HOME / ENTERTAINMENT / MUSIC

What will IZ*ONE members do after the K-pop group disbands? Fans mourn losing 'one of the best girl groups'

All three Japanese members of the group including Sakura Miyawaki, Nako Yabuki, and Hitomi Honda are also part of the group AKB48 and may return to performing as a unit

IZ*ONE is finally disbanding in April 2021 and fans are heart-broken as the expiration date for the South Korean-Japanese K-pop girl group draws closer. Created from Mnet’s reality television show  ‘Produce 48’ in 2018, IZ*ONE quickly achieved commercial release as the group’s debut EP ‘Color*Iz’ peaked at number 2 in the Gaon Albums' chart. After disbanding as Mnet’s IZ*ONE, the group members will go back to their respective agencies a new report suggested. Here’s what members will do after April.

IZ*ONE consists of Jang Won-young, 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, and Lee Chae-yeon. They will hold an exclusive virtual concert ‘One, The Story’ on March 13 and 14 before disbanding at the end of the month. 

READ MORE

Who are SBS Inkigayo's new hosts? IZ*ONE Ahn Yujin, NCT Sungchan and TREASURE Jihoon take over from MinNaHyun
Where is IZ*ONE member Sakura headed after band disbands? K-pop idol reportedly confirms return to Japan

What will IZ*ONE members do after the K-pop group disbands?

According to reports, IZ*ONE members will return to their companies after IZ*ONE disbands.

Jang Won-young, the maknae of the group who won the ‘Produce 48’ reality show is currently under Starship Entertainment and will likely to continue with the agency after finishing all her group activity commitments. K-pop singer, songwriter, and composer Yuri, who was the main vocalist of the group, will continue with Stone Music Entertainment and Off The Record Entertainment -- she has contracts with both agencies. 

All three Japanese members of the group including Sakura Miyawaki, Nako Yabuki, and Hitomi Honda, who are also part of the group AKB48 may return to the group after IZ*ONE disbands. In an earlier report, Sakura had said, "IZ*ONE is a 2.5-years time-limited group, in any case, it will end after 2.5 years, just like other 2 PRODUCE series group. General procedure, the members will return to their agency after the group disbands and re-debut. So it is not possible not coming back, there is always a place for you."

‘Losing out on one of the best girl groups of 4th gen’

The final confirmation of the news that the girl group is dissolving comes as no shock to fans. However, the global fanbase has pointed out that IZ*ONE was one of the best girl groups among fourth-generation K-pop stars.

A fan said, “the kpop industry is losing out on one of the BEST girl groups in 4th gen. nonetheless, all the best girls <3,” while another said, “i literally hate this. what is the point of making these groups and then disbanding them? they make them get close, feel comfortable with each other and then just make them be apart.. why can't they keep the groups together, especially if they are successful.” Another fan shared, “Jeez all their songs are great. what will happen to them now, some of the members are crying and i felt badd for them because there are no guarantee that they will success on their solo projects after coming back to their agencies.”

Stream IZ*ONE's music here.