Is IZ*ONE reuniting? CJ ENM won't use $2.8M raised by fans for possible reunion
An IZ*ONE reunion may happen sooner than the fans have expected with their constant support pushing the entertainment company CJ ENM to consider the possibilities. On June 19, a Korean media outlet Sports Kyunghyang reported that IZ*ONE is currently discussing a reunion positively.
The report further added that most of the members' agencies are leaning towards a group project given the peak popularity that IZ*ONE managed to garner within three years of debuting. IZ*ONE fans have been constantly asking for CJ ENM to bring the multinational group together since they disbanded on April 29, 2021. Fans have also crowdfunded over $2.8 million (4.18 billion won) for the group's comeback project.
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Is IZ*ONE reuniting?
After the Korean media outlet's report of IZ*ONE discussing reunion, CJ ENM officially responded to the claims where a Spokesperson said, “Regarding IZ*ONE’s getting back together, while we are currently in discussions with the members’ agencies and leaving open a wide variety of possibilities, nothing has been decided.” The entertainment group also addressed the huge crowdfunding projects that the fans have managed after the K-pop group's disbanding.
Stating that the entertainment agency will not use the crowdfund, the spokesperson noted, “We are well aware of the fans’ fundraising. We are grateful for their support. However, even if IZ*ONE does get back together and we move forward with the production of a new album, we plan to fund it ourselves.”
Where are IZ*ONE members now?
IZ*ONE, the South Korean–Japanese girl group made from Mnet show 'Produce 48' consisted of 12 members, Sakura Miyawaki, Jo Yu-ri, Choi Ye-na, An Yu-jin, Nako Yabuki, Kwon Eun-bi, Kang Hye-won, Hitomi Honda, Kim Chae-won, Kim Min-ju, Lee Chae-yeon, and Jang Won-young. After their final disbandment in April, the Japanese members Sakura Miyawaki, Nako Yabuki, and Hitomi Honda headed back to Japan. Woollim Entertainment's Kwon Eun-bi and Kim Chae-won returned back to their agency.
Yuehua Entertainment's Choi Ye-na was fast to resume activities. The 21-year-old K-pop star joined tvN‘s show 'Idol Dictation Contest'. Jo Yu-ri, who was under Stone Music Entertainment will move on to a new agency after the agency closed its activities. Jang Won-young and Ahn Yu-jin signed with Starship Entertainment have returned to the agency for future activities.
Lee Chae-yeon was recently seen with Red Velvet's Seulgi posting an Instagram update, "See you soon #Seulgi zip #NaverNow". She also uploaded a dance cover of Justin Bieber's hit track 'Peaches.' Kim Min-ju returned to her agency as the fans await further updates from the 20-year-old actress and singer for her future activities.