Interview: Izna returns with ‘Sign' of things to come
At a roundtable interview with reporters held at a coffee shop in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Wednesday, the six active members of the group -- Yoon Ji-yoon is on a temporary hiatus due to health issues -- shared their thoughts on returning with a new song and showcasing a new side of themselves.
Combining sensuous lyrics with a catchy melody, "Sign" is a love song that conveys the courage and certainty of expressing love through a clear signal. "I think fans will really love it. It's a sentimental and dreamy track that only Izna can pull off," Jeong Saebi said.
"Since it's our first song after our debut track, I was curious about the concept. It's sentimental, and I think we'll be able to show our unique style with it," Choi Jung-eun said.
Ryu Sa-rang shared her hope to demonstrate growth in various areas through the new release.
"'Sign' is a song where our voices really stand out. We talked a lot among ourselves and asked the producer for advice while practicing," Ryu said.
The single, like the debut EP, was produced by top producer Teddy and his team at The Black Label.
"Since emotional delivery is important in this song, Teddy told us it's crucial to maintain that emotion throughout, even in a single line," Ryu said.
"Just having Teddy involved gives us a sense of responsibility and motivation. We're truly honored to work with him," Mai added.
The group members expressed their determination to make up for the void left in the absence of Yoon Ji-yoon.
"Ji-yoon's health is our top priority. We were sad not to promote as seven, but we're each taking more responsibility to make up for it," Bang Jee-min said.
The seven-member group gained early attention through the global audition show and achieved notable chart success with its debut EP, including topping the iTunes Top Albums chart in 14 countries and reaching No. 1 on Apple Music's K-pop rankings in Japan and Rakuten Music. They were also named one of the "8 Rookie K-pop Acts to Watch in 2025" by Grammy.com.
Izna also made a strong impression at year-end performances and award shows. The group performed at the 2024 Mnet Asian Music Awards before making an official debut and later appeared at the SBS and MBC year-end music festivals, as well as the 39th Golden Disc Awards.
The members noted that they still feel nervous on stage but are slowly growing more comfortable.
"We're still nervous, but now we try to enjoy the stage more," said Mai, who also recalled realizing their popularity for the first time during a recent trip to Japan. "I didn't expect it, but Japanese fans recognized us. My friends told me they heard Izna's song playing on the streets, and even sent me videos."
On Feb. 1, Izna took the stage at Tokyo Dome for the Laposta 2025 event, just two months after the group's debut.
"I had only ever watched concerts from the audience. Performing there felt like a dream. I hope to perform a solo concert there someday," Mai said.
When asked about Izna's strength as a group, Jeong likened them to a rainbow.
"Each member brings a different charm, and together, we create synergy. That's our strength," Jeong said.
Bang emphasized the power of fan support.
"We debuted through a survival show, and the fans helped create us. Each member also has a different training background, which helps us try a variety of things," Bang said.
While most K-pop groups spend years training together before their launch, Izna was formed in a comparatively short time, raising concerns about potential clashes. But members said they worked hard to build mutual respect.
"We tried to align our minds from the beginning. We respected each other's opinions and talked things through. Now, we can understand each other just by a glance," Ryu said.
As for goals, Bang hopes to achieve first place on a music show and chart rankings. Choi said she wants to meet more global fans through overseas performances.
Bang, who has experience as a child actress, shared her ambition to explore acting again. "I'd like to try acting someday. I also want to try photo shoots again."
Koko said she hopes to showcase more of her dancing skills.
"I haven't tried a chic, cool concept yet, and I'd love to do one. I also want to show my skills through dance content or covers," Koko said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Korea Herald
17 hours ago
- Korea Herald
Lee Jung says dance is her 'source of life'
Star dancer and choreographer reflects on Bumsup's defeat on 'World of Street Woman Fighter' K-pop continues to dominate the global stage — not just through its chart-topping idol groups, but also thanks to the choreographers and creative minds behind the scenes who are now gaining long-overdue recognition. Among them is one of the hottest names in the game: Lee Jung, the 26-year-old star choreographer who recently appeared in Mnet's dance survival competition "World of Street Woman Fighter," the third installment of the hit competition franchise "Street Woman Fighter" (2023). The series aired its finale Tuesday, concluding with a showdown between dance crews representing countries around the world. Japan's Osaka Ojo Gang ultimately took the crown, beating out five other teams: South Korea's Bumsup, the United States' Motiv, Japan's RHTokyo, New Zealand's Royal Family and Australia's AG Squad. Though the nine-episode series pulled in modest TV ratings — averaging around 1 percent viewership — it became a sensation online. Across platforms such as YouTube and social media, the show dominated digital conversation, topping the non-drama rankings from Good Data Corporation's Fundex for the first three weeks of June. The rankings are based on an analysis of program-related information and netizen responses generated from sources including news articles and social media. The homeground team, Bumsup, was made up of some memorable dancers from the show's breakout first season, including Lee Jung, Aiki, No:ze and Honey J. On July 15, fans were stunned when it failed to make it past the semifinals and missed out on the finals. It was an emotional moment for Lee, who rose to stardom following her breakout appearance on 'Street Woman Fighter' two years ago and has choreographed some of K-pop's most iconic routines, including Twice's 'Fancy' and 'Feel Special,' as well as Blackpink's 'Pink Venom' and 'Shut Down.' After Bumsup's elimination, Lee sobbed on camera, a moment of sincerity that resonated with fans. Speaking at an interview in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on Thursday, she reflected on the defeat. 'Since there are so few chances to perform live on stage, I thought this would be a rare opportunity to express my gratitude for all the support I've received, but I was really upset because I felt like I missed that chance,' she said. Lee, who began dancing professionally in 2014, credited "Street Woman Fighter" for helping bring dance into the cultural mainstream. 'In the past, dance was something shared and loved only by those who pursued it professionally. But now, even people who don't do it as a job genuinely love dance. That's what has really changed. These days, people are curious about who choreographed a routine, and they're interested in what someone like me, Lee Jung, will do next. That shift is incredible.' Lee's path to the stage began humbly: What started as a talent show gig for school eventually became her life's calling. For Lee, over time, dance evolved into something far more personal. 'Dance makes me incredibly happy. And what meaning is there in a life without happiness?' she asked. '(Dance) is not just an art form, genre or profession — it's a source of life itself and a form of salvation.' With "World of Street Woman Fighter" now wrapped, Lee is turning her attention to larger-scale, more varied creative ventures. One standout project was her role in choreographing the Netflix animated global hit "KPop Demon Hunters," marking another major step in her international career. Reflecting on the film, which had been in development for three years before its release in June, Lee shared her excitement about how the medium of animation shattered traditional limitations for dancers. "I was so excited when they told me, from a technical standpoint, 'Huntrix has no physical limitations.' They said, 'Lee, you can do everything you want.' ... That's why I was able to enjoy it even more." She also recounted a memorable moment from working on the track "How It's Done." "While working on the song 'How It's Done,' I heard that Huntrix members would be dropping from a plane and landing in the dome. I got super excited, because I'm also someone who thinks the way a performance begins — the entrance — is incredibly important. So hearing that kind of entrance idea even before we shared our visions made me think, 'This is going to be so much fun.'' Looking ahead, Lee said she's eager to explore choreography across a wider spectrum, embracing new formats and global platforms. 'I want to dance in a much broader realm. I want to go wherever dance is needed. Whether it's collaborating with a singer and making headlines, performing in commercials through dance or running a YouTube channel as a dancer, I believe there are things only I can do. I want to turn those rare, less-traveled paths into my own unique space. I want to dance on a bigger stage while staying true to the 'real me' — the version of myself in that underground practice room,' she said.
Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Korea Herald
K-pop meets local lore: Hidden gems in 'KPop Demon Hunters'
Behind the animation's K-pop flair, the film is a rich blend of Korean culture and traditions woven into the story and characters "Listen 'cause I'm preachin' to the choir. Can I get the mic a little higher? Gimme your desire, I can be the star you can rely on." Yes, what is easier than stealing the souls of K-pop fans already under a spell? Many of you might have fallen head over heels for the Saja Boys — the Korean grim reapers who also top charts — like Abby, whose muscles pop shirt buttons, and Jinu with his charming smile. The group is a five-member fictional boy group created for the Netflix animated film "KPop Demon Hunters," and they're not just taking the fictional world by storm — they're stealing the hearts of real-life K-pop fans, too. But behind the animation's glittering visuals and K-pop flair, the film packs something even more powerful: a rich blend of Korean culture, age-old traditions and shamanistic elements woven into the story and characters. It is not just eye candy; it's a cultural deep dive wrapped in pop perfection. The term "Saja" translates to "lion," so people might assume the boy band chose the name to symbolize strength and power, like the lion itself. But there's a twist: The boys aren't just charming idols. "Jeoseung-saja" also refers to a grim reaper-like mythical figure who guides souls to the afterlife. In this case, the boys are demons sent to the human world to steal their fans' souls. The blending of spiritual tradition with pop spectacle is also reflected in the trio girl group Huntrix, comprising Rumi, Mira and Zoey, who are demon hunters sworn to protect their fans from supernatural threats. Huntrix's performances help to seal the "Honmoon," a mystical gate or barrier that separates the human world from the demon realm. The word is a combination of "hon," meaning soul, and "moon," meaning door, which is a traditional Korean shamanic "gut" ritual reinterpreted in a flashy way. In real life, such Korean rituals are performed by shamans, or "mudang," to drive away evil spirits, bring good fortune, resolve misfortune and foster harmony between the human and spirit worlds. The rituals combine music, dance, costume and spoken incantations. So when Huntrix begins using its music to seal off the demon realm, its ruler Gwi-ma strikes back by sending the Saja Boys to weaken the Honmoon by dominating music charts. Although produced overseas, these hidden cultural elements reflect director Maggie Kang's desire for the film to be "as Korean as possible," as she said in a Q&A video released to the press on June 26 — a vision that comes to life in every frame. Also, each Huntrix member carries a weapon with deep cultural roots, as each blade is inspired by traditional Korean weaponry and shamanic instruments. Rumi's sword, known as the "Quadruple Tiger's Evil Slayer," or the Four Tiger Sword, is a ritual blade dating back to the Joseon era (1392–1910). In Korean cosmology, each of the four cardinal directions is guarded by a mythical tiger, believed to protect the world from harm. Similarly, Rumi uses the sword to shield human souls from the demons, embodying the same protective spirit. Initially mistaken for a Chinese guandao — a type of Chinese pole arm — Mira's sword, known as "gokdo," is also inspired by the Cheolyeomchu, a curved pole arm from Goguryeo Kingdom (37 BC-668 AD), which gives the weapon a distinctly Korean identity. The spirit knife wielded by Zoey is the "shinkal," which is used during the gut ritual to fight evil spirits. Her blade is adorned with a "norigae," a traditional Korean pendant accessory worn by women, rich in both aesthetic beauty and emotional symbolism, reflecting the grace and spirit of women from the Joseon era. But the animation is not only about mythical themes and traditional Korean elements. The film also does an excellent job of portraying modern-day Korea. For example, in a scene where the members of Huntrix eat gukbap — a bowl of rice and boiling soup — tissues are placed under their spoons, reflecting Korea's dining etiquette. As the film and its spotlight on Korean culture continue to captivate audiences worldwide, pop culture critic Jung Duk-hyun noted that Korean culture is now seen as "hip" on the global stage, adding that it is one of the key reasons it resonates so strongly with international viewers. "The success of 'KPop Demon Hunters' serves as clear evidence that stories rooted in Korean traditions, music and lifestyle can capture global attention and serve as the core of a compelling film. It highlights the strong potential of Korean culture to inspire and shape not only movies but a wide range of creative content in the future," Jung told The Korea Herald on July 15. Yoo Seung-chul, a professor of media convergence at Ewha Womans University, echoed the sentiment, saying that the incorporation of Korean elements adds depth and richness to the film's details. "The film takes elements audiences already recognize from K-pop, along with familiar storytelling techniques, and creatively blends them," he explained.
Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Korea Herald
Spooky songs to cool down summer heat
Horror-themed songs and music videos might help you overcome Korea's steaming summer 'My Sweet Home' by Ahn Ye-eun Singer-songwriter Ahn Ye-eun has showcased horror-themed series since 2020, drawing inspiration from Korea's traditional ghost stories to release fresh and unprecedented tracks. The series includes 'Trumpet Creeper,' adapting the tale of a court lady who died waiting for her king; 'Ratvolution,' a horror tale about a rat that eats a human fingernail and transforms into a doppelganger to take their place; and 'Changgwi,' which draws on the vengeful spirit of someone killed by a tiger. Ahn dropped the sixth song of her unique series, 'My Sweet Home,' on July 17. Based on the story of a ghost bound to a single location, the track is written and composed by Ahn. Her distinct vocal style — reminiscent of traditional Korean pansori — adds to the eerie atmosphere. The music video heightens the chilling mood with striking contrast of deep red and black animation, evoking the feel of a short horror animation. 'Voodoo Doll' by VIXX Known for its bold and distinctive concepts — ranging from cyborgs, Greek and Roman mythology to vampires — boy group VIXX captivated K-pop fans in 2013 with its first full-length album 'Voodoo,' whose main track 'Voodoo Doll' was inspired by the theme of a curse. Conveying a chilling yet heartbreaking story about a man who became a voodoo doll willing to do anything for a loved one, the song brought fresh images to the K-pop scene. In the music video, which shocked many teenage fans with its graphic visuals, the members, portrayed as pale voodoo dolls, endure torturous pain to grant the wishes of the one they love and remain unable to escape their fate. On stage, the group wielded a skull-topped cane that enhanced the eerie atmosphere. Used like microphones and pendulum on stage, the cane was even used for illusionary choreography that looked like it pierced the member's body. With a striking concept, VIXX won its first music show trophy. 'Zombie" by Everglow Everglow's 'Zombie,' released in October 2024, is another track that blends spooky visuals, chilling choreography and a haunting concept. The song portrays the emotional scars left by a betrayal of one's lover, with a moody yet addictive sound and a catchy hook. The choreography amplifies the unsettling tone, mimicking the jerky, unnatural movements of a zombie. Set in a hospital, which evokes the creepy mood of a classic horror film, the music video is drenched in blood-red images. Scenes of members transforming into zombies or trying to escape from something reinforce the horror theme. Dressed in ethereal white outfits with platinum-blonde hair, six members pull off a surreal visual concept.
