(Photo courtesy of OFF THE RECORD ENTERTAINMENT)

[Hanteo News = Reporter KIM YEONWOO] A story that began with one group has branched into 12 different paths. Formed through Mnet's audition program ‘Produce 48’, IZ*ONE debuted in October 2018 and spent approximately two and a half years promoting across Korea and Japan. After leaving behind major hits such as ‘La Vie en Rose’, ‘Violeta’, ‘FIESTA’, ‘Secret Story of the Swan’, and ‘Panorama’, the group officially concluded its activities in April 2021.

Although the members went their separate ways, their stories have continued. Some have established themselves as solo artists, others have debuted again in new girl groups, and several have expanded their careers into acting. The 12 members who once shared the name IZ*ONE are now connecting with audiences in their own distinct ways.

(Photo courtesy of RBW, YH ENTERTAINMENT, iNKODE, and DOD)

From Solo Careers to New Groups…Finding Their Own Musical Identities

KWON EUNBI transitioned into a solo career following the conclusion of IZ*ONE's activities, demonstrating her musical potential through releases such as ‘Door’ and ‘Glitch’. She attracted particular attention with her performance at WATERBOMB in 2023, earning the nickname "WATERBOMB Goddess". Since then, she has become a familiar presence at university festivals and music events, establishing herself as a "Festival Queen". Having carved out her own identity as a solo artist through her confident stage presence, she recently released the duet ‘Vibes’ with Lim Seul-ong, showcasing a new musical partnership.

CHOI YENA has firmly established herself as a solo artist with her signature bright and quirky charm. Beginning with ‘SMiLEY’, she has developed a distinctive musical identity through colorful songs and concepts such as ‘SMARTPHONE’ and ‘GOOD MORNING’. In particular, she has set herself apart by incorporating influences from animation, gaming, and subcultures into her music and visuals, embracing an aesthetic often associated with otaku culture.

More recently, YENA released the new song ‘보기 드문 여자 (Feat. 나우아임영)’. She is also scheduled to release a Korean remake of Japanese singer Ai Otsuka's hit ‘Sakuranbo’ on November 17. Beyond music, she continues to expand her presence through advertising campaigns and brand collaborations, remaining active across multiple fields.

HONDA HITOMI returned to the Korean music scene after continuing her activities in Japan. Following her graduation from AKB48, she made her second debut in 2024 as a member of SAY MY NAME, a girl group produced by Kim Jae-joong. Now serving as the group's leader, HITOMI draws on her experience promoting across Korea and Japan with IZ*ONE to guide her new team.

SAY MY NAME demonstrated its growth by securing its first music show win in January with ‘UFO (ATTENT!ON)’. Having built extensive experience in Japan, HITOMI is now attracting attention as she continues her second chapter in the Korean entertainment industry.

LEE CHAEYEON has also established herself as a solo artist, building on her exceptional dancing abilities. Following her solo debut with ‘HUSH RUSH’, her song ‘KNOCK’ experienced a resurgence in popularity, once again bringing attention to her performance skills. She has since continued releasing music that reflects her individual style.

More recently, CHAEYEON released her fourth mini-album ‘Till I Die’ and expanded her activities with her first official Japanese single, ‘Boku no Koe (My Voice)’. Through a showcase in Japan and appearances on local music charts, she has also demonstrated her potential in the overseas market. While performance remains her greatest strength, she continues to broaden her artistic range through her vocals and emotional expression.

(Photo courtesy of SOURCE MUSIC and STARSHIP ENTERTAINMENT)

Building on IZ*ONE's Experience to Become Global Girl Group Stars

Some members have transformed the stage experience they gained through IZ*ONE into strengths for their new groups.

KIM CHAEWON and SAKURA made their second debut in May 2022 as members of LE SSERAFIM. Together with HUH YUNJIN, KAZUHA, and HONG EUNCHAE, they made a powerful first impression with their debut song ‘FEARLESS’. The group subsequently released hits including ‘ANTIFRAGILE’, ‘UNFORGIVEN’, ‘EASY’, and ‘CRAZY’, establishing a confident musical identity built around strong performances.

LE SSERAFIM has continued achieving success not only in Korea but also in the global music market. In May, the group released its second full-length album ‘PUREFLOW pt.1’, exploring a new musical direction through the title track ‘BOOMPALA’.

In September, the group followed up with its second single album ‘Made My Night’. Featuring the title track of the same name and ‘AEIOU’, the release also attracted attention for its music video collaboration with the global game ‘Overwatch’. The members have broadened their musical range by embracing bright, upbeat concepts alongside their signature powerful performances. Through their world tour, they continue meeting fans across the globe, further strengthening their international presence in a new chapter following IZ*ONE.

JANG WONYOUNG and AN YUJIN also returned to girl group activities, debuting with IVE in December 2021. Beginning with ‘ELEVEN’, the group achieved widespread popularity through successive hits such as ‘LOVE DIVE’, ‘After LIKE’, and ‘I AM’, establishing itself as one of the leading fourth-generation K-POP girl groups.

Alongside major achievements on music shows and at prestigious award ceremonies, IVE has also expanded its global influence through world tours.

The group has continued evolving through new concepts and musical styles. In February, IVE released its second full-length album ‘REVIVE+’, featuring the double title tracks ‘BANG BANG’ and ‘BLACKHOLE’. This was followed by its fifth mini-album ‘Looks Can Kill’ on October 26.

The title track of the same name is an electronic dance-pop song combining powerful bass with dynamic electronic sounds. It captures the appeal of a "girl hero" whose presence alone can command the atmosphere. By adding a new narrative to its established image of confidence, IVE has continued exploring new artistic possibilities.

WONYOUNG and YUJIN's success also extends beyond the group. WONYOUNG maintains a strong presence in fashion and beauty through various brand partnerships, consistently generating public attention. YUJIN has broadened her mainstream recognition through variety programs, including the ‘Earth Arcade’ series, where she showcases her candid and humorous personality.

Their careers are particularly noteworthy not only because of IVE's success, but also because both have developed personal brands that carry influence in their own right.
 

(Photo courtesy of WAKEONE, PEACE, Management SOOP, and TWIN PLANET)

New Possibilities Through Acting and Continued Careers in Japan

Other members have discovered new possibilities beyond music by pursuing acting careers.

JO YURI reached global audiences through her role as Jun-hee in Seasons 2 and 3 of Netflix's ‘Squid Game’. Her convincing portrayal of the character's emotions and personal journey amid extreme circumstances helped establish her presence as an actress.

Having continued exploring different acting projects, YURI is also set to appear in the film ‘Possible Love’, scheduled for release on November 6, signaling another transformation in her acting career. By translating the expressive abilities she developed as a singer into acting, she continues to expand her artistic horizons.

KANG HYEWON has steadily built her filmography, establishing herself as an actress. She has portrayed a variety of characters in productions including ‘Seasons of Blossom’, ‘Boyhood’, and ‘Friendly Rivalry’. She also appeared in the Japanese drama ‘첫입에 반하다’, connecting with local audiences. By taking on projects both in Korea and overseas, she continues to broaden her acting range.

KIM MINJU has similarly focused on acting, steadily strengthening her presence in the industry. Following appearances in dramas such as ‘Connection’ and ‘Undercover High School’, she portrayed Mo Eun-a in the JTBC drama ‘Shining’, delivering a nuanced emotional performance.

With an upcoming appearance in the Netflix series ‘Beauty in the Beast’, anticipation is growing over the new sides of herself she will showcase as an actress.

YABUKI NAKO, meanwhile, has continued her career primarily in Japan. Following the conclusion of IZ*ONE's activities, she returned to HKT48 before graduating from the group and transitioning into acting. Since then, she has steadily built her filmography through appearances in Japanese television dramas and stage productions.

More recently, NAKO has been meeting local audiences through the Japanese drama ‘내가 혼자 살아갈 리가 없잖아’. Drawing on the experience she gained promoting across Korea and Japan with IZ*ONE, she is now building a career of her own in the Japanese entertainment industry.
 

(Photo courtesy of OFF THE RECORD ENTERTAINMENT)

The Memories Remain, but Their Individual Stories Are Still Unfolding

Throughout its activities, IZ*ONE earned widespread affection for its music, performances, and the natural chemistry among its members, leaving behind a successful example of a project group. The special synergy created by 12 individuals with distinct personalities coming together as one remains a cherished memory for fans, even years after the group's activities ended.

Although the group has disbanded, the members' friendships have endured. While pursuing their individual careers, they continue sharing updates through a group chat and supporting one another. Their occasional reunions and participation in challenges together have also brought joy to longtime fans.

In an interview conducted in September, KWON EUNBI shared that the IZ\*ONE members still keep in touch through their group chat and sometimes meet when members based in Japan visit Korea.

She explained that their busy individual schedules make it difficult for all 12 members to gather at once, but they continue maintaining their friendships.

EUNBI also revealed that the members have spoken positively about the possibility of reuniting for IZ\*ONE's 10th debut anniversary, should circumstances allow.

With all 12 members building their own achievements across different fields, it remains difficult to predict when they might stand together on the same stage again. Nevertheless, fans continue to hold on to that hope.

When they were together, 12 distinct personalities shone under one name. Today, each member carries that light forward in her own way.

The chapter of IZ\*ONE as a single rose may have come to an end, but its 12 individual stories continue to bloom in different colors.

And perhaps that is what keeps the hope of seeing all 12 together on one stage again alive.

 yeonwoo38@hanteo.com