In the immense Kyocera Dome in Osaka last November, a group of young musicians in their teens and early twenties took a defining step in their lives. Izna members Mai, Jeemin, Jiyoon, Koko, Sarang, Jungeun, and Saebi debuted as a girl group at the MAMA Awards, one of the largest ceremonies in the K-pop industry. They stood on the brink of realizing a dream, hearts racing as they walked to center stage. “Pure passion. Limitless potential. You and I growing together. Now, it’s time to show us,” their voices echoed across the venue before the spectacle, before the clamor. A tribute to their perseverance, emerging from the intensity of the reality competition series I-LAND to take on the world. “We make our dreams real.”
For Mai, 20, who felt the calling to become an idol during her adolescence in Kanagawa, crossing this threshold was twice as meaningful. “It was an unexpected moment because I never thought I would have my debut stage in [Japan],” she tells Teen Vogue over a video call one wintry night. “It was such an honor…I would have done my best no matter where I performed, but doing it in my home country brought an even more special emotion.”
This struck a similar chord for Koko, 18, since she was able to recognize herself as a K-pop artist in the city where she was born. “It’s not just performing in my hometown, but also performing on the stage of my dreams,” she says, beaming. “I was tense, but we practiced a lot as a group, so it was a happy moment for me.”
As the clock nears 9 p.m. in Seoul, izna come into view, all smiles, as they wind down from what appears to have been a full day of activities. And this — their first interview with a foreign outlet — will be the last stop in their itinerary. The conversation occurs a couple of weeks after the septet’s debut, in the height of their initial promotions as idols (appearances on South Korean music shows, content filming, fan events, rehearsals — you name it), which were set in motion with the release of their first mini-album, N/a, at the end of November. It’s all part of the fast-paced nature that comes with the spotlight.
The road to debut is without a map or guidebook, often making it feel like a distant objective (or, in most cases, unattainable altogether). Many aspirations can go unfulfilled, but perseverance and the desire to prove one’s worth are powerful incentives to continue trying. Survival shows, then, have become a lane to take in the world of K-pop, and although they inevitably carry their share of risks, they offer a viable chance to succeed.
In 2020, the inaugural run of the competition program I-LAND created ENHYPEN, so when the second season was confirmed almost four years later, expectations were ignited because of the potential it promised. This time, the 11-episode series, now referred to as I-LAND 2 N/α, aimed to introduce a girl group, selected from a talent pool of 24 candidates, who would debut under the South Korean agency WAKEONE. Besides, the contest was designed in collaboration with THE BLACKLABEL, with its creatives mentoring and evaluating the trainees through weekly challenges, and veteran producer Teddy Park set to shape the musical color of the final lineup.
At the MAMA Awards, the group underlined its identity: a cascade of magnetism and graceful dexterity. Every element of their performance balanced technical prowess with inherent ease, while their voices conveyed a rich and mature quality. But striking this cohesion entailed rigorous practice and adjustments over months of preparation, well aware that beneath this realm of dreams lies a journey of nonstop learning.
The members of izna know they’ve reached a destination they once imagined — and yet, it is only chapter one. “Everything about being an idol feels new and exciting,” 17-year-old Sarang says gently, a sentiment that spreads through the rest of her teammates, who nod in agreement. “I’m enjoying all the experiences around me that I’ve always dreamed of.”
The efforts invested in I-LAND laid the groundwork for their current mindset, with each obstacle and triumph fueling how they tackle their professional path and foster personal growth. Mai, speaking with a quiet assurance reflective of her name, “jasmine flower,” points to the third test as the round that had the greatest impact on her improvement. “That was a mission where I had to lead for the first time, and we had to start from scratch,” she says. “It was the hardest challenge [for me] to do, but at the same time, the one that helped me grow the most.” The enterprise demanded careful strategy: all the contestants were to face a unit battle to avoid elimination, with three teams formed based on their strengths in either singing or dancing. However, the “creative unit” had an extra layer of difficulty, requiring them to design an original performance routine to “Rain on Me” by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande.
The main hurdle was that Mai’s team lacked experience in structuring choreography. But after a slow, frustrating start, she settled into her role as a leader, showing a greater initiative reinforced by her attentive eye for detail. And rather than using complex dance movements to outdo the rival team, Mai sought to use “something simple yet meaningful.”
It paid off. Inspired by the song’s lyrics, her personal story, and the trainees’ hopes, Mai sketched a narrative capturing their emotions while enduring those taxing moments. After all, stepping into I-LAND was a courageous leap — and what began as tension and frustration blossomed into friendships, joy, and, most importantly, growth.
Jiyoon, 19, from the coastal city of Busan, lived one of the most touching and transformative journeys throughout the competition. At first, her personality could be misunderstood due to the pressure she placed on herself, which made her appear distant to some. But with the necessary introspection, she was able to reveal her charisma and grab people’s hearts with her enticing voice and sincerity. Even K-pop icon Taeyang, the show’s main producer, praised her ability. “I also have some darkness inside me,” he told Jiyoon after her rendition of Taeyang’s ballad “Eyes, Nose, Lips” during the third test, the first instance where she fully connected with her artistry. “But you can change that with your mindset. You can get more depth and gravitas. Many things will come…and more missions. I hope you can get through them wisely.”
His words proved true as Jiyoon dazzled her way into the debut lineup. “I changed my mindset…and prepared for each stage, and it made me grow a lot because I tried my best to reach my full potential,” she says now. “It’s hard to be satisfied with my performances, but I have no regrets because I did my best, so if I could travel back in time again, I would do the same. I pursue [perfection], but at the same time, I know it’s hard to be perfect because I’m a human.”
Osaka native Koko, known for her captivating smile and charming presence, has also evolved since her time on the show. She began dancing at the age of three, a passion that ultimately led her to South Korea in pursuit of something greater. And during I-LAND, her multifaceted artistry and dedication set her apart as a breathtaking performer. “Today, Koko is a woman who will debut,” she said at the start of the final episode — a statement she was able to flip from a hope into her truth.
While this reality competition was a first-time endeavor for most trainees, for 19-year-old Jeemin, also from Busan, it provided a clean slate to start anew. In 2022, she competed on R U Next?, the survival show that brought together ILLIT. She came just one step short in the finale and saw some of her friends debut. It was a bittersweet place to be, and understandably, her decision to try again was tinged with concerns.
But though she was well acquainted with the demanding nature of the process, this didn’t sink her childhood dream of becoming an idol. Quite the opposite, in fact. “I really wanted to do well this time, and with each round, my confidence grew,” Jeemin says, grateful for her second chance. As she performed she took it all in, arriving at the realization that joining I-LAND “was an opportunity for me to learn how happy I am on stage.”
A kindred sense of clarity also reached fellow Busan native Sarang allowing her to defeat the anxiety that had overwhelmed her in the initial phase of the competition. “It was a time in my life when I learned the most,” she says.
Known as an all-rounder, there were moments when Sarang tended to neglect her own performance in favor of the team’s objectives. The mentors noticed this, and with their feedback, she found balance between contributing to the collective and her personal development. “It was a time to discover my passion and how strong I am, and an opportunity to be sure of my dream as well.”
In the end, their seven dreams came together to take flight, putting the closing lines in the prologue that was I-LAND, and began to write a dawn of possibilities. It’s fitting, then, that the name izna means ‘anytime, anywhere, anything,’ encompassing the certainty of the path ahead. For this, Incheon-born Jungeun has defined her group as “the gift of my life,” a rewarding treasure after years of training and commitment to refine her skill set.
To hear her name called during the finale episode “was the happiest moment of my life,” she says during this chat — poised and acutely perceptive. On stage, Jungeun, 17, is an unstoppable force, a quality that secured her position in the top spots throughout the competition, but that’s not to say she ever rested on her laurels, nor will she anytime soon. “As I prepared for my debut [with] izna, I continued to feel that happiness,” she adds. “I tried not to forget how I felt in those moments and worked hard to [keep] that feeling.”
Izna are adjusting to their newfound rhythm with an open attitude, and they’re figuring out how to move forward with harmony. Now the reset button has been pressed, and the high-stakes environment from I-LAND is no more. As Sarang explained it in the group’s first documentary, “We had to take care of ourselves alone or endure by ourselves when things were tough [during the competition]. Now that all of us work together, if someone has a hard time or feels tired, we can support her.”
It’s an important source of stability for everyone, but especially for youngest member Saebi, 17, who grew up in Seoul. On I-LAND, she embraced the challenges with a bright smile and a starry-eyed gaze. And when she felt herself stumble, her spirit lifted her. “I figured while preparing for my performances that I should never let thoughts like ‘Oh I can’t do this’ [invade my mind] or have any self-doubts,” she says. “I learned through I-LAND 2 that I don’t need to think about what I can’t do, but instead, always practice and perform with confidence.”
That strength has been passed on to her activities with izna and encouraged by her teammates, on whom she has found a valuable reliance. Though, granted, their routines may vary slightly; she’s the only member who is still a high school student, juggling her studies and responsibilities as a K-pop artist. She mentions that her days often begin early while her “unnies” are still resting. “When I see they’re still asleep, I want to be in bed too,” Saebi laughs. “But when I go to school, I meet and hang out with my friends, so I get the energy and think about doing better and working harder. I’m going to school with a good mind and having fun there too.”
Moving into their dorms — a transition that happened almost immediately after the finale — was “a big change,” says Sarang, but it also led her to see that it truly was “a new beginning.” That first night, the septet had chicken for dinner, a memory that, when reliving it during this interview, knocks them into waves of laughter. The happiness was so much that Jeemin couldn’t sleep. “I realized, ‘Oh, we will live together for the next few years!’ We were so excited, and I couldn’t wait for what would come next,” she says.
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A central objective was (and still is) to cultivate respect and mutual understanding, aligning their dynamics to shine equally both on and off stage. And while disagreements may arise, as is natural in any healthy relationship, they have learned to reduce the weight of conflicts. “Whenever we practice or [go through] our daily lives, we spend time together and communicate to try and find the balance, and learn how to match our different patterns,” Jiyoon says. They’ve learned each others’ habits already. “For example, Koko and Mai are very quick to shower, while Jiyoon takes a long time,” Jeemin notes, eliciting another burst of infectious laughter. Jiyoon explains the long showering is a side effect of being an only child; “While living together [with my group], I could experience and learn what it is to have and live with sisters,” Jiyoon says. “I try to do everything fast, like eating or matching the [pace] of other members. I have to do everything very quick, quick, quick.”
Just as it’s essential to nurture their connection, self-care helps keep their inner thoughts centered in the rapid-fire cadence of the industry. “While living and practicing together, I realized I needed some alone time,” says Jeemin, who finds peace by immersing herself in music and the vastness of nature. “For example, before I go to bed, I try to put on my earphones and enjoy the view through the window, or I enjoy taking walks outside to refresh my mind and lift my spirits.”
Koko’s comfort lies in the free time spent with those closest to her, even in simple moments like sharing a meal. “I like to eat really delicious food with my teammates or do something fun together,” she says. “That’s how I try to relax and recharge [my energy.]
And what kind of food do you enjoy the most?
“It’s a combination of spicy foods, like tteokbokki — spicy Korean street food made with rice cake — Mala hotpot or stir-fried Mala pot, pork belly BBQ, and also frozen yogurt!” she answers animatedly, with such a genuine spirit that it’s hard not to be endeared.
During the months when izna’s debut date was still a secret, industry watchers began to theorize about the group’s creative direction and their first official schedules. In the meantime, behind the scenes, the seven members worked diligently to piece together the puzzle of their artistry. Hours of practice developed into versatility, endurance became flawless synchronization, and doubts faded into excitement.
Before their official debut at MAMA, they had a soft launch at KCON in Frankfurt, Germany — an occasion that Mai describes as their “presentation to the world.” The septet made the most of the two-day event, cherishing it as a trip of firsts, including the adrenaline rush of their first official performances as a group.
“We gathered in our [hotel] room, and we had dinner together and we talked about it in detail,” Jeemin recounts. “We felt really proud after all the hard work and the long preparation process.” Simultaneously, gratitude warmed their hearts as they saw and heard their fans — who have been a support system since izna’s formation — cheering their names. “That’s one of the most [cherished] moments that I still remember.”
“Honestly, even after the performance ended, it still felt like a dream,” Mai adds. Truth is, KCON Germany unveiled two converging realities of izna: what they had achieved and what they were yet to become. Their set consisted mostly of original songs they performed during their I-LAND days — like the gorgeously bittersweet “IWALY” — but now reimagined with the group’s essence.
As young artists kissing farewell to their trainee phase, it was only logical their drive would be translated into their debut extended play, N/a, a five-song record that unfolds in scintillating vignettes. If the I-LAND tracks “IWALY,” “Fake It,” and “Drip” are the base of the project, the lead single “IZNA” and the B-side “TIMEBOMB” stand out at the forefront as new, contrasting songs. The title track, especially, is more minimalist, but its intention is bold and clear: izna has arrived. “The streets be lookin’ like a runway / I walk and all eyes are on me,” they voice in the pre-chorus, shaping unshakable self-assurance into melodies. On other hand, “TIMEBOMB” (Sarang’s favorite “because it really highlights the unique charm of each member’s voice”) is effervescent, a sunlit gem complementing the restraint from “IZNA.”
Both songs became the perfect catalyst for their highly anticipated debut at the 2024 MAMA Awards — an unparalleled opportunity that reminded them they were walking in the right direction. “Even before going to KCON Germany, we felt it was a huge stage and we had the same feeling when [preparing] for the MAMA Awards,” Jiyoon shares, who was fighting back tears before stepping onto the stage. Those seconds were a whirlwind. “I felt really nervous [before the presentation], and worried a lot and thought, ‘what if I can’t perform as well as in the practice?’ I had a lot on my mind, but I approached it with determination.”
“I was so happy and grateful for being able to perform there,” Saebi affirms. Her younger self used to picture the MAMA Awards as one of her desired milestones. And now it’s a tangible truth. “I really worked hard because I really wanted to do well.”
The beauty of dreams is that they don’t fade away; they evolve into something greater, a new skyline to discover. And for izna, their dream of becoming idols is no longer an outline, but instead colored in with reality: the thrill of finishing their debut showcase, the excitement of recording music and videos and hearing them out in the world. Already, the dream has grown to encompass what’s next. “As I will keep doing a lot of work and growing, I want to make a lot of people keep listening to my voice,” says Jungeun. “At the end of the day, I want to be a singer who can inspire people in many ways whenever they’re feeling down or good. Because our feelings matter.”
“I’m in awe of an artist who truly loves and enjoys music, who’s more than a talented vocalist,” Jiyoon says, expressing her wish of being someone who can similarly resonate with genuine emotion. “More than anything else, I feel happy whenever I hear my voice helps someone find comfort and lifts them up. I want to keep doing my best and singing with my heart to make people happy and feel better. And I want to create music that every member [of izna] can take pride in and feel truly fulfilled by.”
“From now on, we want to reach out to as many people as possible to share our story and message as izna,” Jeemin concludes, smiling at the future.
