Iz*One
| Company type | Girl group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2018 |
| Defunct | 2021-04-29 |
| Headquarters | South Korea / Japan |
Area served | South Korea, Japan, international |
| Products | Music albums, singles, extended plays |
Number of employees | 12 (members) |
IZ*ONE ( ; ; ; presented in all caps) was a South Korean–Japanese[1] girl group created through the Mnet reality competition series Produce 48. The ensemble comprised twelve members: 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.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Their activities were overseen by Off the Record and Swing Entertainment.[2]
The group made their official debut on October 29, 2018, with the release of their debut extended play (EP) Color*Iz. This EP surpassed 225,000 copies sold and reached the number two spot on South Korea's Gaon Album Chart. Both the EP and its lead track "La Vie en Rose" appeared on the Billboard World Albums and World Digital Songs charts.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Their achievements garnered them New Artist of the Year honors at prominent award ceremonies including the Golden Disc Awards and Seoul Music Awards.
On February 6, 2019, IZ*ONE debuted in Japan with their single "Suki to Iwasetai", released through Universal Music Group's EMI Records. The single attained the number two position on the Oricon Singles Chart and exceeded 250,000 sales, receiving platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ).[3]
Throughout their career, IZ*ONE launched two studio albums—one in Korean and one in Japanese—and seven extended plays, divided as four Korean and three Japanese releases. Although there were talks about extending their contract, the group officially concluded activities and disbanded on April 29, 2021.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Name
The name IZ*ONE (stylized in all caps) originated from suggestions by netizens on the official Produce 48 website and was ultimately selected by CJ ENM. The "IZ" represents a numeronym for twelve, symbolizing the group's twelve members, while "One" reflects their unity as a collective. The asterisk denotes the twelve signs of the zodiac, adding symbolic significance.
Formation via Produce 48
IZ*ONE was established through the competitive reality program Produce 48, which aired on Mnet from June 15 to August 31, 2018. This show merged elements from Korea's Produce 101 series with Japan's idol system represented by the AKB48 Group. Out of ninety-six participants, twelve finalists were revealed during a live broadcast.
Before joining the show, several members had prior experience in entertainment: Hitomi Honda had debuted with AKB48, Sakura Miyawaki had performed in musicals prior to joining HKT48, and Nako Yabuki had acted in various films and television dramas. Meanwhile, Kwon Eun-bi had debuted as part of Ye-A in 2014; Kang Hye-won was previously considered for groups DayDay and The Ark. Lee Chae-yeon competed on SBS's K-pop Star 3 and JYP's survival show Sixteen. Additionally, Jo Yu-ri took part in Mnet's Idol School. Acting credits include Kim Min-ju, who appeared in music videos and dramas such as MBC's Tempted. Lastly, An Yu-jin featured in commercials and music videos, including an advertisement for Acuvue Vita.
In September 2018, management responsibilities for IZ*ONE shifted to Off the Record from previous overseers Stone Music Entertainment and Pledis Entertainment. Concurrently, all three Japanese members temporarily suspended activities with their original groups to focus on promotions with IZ*ONE.
2018: Korean debut with Color*Iz
Iz*One's initial extended play (EP), Color*Iz, was officially released on October 29, 2018, spotlighting "La Vie en Rose" as its main track. Their debut showcase event, titled Color*Iz Show-Con, sold out within just one minute at Seoul's Olympic Hall. The group's first televised music program appearance occurred on November 1 on Mnet's M Countdown, and they secured their inaugural music show trophy ten days later, setting a then-record for the fastest girl group to achieve such a win.
On its first day, the EP recorded sales exceeding 34,000 copies, establishing a new benchmark for the highest first-day sales by a girl group’s debut release. The music video for "La Vie en Rose" accumulated more than 4.5 million views within the first 24 hours on YouTube, becoming the most-viewed debut MV by a Korean artist at that time. Color*Iz reached its peak position at number two on the Gaon Album Chart and sold over 225,000 units, later earning platinum certification from the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA) in July 2020 after surpassing 250,000 shipments.
Promotional activities for Color*Iz wrapped up on November 23 with a performance on KBS's Music Bank. The group's early commercial triumph garnered them several New Artist of the Year accolades from prominent award ceremonies such as the Mnet Asian Music Awards, Golden Disc Awards, and Seoul Music Awards. Additionally, Billboard acknowledged their debut as one of 2018’s standout K-pop launches. On December 5, Iz*One made their first international appearance by performing at Japan’s 2018 FNS Music Festival.
On December 6, Off the Record revealed that Iz*One had inked a deal with Universal Music Japan's EMI Records to facilitate their Japanese debut slated for February 6, 2019. Subsequently, on December 15, members Sakura Miyawaki and Nako Yabuki traveled back to Japan to take part in HKT48's eighth anniversary concert; Off the Record clarified this was conducted as Iz*One members rather than independent activities.
2019: Japanese debut, subsequent releases and temporary hiatus
Iz*One held their Japanese debut showcase at Tokyo Dome City Hall on January 20, where they delivered their debut Japanese single "Suki to Iwasetai" live for the first time. The accompanying music video was unveiled on January 25, followed by the single’s official release on February 6. It attained the number two spot on both the Oricon Singles Chart and Billboard Japan Hot 100 charts, moving over 200,000 copies during its initial week. On March 8, it achieved platinum status from the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) after surpassing sales of 250,000 units—marking Iz*One’s first platinum certification.
On March 9, English DJ and producer Jonas Blue introduced a revamped version of his 2018 hit "Rise", featuring vocal contributions from Iz*One.
The group launched their second EP titled Heart*Iz on April 1. Domestic pre-orders exceeded 200,000 units prior to release. Upon launch, it claimed the top position on both Gaon Album and Oricon Overseas Album Charts and sold upwards of 130,000 copies in its opening week—setting a new record for K-pop girl groups at that time. The KMCA certified the EP platinum while it also reached number six on the Billboard World Albums chart. The lead track "Violeta" peaked at number 18 on Gaon Digital Chart and number five on the Billboard K-pop Hot 100; it additionally secured the eighth spot on the Billboard World Digital Songs chart. The song earned its first music show trophy on SBS MTV's The Show dated April 9.
Iz*One embarked on their inaugural headline tour named Eyes on Me at Seoul’s Jamsil Indoor Stadium. Due to rapid sell-outs of initial dates, an extra performance was added. The tour showcased new sub-unit tracks "Ayayaya" and "So Curious," spanning eight cities across five countries with a total attendance of approximately 81,000 fans. On July 6, they made their U.S. debut by performing at KCON in New York City.
Their second Japanese single "Buenos Aires" was released on June 26 and debuted at number one on both Oricon Singles Chart and Billboard Japan Hot 100. It received platinum certification from RIAJ in July. On September 25, Iz*One unveiled their third Japanese single "Vampire", which also topped domestic charts with initial week sales exceeding 200,000 copies and obtained gold certification from RIAJ. Notably, "Vampire" was their sole Japanese release to enter the Billboard K-pop Hot 100 chart, peaking at number 52.
Following these achievements, Iz*One became Oricon’s top-selling new artist during the first half of 2019, generating estimated sales worth ¥510 million (₩5.5 billion) in Japan between December 2018 and June 2019. They were also distinguished as the first guest performers at the three-city run of the 2019 Tokyo Girls Collection events.
The group had planned to release their first full-length studio album on November 11; however, this launch was delayed due to the Mnet vote manipulation investigation. The inquiry uncovered that producer Ahn Joon-young had predetermined Iz*One’s lineup before the finale aired. As a result, scheduled showcases and promotional activities—including their concert film Eyes on Me: The Movie—along with Japanese engagements were either cancelled or postponed amid ongoing controversy.
2020–2021: Bloom*Iz, Oneiric Diary, Twelve, One-reeler / Act IV, final performance and disbandment
On January 6, 2020, the agencies representing Iz*One and CJ ENM reached an agreement to recommence the group's activities. Subsequently, on February 17, they launched their debut full-length album Bloom*Iz, featuring the title track "Fiesta". This album established a new Hanteo record for the highest first-week sales by a female group, moving 356,313 copies, and marked the first instance of a girl group exceeding 300,000 copies sold on Hanteo. By April 9, it achieved platinum certification from KMCA with shipments surpassing 390,000 units and secured the top position on the Oricon Overseas Album Chart.
On June 15, Iz*One unveiled their third extended play, Oneiric Diary, led by the single "Secret Story of the Swan". The EP climbed to number two on the Gaon Album Chart, with sales exceeding 510,000 copies. It was among the earliest girl group releases to be awarded double platinum status by KMCA. Their inaugural online concert, Oneiric Theater, took place on September 13. Following this, on October 21, they released their first Japanese studio album, Twelve, which debuted at number one on the Oricon Albums Chart. On December 7, the group issued their fourth EP, One-reeler / Act IV, featuring the lead track "Panorama", which entered Gaon at number one.
On January 26, 2021, Iz*One dropped the promotional track "D-D-Dance" for the Universe platform. They announced their concluding online concert—One, the Story—scheduled for March 13 and 14 in anticipation of their contract's expiration in April. On February 15, five members took part in "Zero:Attitude", a promotional single created alongside Soyou and pH-1 for the Pepsi X Starship campaign. Additionally, Iz*One contributed a remake of Roo'ra's "3!4!" to the compilation album Rewind : Blossom.
The group's fan community, Wiz*One, initiated the Parallel Universe project on April 21, 2021, successfully raising ₩1 billion (~US$900,000) in an effort to avert disbandment; despite this support, Iz*One officially disbanded as planned on April 29.
On June 19, 2021, CJ ENM confirmed discussions with member agencies regarding a possible reformation of Iz*One; however, these negotiations concluded in July without resulting in a reunion.
Endorsements
Prior to debuting, Iz*One partnered with brands such as Overhit, Salewa, and Skoolooks. Throughout their career, they served as endorsers for G-Market, Fever Basket, Olive Young's Colorgram:TOK line, Sudden Attack, Miche Bloomin', and PepsiCo. The group also featured prominently in leading publications including Non-no and Elle, boosting their visibility and commercial appeal.
Members
Korean members are presented following Eastern name order. Japanese members appear according to Western name order, including both Japanese and Korean renditions.
- Kwon Eun-bi () – leader
- Sakura Miyawaki (; )
- Kang Hye-won ()
- Choi Ye-na ()
- Lee Chae-yeon ()
- Kim Chae-won ()
- Kim Min-ju ()
- Nako Yabuki (; )
- Hitomi Honda (; )
- Jo Yu-ri ()
- An Yu-jin ()
- Jang Won-young ()
Discography
- Korean albums
- Bloom*Iz (2020)
- Japanese albums
- Twelve (2020)
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Details | Reference(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Eyes on Me: The Movie | Themselves | Concert documentary | Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content
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Reality shows
| Year | Title | Description | Reference(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Iz*One Chu | Initial reality program | Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content
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| 2019 | Iz*One's First Steps in Japan | Introduction to Japanese variety appearances before debut | Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content
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| Iz*One City | Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content
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| Iz*One Chu – Secret Friend | Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content
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| 2020 | Iz*One Chu – Fantasy Campus | Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content
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| Iz*One Eat-ing Trip | Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content
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| Iz*One Chu – ON:TACT | Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content
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| 2021 | Iz*One Eat-ing Trip 2 | Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content
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| Fantastic I*z: Hidden School | Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content
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| Iz*One Eat-ing Trip 3 | Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content
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Concert tours
- Iz*One First Concert "Eyes on Me" (2019)
Single concerts
- Color*Iz Show-Con Showcase (2018)
- Iz*One Japan Debut Showcase for 1st Single "Suki to Iwasetai" Release Event (2019)
Virtual concerts
- Iz*One First Online Concert "Oneiric Theater" (2020)
- Iz*One Second Online Concert "One, the Story" (2021)
External links
- Iz*One
- Produce 48 contestants
- K-pop music groups
- Musical groups established in 2018
- South Korean girl groups
- South Korean dance music groups
- South Korean pop music groups
- Musical groups from Seoul
- Swing Entertainment artists
- Singing talent show winners
- 2018 establishments in South Korea
- Korean-language singers of Japan
- Japanese-language singers of South Korea
- MAMA Award winners
- Melon Music Award winners
- Universal Music Japan artists
- 2021 disestablishments in South Korea
- Musical groups disestablished in 2021
- Circle Chart Music Award winners