The group IZNA, reformed into a six-member group, has returned with a strikingly different image.
IZNA (Coco, Mai, Yu Sa-rang, Bang Ji-min, Choi Jeong-eun, Jeong Se-bi) held a showcase to celebrate the release of their second mini-album 'Not Just Pretty' on the afternoon of the 30th at Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul.
On this day, Yu Sa-rang expressed, "We debuted through the choice of fans worldwide and have been active with their love. During that time, we will show how much we have grown as more amazing artists."
Choi Jeong-eun added, "We prepared with a bold and intense concept. We have returned with a new look, so please look forward to it," while Jeong Se-bi stated, "We captured the confident and self-assured image of the Gen Z generation. We will work hard to create a genre called IZNA, so please have high expectations."
There was also an introduction to the new album. Bang Ji-min explained, "'Not Just Pretty' is an album that opens a new chapter for IZNA," adding, "It proves that IZNA can no longer be defined by a single meaning. We have melted various emotions beyond the frame of 'pretty'."
The reason this comeback is particularly noteworthy is that it is the first album released after IZNA was reformed into a six-member group. Formed through the Mnet audition program 'I-LAND 2', IZNA officially debuted in November of the same year. However, member Yoon Ji-yoon announced her suspension of activities due to health reasons just three months after debuting, and she left the team on August 19, leading to the reformation into a six-member group.
When asked if her mindset had changed ahead of the comeback, Yu Sa-rang said, "I feel a great sense of regret that we couldn't do this activity together with Yoon Ji-yoon, but we are supporting each other's paths," and added, "Since this is our second mini-album, we prepared each song with affection, so please look forward to it."
The title track 'Mamma Mia' is a song that shouts "I will be myself" while trusting one's instincts amidst the endless nagging and rules of the world. It is a song that showcases a different charm from the colors previously presented by IZNA, produced by global hitmaker Teddy.
Mai stated, "I thought a lot about what kind of song would be good for the title track, and as soon as I heard 'Mamma Mia', I thought it would be great for the stage. We worked hard to show our new look to the fans, so please look forward to it."
Producer Teddy also provided various advice during the preparation for the comeback.
Choi Jeong-eun recalled, "Producer Teddy thought a lot about us, IZNA. He told us, 'You are the artists, so you should prepare and be happy while making music,' which stuck with me." Yu Sa-rang added, "This time, there are many rap parts, and I was worried, but Producer Teddy said it was good, so I recorded it with pride."
IZNA will hold their first fan concert 'Not Just Pretty' on November 8 and 9 at Bluesquare SOL Travel Hall in Hannam-dong, Seoul, and from December 9 to 10 at Makuhari Event Hall in Chiba Prefecture, meeting fans from both countries.
Yu Sa-rang expressed, "I am preparing with a nervous heart ahead of our first fan concert. I hope many people will take an interest," while Jeong Se-bi urged, "We have captured our unexpected charm that fans could not imagine. There will also be stages that will be revealed for the first time at the fan concert, so please look forward to it."
Meanwhile, IZNA's second mini-album 'Not Just Pretty' will be released at 6 PM on the same day.
[Lee Da-kyum, Star Today Reporter]
