izna: From I-LAND2 : N/a to “SIGN”

Photo: WAKEONE Entertainment

When the seven members of izna emerged victorious from I-LAND2 : N/a, they opened a door of endless possibilities. Mai, Bang Jeemin, Yoon Jiyoon, Koko, Ryu Sarang, Choi Jungeun, and Jeong Saebi make up the latest Mnet survival show group. Unlike their predecessors, izna will promote actively under a permanent seven-year contract. So far, the group has released one EP and one single under WAKEONE’s management.  

Origins on I-LAND2 : N/a

I-LAND2 : N/a premiered in 2024 as a sequel to 2020’s I-LAND, a Mnet and HYBE survival show that formed ENHYPEN. According to the show’s Spotify description, the subtitle “N/a” combines two variables: the “unpredictable diversity of ‘N’” and the “endless possibilities of ‘a’.” Mnet partnered with THE BLACK LABEL and WAKEONE to make a girl group produced by THE BLACK LABEL producer Teddy. I-LAND2 : N/a aired from April 18, 2024 to July 4, 2024. 

Mnet originally intended to debut a 12-member girl group but ultimately narrowed the plan down to seven. Global fan voting determined five members and two members were chosen by the show’s mentors. BIGBANG’s Taeyang, the show’s main producer, specifically chose Jeong Saebi as a member. The winners were part of 10 finalists who performed the original songs “DRIP” and “FAKE IT.” These two songs, alongside “IWALY,” the song for I-LAND2 : N/a’s 1:1 position battle, made it onto izna’s debut EP. 

Pre-Debut Activities at KCON and the 2024 MAMA AWARDS

Before izna made their debut, the group got to perform on large international stages. Just weeks after the show’s finale, izna was set to perform at KCON LA 2024. However, they were unable to make it due to visa issues. Instead, their first international performance took place at KCON GERMANY 2024 on September 28 and 29. izna took to the stage with “IWALY - izna Version,” “DRIP,” “FAKE IT,” and a cover of BLACKPINK’s “Lovesick Girls” in front of 4.1 million in-person and online attendees. 

At the 2024 MAMA AWARDS in Osaka, izna performed all of their debut EP’s songs before its official release. In addition to their songs from KCON GERMANY 2024, izna added I-LAND2: N/a’s theme song, their debut song “IZNA,” and their new B-side “TIMEBOMB” to the setlist. They were part of the sold-out show on November 22. These performances showed izna was prepared to finally debut. 

N/a and “SIGN”

izna debuted on November 25, 2024. Their first EP, N/a, included two original songs and three songs from I-LAND2 : N/a. The hip-hop title track “IZNA” uses a catchy hook to introduce the group. It describes izna as chic, popular girls that everyone pays attention to. The song uses a play on words: “Who that girl is? / Na na na na.” “Na” (나) means a casual way of referring to oneself, so izna is saying “me.” 

On March 31, izna made their first comeback with the digital single “SIGN.” The group released the single with six members as Yoon Jiyoon went on a medical-related hiatus in February. In contrast to “IZNA,” “SIGN” is an emotional retro pop song, in which izna seeks a “sign” to transition a friendship into romance. izna’s career so far has provided a positive sign of more to come. 

Edited by Clark Royandoyan