she made her acting debut in 2021. On December 22, 2021, Hyewon released "W," a special winter album that was her first album as a solo artist. On June 9, 2022, she released "Like a Diamond," her collaboration single with Stella Jang.
9. Honda Hitomi
Hitomi is a singer, songwriter, actress, and radio host from Japan. She came in ninth place on "Produce 48." She went back to Japan after Iz*One's disbandment and made her first comeback with AKB48 with the song "Nemohamo Rumor." Vernalossom announced the expiration of her contract and her transfer to DH on January 1, 2022.
10. Kim Chae Won
The tenth-ranked holder in "Produce 48," Chaewon is a singer and songwriter under Source Music. She is the leader of the K-pop girl group Le Sserafim. On May 2, 2022, with the release of the first mini album, "Fearless," Chaewon made her debut as a member of Le Sserafim. She had her Japanese debut with the group on January 25, 2023, with the single "Fearless."
11. Kim Min Ju
Minju is a South Korean singer, rapper, songwriter, actress, and MC. She ranked eleventh on "Produce 48." After the group's disbandment, she returned to her then-agency, Urban Works, as a trainee. On September 1, 2022, Management SOOP revealed that Minju had signed an exclusive contract with them. She played the role of the Crown Princess on MBC’s drama series “The Forbidden Marriage.”
12. Lee Chae Yeon
Chaeyeon was the final member added to Iz*One's debut lineup, ranking twelfth on "Produce 48." She is now a solo artist under the management of WM Entertainment. Chaeyeon appeared as a member of the dance crew 'WANT' on Mnet's dance survival program "Street Woman Fighter" on August 24, 2021. On October 12 of last year, she made her solo debut with the release of her first mini album, "Hush Rush."
i miss this group :(