IZONE was a popular K-pop girl group that captured the hearts of many fans around the world. Even though they are no longer active, their impact on the K-pop industry remains significant. Let’s explore some fascinating facts about IZONE that you might not have known before!
1. A Unique Formation
IZ*ONE was not your typical K-pop group. They were formed through a special TV show called “Produce 48.” This show brought together 48 South Korean trainees and 48 Japanese idols from the AKB48 group and its sister groups. It was an exciting mix of talent from two countries!
The show aired from June to August 2018. Viewers got to vote for their favorite contestants. In the end, the 12 girls with the most votes became members of IZ*ONE. This unique formation process made the group stand out from the beginning.
2. Record-Breaking Debut
When IZONE debuted on October 29, 2018, they made a big splash in the K-pop world. Their first album, called “ColorIz,” was a huge success. Here are some amazing things about their debut:
- The album sold over 34,000 copies on its first day. This was a new record for a K-pop girl group debut at that time.
- Their music video for “La Vie en Rose” was watched more than 4.5 million times in just 24 hours on YouTube. It was the most-watched debut music video by a Korean act in a day at that time.
- IZ*ONE won their first music show award only 10 days after their debut. This was the fastest win for a girl group at that time.
These achievements showed that IZ*ONE was going to be a very special group.
3. International Group
IZ*ONE was not just a Korean group. They were actually a Korean-Japanese group. Out of the 12 members, 9 were from South Korea and 3 were from Japan. The Japanese members were:
- Sakura Miyawaki
- Nako Yabuki
- Hitomi Honda
This mix of nationalities made IZ*ONE unique and helped them gain fans in both countries.
4. Multilingual Talents
Because IZ*ONE had members from both Korea and Japan, they could sing songs in different languages. They released music in Korean, Japanese, and even English. This ability to perform in multiple languages helped them connect with fans from different countries.
Their first Japanese single, “Suki to Iwasetai,” came out on February 6, 2019. It was very successful in Japan, showing that IZ*ONE could be popular in different markets.
5. Short but Impactful Career
IZ*ONE was a project group, which means they were planned to be active for only a limited time. They were together for about 2 years and 6 months. Even though this might seem short, they accomplished a lot during this time.
In just two and a half years, IZ*ONE:
- Released two full albums
- Put out seven mini-albums (called EPs)
- Won many awards
- Held successful concerts
They showed that even with a short time together, a group can make a big impact in the K-pop world.
6. Diverse Talents
Each member of IZ*ONE brought something special to the group. They weren’t just singers – many of them had other talents too. For example:
- Some members were great dancers
- Others were skilled at rapping
- A few members had experience in acting
This mix of talents allowed IZ*ONE to put on exciting and varied performances. Fans could enjoy not just their music, but also their dancing and overall stage presence.
7. Popular in Japan
IZ*ONE wasn’t just successful in Korea. They were also very popular in Japan. In fact, they became one of the best-selling new artists in Japan in 2019. From December 2018 to June 2019, they made about 510 million yen (which is about 5.5 billion won) from their activities in Japan.
Their success in Japan was impressive because it’s not always easy for K-pop groups to become popular there. IZ*ONE’s ability to win over Japanese fans showed how talented and appealing they were.
8. Unique Group Name
The name “IZ*ONE” might look strange at first, but it has a special meaning. Here’s what it means:
- “IZ” is a clever way to write the number 12. This represents the 12 members of the group.
- “ONE” shows that these 12 girls came together as one team.
- The star (*) between “IZ” and “ONE” is meant to represent the 12 zodiac signs.
So, the name IZ*ONE symbolizes 12 unique individuals coming together as one group.
9. Strong Teamwork
Even though the members of IZ*ONE came from different backgrounds and even different countries, they worked very well together. The group was known for their strong teamwork and close friendships.
Their management company helped build this teamwork by:
- Creating content that showed the members’ chemistry
- Emphasizing the importance of the whole group in their performances
- Making sure each member had a chance to shine, even if not always in singing or dancing
This focus on teamwork helped IZ*ONE become a strong and united group, which fans really loved.
10. Continued Success After Disbandment
IZ*ONE officially disbanded on April 29, 2021. However, the impact of the group didn’t end there. Many of the members have gone on to have successful solo careers or join new groups. For example:
- Some members have released solo music
- Others have started acting in dramas
- A few have joined new K-pop groups
The skills and experience they gained in IZONE have helped the members in their new activities. This shows that even though IZONE is no longer active as a group, their legacy continues through the individual success of their members.