Meet The 7 IZNA Members: Facts, Photos & Debut Journey

izna stormed onto the K-pop scene with an impressive 266,071 album sales in South Korea after their official debut on November 25, 2024. The seven-member girl group emerged from the highly competitive survival show I-LAND2: N/α, which aired from April to July 2024.

Despite facing early challenges, including visa issues that prevented their scheduled KCON LA performance, the members of izna persevered and made their first public appearance at KCON Germany on September 28, 2024. The izna kpop group consists of Mai, Bang Jeemin, Yoon Jiyoon, Koko, Ryu Sarang, Choi Jungeun, and Jeong Saebi, bringing together diverse talents from both Japan and South Korea. Notably, Choi Jungeun topped the final rankings with an outstanding 823,393 votes, while Bang Jeemin secured second place with 591,495 votes.

Following their formation under WAKEONE Entertainment, izna's debut mini album "N/a" quickly gained traction, additionally achieving 14,354 sales in Japan. The group's rapid rise continued when they won their first music broadcast trophy in April 2025 with the song "Sign." Their fandom, affectionately named "naya" (meaning "it's me" in Korean), has been instrumental in their success since their pre-debut performance at the 2024 MAMA AWARDS in Osaka.

Mai

Among the seven talented individuals in izna, Mai stands out as the group's Japanese sensation whose journey to K-pop stardom bears a unique significance. Her presence in the group brings together artistic versatility and quiet determination that captivates fans across borders.

Mai's birthday & nationality

Born as Tomioka Mai (冨岡まい) on October 28, 2004, this Scorpio idol hails from Gotō, Nagasaki, Japan. Her Japanese heritage adds an international dimension to izna's identity. At 167 cm (5'6") tall, Mai began her training under WAKEONE in 2022, eventually securing her position as the 6th member of the group.

Mai's path to stardom included previous experience in her home country. Before joining izna, she passed the first screening for LDH's audition "iCON Z Dreams For Children" in 2021, which aired on TV Tokyo. Her dance prowess earned her recognition as she achieved second place in Japan's National High School Dance Competition, establishing a solid foundation for her idol career.

Mai's MBTI & personality

With an ISTP personality type, Mai embodies the characteristic traits of the "Virtuoso" – practical problem-solving abilities balanced with a quiet observational nature. Producer Leejung Lee bestowed upon her the fitting nickname "Impact Princess", acknowledging her ability to make memorable impressions through performance.

Mai's name carries symbolic meaning – the Chinese character "Ma" represents jasmine flower (symbolizing attractiveness and loveliness) while "i" means "to possess something". This elegant meaning reflects her stage presence, which combines technical precision with emotional depth.

Though often perceived as reserved at first glance, Mai possesses a warming contradiction in her personality. Her charming point lies precisely in this contrast – giving off a cold impression initially, but actually being quite the opposite. This duality makes her particularly intriguing to fans who discover her genuine nature through variety content and behind-the-scenes footage.

Mai's role in izna

Throughout I-LAND2: N/α, Mai demonstrated remarkable growth, particularly during the third test which challenged her to step into a leadership position. "That was a mission where I had to lead for the first time, and we had to start from scratch," she explained. "It was the hardest challenge [for me] to do, but at the same time, the one that helped me grow the most".

Her leadership style emerged during a crucial "Rain on Me" performance where, rather than pursuing complex choreography, Mai opted for "something simple yet meaningful". This approach showcased her artistic sensibility and emotional intelligence as she crafted a narrative capturing the trainees' emotions during their challenging journey.

In the final rankings, Mai placed 7th with 289,062 votes but was specifically chosen by the producers as the 6th member to debut with izna. Her inclusion underscores the production team's recognition of her unique talents and potential contribution to the group's dynamic.

Fun facts about Mai

Mai's hobbies reveal her meticulous and creative nature – she enjoys knitting, cooking, and cleaning. Her culinary talents focus primarily on Japanese dishes including Oyakodon, Japanese curry, Hayashi rice, and Okonomiyaki.

Her favorite color is hot pink, while her favorite number is 6 – interestingly aligning with her eventual position as the 6th member of izna. She particularly enjoys autumn among all seasons and prefers yogurt as her ice cream flavor of choice.

As the member representing "Dazzling Red" in izna's color palette, Mai's official representative animal is the fox, reflecting her cunning intelligence and quiet charisma. Though she speaks Japanese, Korean, and English, she has mentioned wanting to improve her comfort level when speaking with people.

Beyond her talents, Mai maintains connection to her roots, expressing that she wants to be like her mother. Meanwhile, her motto – "Here I am~ Please look forward to MAI's charm!" – perfectly encapsulates her quiet confidence and determination to show the world what she has to offer as a member of izna.

Bang Jeemin

Bang Jeemin secured her place in izna with an impressive 591,495 votes, ranking 2nd in the finale of I-LAND2: N/α. Her journey from trainee to center position showcases both talent and perseverance that resonates with fans worldwide.

Bang Jeemin's birthday & nationality

Born on May 8, 2005, Bang Jeemin is a Taurus who hails from Busan, South Korea. At 172.5 cm (5'8") tall, she brings a commanding presence to the group's performances. Her blood type is B, and according to the Chinese zodiac, she was born in the Year of the Rooster.

Jeemin comes from a close-knit family, being the youngest of three children with two older siblings. Prior to her debut with izna, she graduated from Hanlim Multi-Arts School, a prestigious institution known for educating many K-pop idols.

Bang Jeemin's MBTI & personality

With an INFP personality type, Jeemin embodies the "Mediator" traits – idealistic, compassionate, and creative. Those who know her personally describe her as "very kind and an excellent friend", highlighting her warm interpersonal skills.

Nevertheless, Jeemin has mentioned being "a little shy to people when meeting for the first time", showing her introspective nature. Her charm lies in a fascinating duality – she "smiles a lot in real life but is very different on stage", demonstrating her ability to transform when performing.

Her motto during I-LAND2 reflected her determination: "Given another chance on stage, I'll do my best to debut", showcasing her perseverance after previous competition experiences. Her hashtags during the show included #DebutRetry and #FormerHYBETrainee, referencing her past as a Source Music trainee since 2019.

Bang Jeemin's role in izna

As izna's center, Jeemin plays a crucial role in the group's visual presentation and performances. She was the third of seven members to be revealed as part of the group, which officially debuted under WAKEONE Entertainment on November 25, 2024, with their first mini album titled "N/a".

Her path to izna included several reality competition shows. In addition to securing 2nd place in I-LAND2, she previously participated in R U Next? – the competition that formed the group ILLIT. This experience, along with her three years of training before R U Next?, prepared her for success in I-LAND2.

In izna's color scheme, Jeemin represents "Moonlight Navy", and her representative animal is the bear, symbolizing strength and resilience.

Fun facts about Bang Jeemin

Jeemin possesses several unique talents that set her apart:

Arm rope jumping
Imitating SpongeBob's laugh
Speaking Japanese fluently

Her favorite idol and role model is BLACKPINK's Jennie, suggesting her appreciation for strong performance skills and charisma. Among her hobbies, Jeemin particularly enjoys walking, showing her appreciation for simple pleasures.

Regarding preferences, Jeemin gravitates toward sky blue as her favorite color. Her favorite dessert is Yakgwa Financier, while her preferred ice cream flavors are green tea and yogurt. Furthermore, she has a particular fondness for watermelon and considers spring her favorite season.

Animal lovers will appreciate that Jeemin has a pet dog named Tori, reflecting her favorite animal being dogs. Her favorite number is 1, perhaps symbolizing her ambition to excel.

In essence, Bang Jeemin brings to izna not only her center position skills but also a gentle personality with surprising stage presence – making her a multifaceted performer whose journey from multiple competition shows to debut demonstrates her unwavering commitment to her dreams.

Koko

Koko stands out as a Japanese dance prodigy within izna, bringing exceptional performance skills and vibrant energy that captivates audiences from her very first appearance on stage.

Koko's birthday & nationality

Born as Narai Koko (奈良井ここ) on November 14, 2006, this Scorpio member holds Japanese nationality. Originally from Iyo, Ehime, Japan, she later expanded her horizons by coming to South Korea during her high school years to pursue her K-pop dreams. Standing tall at 173.5 cm (5'8"), Koko earned the distinction of being the tallest contestant in I-LAND2.

Her journey to South Korea carries special significance, as explained in her own words: "It's not just performing in my hometown, but also performing on the stage of my dreams". This statement reflects her emotional connection to both her Japanese roots and her K-pop aspirations.

Koko's MBTI & personality

With an ESFJ personality type, Koko embodies the "Consul" traits—warm, sociable, and practical in approach. Her hashtags during I-LAND2: N/α revealed aspects of her character: #AIPhysique, #ShinyLongFlowingHair, and #LovelyDeer, highlighting both her physical attributes and gentle demeanor.

Koko's determination shines through her personal motto: "I'll definitely make my debut and let the world know about my existence and charm!". This confidence extends naturally into her performances, where she demonstrates remarkable stage presence.

The nickname "KO-JJANG" affectionately given to her by fans emphasizes her strong presence and impact despite her young age. Her inspiration for becoming an idol came after seeing BLACKPINK perform, which sparked her desire "to be this perfect person like them".

Koko's role in izna

As the main dancer of izna, Koko brings technical excellence honed since she began dancing at age 3. Her dedication to performance paid off during I-LAND2, where fellow trainees voted her as the #1 dancer among all contestants, confirming her exceptional skills.

Koko secured her place in izna by ranking 4th in the final with 320,124 votes, becoming an official member through I-MATEs' support. Impressively, she holds the distinction of being the first member to be revealed during the group's formation process.

Within izna's color scheme, Koko represents "Goldenrod Yellow", while her representative animals are the black cat and deer, symbolizing both mystery and gentleness—a fitting representation of her dualistic performance energy.

Fun facts about Koko

Koko's past includes training under Avex Management before joining WAKEONE Entertainment. Her professional background is complemented by these personal traits:

She identifies as a night owl rather than an early bird
She prefers bread over rice when eating
She enjoys being with group members rather than alone
She has a preference for outdoor activities and adventures
Her favorite pastimes include watching movies and listening to music

Koko maintains strong friendships within the industry, notably having been friends with former I-LAND2 contestant Yui for five years prior to the show. Her unique talent includes "running outside without making a sound", showcasing her light-footed nature.

Her musical influences primarily come from 2NE1, with CL being her favorite artist. This inspiration connects to her own rap abilities, which complement her primary dancing skills and add versatility to her contributions within izna.

In essence, Koko combines professional dance excellence with a warm, sociable personality, making her a multifaceted performer whose journey from Japan to izna demonstrates her unwavering dedication to her artistic dreams.

Ryu Sarang

Nicknamed the "Expression Genius," Ryu Sarang brings youthful energy and exceptional facial expressions to izna. Her journey from being a former child dancer to becoming a crucial member of the rapidly rising K-pop group showcases her natural performing abilities and determination.

Ryu Sarang's birthday & nationality

Ryu Sarang was born on April 18, 2007, making her one of the youngest members of izna. A proud South Korean native, she hails from Yeongdo-gu, Busan. Standing at 162 cm (5'4"), this Aries performer possesses a natural charm that resonates with audiences. Her blood type is O, and in the izna color palette, she represents "Fairy Yellow", perfectly matching her bright personality.

Sarang's path to izna began when she was confirmed as a contestant on Mnet's reality show I-LAND2 on March 21, 2024. Subsequently, her official profile was released the following day, giving fans their first glimpse of her potential. Throughout the competition, she demonstrated remarkable resilience, almost facing elimination at one point before securing her place in the final lineup.

Ryu Sarang's MBTI & personality

As an INFP personality type, Sarang embodies the introspective, idealistic qualities typical of the "Mediator" profile. Her motto during I-LAND2 revealed her cheerful nature: "Look forward to SARANG's ♥lovely♥ charm". This sentiment perfectly captures her approach to performance—injecting warmth and expressiveness into every stage appearance.

The hashtags on her I-LAND2 profile—"#FormerChildDancerofH.O.T.," "#WakeOneSweetheart," and "#ExpressionGenius"—highlight both her background and her standout talents. Indeed, her reputation as a "Facial Expression Genius" proves justified through her ability to convey emotions effortlessly on stage.

Beyond performing, Sarang describes herself as someone who prefers adventure over relaxation and outdoor activities over staying inside. Interestingly, she's both a night owl and someone who generally prefers solitude, revealing the multifaceted aspects of her personality.

Ryu Sarang's role in izna

On July 4, 2024, Sarang secured her position in izna by ranking 5th in the final voting, garnering an impressive 319,693 votes from global supporters. She officially debuted with the group on November 25, 2024, with their mini album "N/a".

While her primary strengths lie in performance and expressions, Sarang showed unexpected rapping talents during the final stage of I-LAND2. This versatility suggests she might serve as a potential rapper within izna alongside Koko, adding another dimension to her contributions to the group.

Within izna's animal representative system, Sarang is symbolized by a puppy, aptly reflecting her energetic and endearing nature. Her position as the 5th member to be revealed mirrors her final ranking in the competition, demonstrating consistency in her popularity among fans.

Fun facts about Ryu Sarang

Sarang's life outside of izna reveals several fascinating aspects:

She comes from a large family, being the third child with two sisters and one brother
Her favorite number is 77, chosen because izna has 7 members with a 7-year contract, and she hopes the group will stay together for 77 years
Her favorite colors are pale purple and sky blue
She particularly enjoys mango as her favorite fruit and gravitates toward mango-related desserts
Her special ability is being an "owl wink master"
She passed both Source Music and JYP auditions before joining WAKEONE
She currently attends Hanlim Multi Art School under the Practical Dance department

Her charming point, according to Sarang herself, is her dimples that appear when she smiles brightly. This physical trait complements her nicknames, which include "Clingy Gum," "A lovely puppy," and "Smile potato"—each capturing different aspects of her affectionate, bright personality that has quickly endeared her to fans worldwide.

Choi Jungeun

Topping the global voting charts with an impressive 823,393 votes, Choi Jungeun earned her first-place position in izna through exceptional vocal talents and consistent performance throughout I-LAND2: N/α. Her journey to K-pop stardom showcases persistence and versatility that resonated with global audiences.

Choi Jungeun's birthday & nationality

Born on August 4, 2007, in Incheon, South Korea, this Leo stands at 170 cm (5'7"). Jungeun's educational path includes Youngdong Elementary School, Dangsan Middle School, and currently Deokwon Girls' High School. Her family consists of her parents and an older sister named Stella Choi (also known as Choi Yoonjung).

Before joining izna, Jungeun participated in the survival show CAP-TEEN, where her father, a camera director, provided special training. This early exposure to entertainment helped develop her performance skills long before stepping onto the I-LAND2 stage.

Choi Jungeun's MBTI & personality

With an ISFJ personality type, Jungeun embodies the "Defender" traits – loyal, protective, and detail-oriented. Her I-LAND2 hashtags reveal key aspects of her character: #TopScorerForEnd-MonthEvaluations, #All-Rounder, and #BabyCheetah.

Jungeun's motto during the competition – "The dazzling lights surrounding me~" – reflects her awareness of the spotlight while maintaining her humble approach. Throughout the show, she consistently demonstrated this all-rounder capability, even describing herself this way when asked about her skills.

Choi Jungeun's role in izna

As izna's main vocalist, Jungeun brings powerful vocal abilities to the group. Her I-LAND2 journey was remarkable – starting strong at #1 in trainee evaluations, dropping to lower positions mid-competition, then dramatically rising again to secure first place in the finale.

Jungeun was the fourth member to be revealed during izna's formation process. Her performance abilities extend beyond vocals, as her N/α keywords include "Power Vocal" and "All-Rounder", confirming her multifaceted contributions to the group.

Fun facts about Choi Jungeun

Beyond her musical talents, Jungeun possesses several distinctive characteristics:

She's left-handed, though interestingly, she used to be right-handed before switching after copying her sister Stella
Her representative animal is the cheetah, earning her the nickname "Baby Cheetah"
Her favorite season is summer, while her favorite fruit is strawberry
She prefers yogurt-flavored ice cream
Her favorite number is 8

Jungeun enjoys eating rice, sports, listening to music, and watching movies. Her inspiration for becoming an idol came after watching a Michael Jackson concert video shown by her father – seeing the audience's reaction made her realize "some people can impress others just by their existence".

Remarkably, Jungeun considers her special ability to be "not being able to tidy up her bangs", while her charming point is how she resembles a cat when she smiles. As a self-described night owl, she generally prefers indoor activities and solitude, revealing the thoughtful personality behind her powerful performances.

Jeong Saebi

As the youngest member of izna, Jeong Saebi brings fresh energy and Gen Z appeal to the group. Her role as both the group's maknae and an MC for "The Show" alongside CRAVITY's Hyeongjun and WayV's Xiaojun demonstrates her communication skills and versatility beyond performing.

Jeong Saebi's birthday & nationality

Born on January 22, 2008, in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, Jeong Saebi holds Korean nationality. Standing tall at 172.5 cm (5'8"), this Aquarius has blood type O. Her journey to izna began as the longest-term trainee at WAKEONE Entertainment, showcasing her persistence throughout her training period. Currently, she attends SOPA (School of Performing Arts Seoul), balancing her education with idol activities.

Jeong Saebi's MBTI & personality

With an ENFP personality type, Saebi embodies the enthusiastic, creative traits typical of this profile. Her I-LAND2 hashtags—#Longest-termTrainee and #107cmLegs—highlight both her dedication and physical attributes. Her confidence shines through her competition motto: "★I'll conquer this universe★," reflecting her ambitious nature.

Saebi's captivating personality has earned her several nicknames, including 'Jeong Sae-vage' and 'Ddong-Gang.' She describes herself as more of a night owl than an early bird, preferring adventures over relaxation and enjoying the company of others rather than being alone.

Jeong Saebi's role in izna

Saebi secured her place as izna's seventh member through producer selection after ranking 6th in the final voting with 294,721 votes. She officially debuted with the group on November 25, 2024, with their mini album "N/a." Within izna's color palette, she represents "Misty Green," while her representative animal is the rabbit.

Fun facts about Jeong Saebi

Beyond her performing abilities, Saebi's background includes:

Attended an English kindergarten and studied in New Zealand for 3 months, giving her English language skills
Has a cat named Mychu
Favorite season is spring
Favors red and pink as her colors
Enjoys apples as her preferred fruit
Chocolate stands as her favorite ice cream flavor
Her favorite number is 14
Loves reading, being outdoors, and watching movies

Yoon Jiyoon

Recognized for her distinctive vocal color, Yoon Jiyoon quickly established herself as a standout performer in izna before taking a temporary break from the group's activities in early 2025.

Yoon Jiyoon's birthday & nationality

Born on July 14, 2005, in Busan, South Korea, Yoon Jiyoon is a Cancer with AB blood type. Standing at 166 cm (5'5"), she brings a poised presence to izna's performances. Her Chinese zodiac sign is the Rooster, adding another layer to her astrological profile. Her family structure is relatively small, consisting of herself, her father, and her aunt.

Yoon Jiyoon's MBTI & personality

Jiyoon exhibits characteristics of both INFP (50%) and ISFJ personality types. This dual designation suggests she balances the dreamy idealism of INFP with the practical caretaking qualities of ISFJ. Her I-LAND2 profile featured the hashtags #UniqueVoice and #OnPointShoulders, highlighting both her vocal distinctiveness and physical attributes. Her competition motto perfectly encapsulated her confidence: "I'll enchant you with my unforgettable, unique voice!".

Yoon Jiyoon's role in izna

As main vocalist of izna, Jiyoon secured her position by ranking 3rd in the I-LAND2 finale with an impressive 471,699 votes. She was the second member to be revealed during the group's formation process. Within izna's representative animal system, she embodies the polar bear, while her designated color in the group's palette is "Calming Dawn".

Fun facts about Yoon Jiyoon

Jiyoon's personal preferences reveal her distinctive character:

Her favorite color is black
She considers 7 her lucky number
Winter stands as her preferred season
She enjoys writing in her diary as a hobby
Her favorite fruit is watermelon
She favors pistachio, green tea, and gelato ice cream flavors
Her special ability is impersonating producer 24

Yoon Jiyoon's hiatus update

On February 19, 2025, WAKEONE announced Jiyoon would temporarily halt all activities due to health concerns and ongoing medical treatment. The company statement emphasized that "this decision was made with Yoon Jiyoon's well-being as our top priority". Consequently, izna has continued as a six-member group. The hiatus extended into May 2025, with confirmation that Jiyoon would not participate in the group's June comeback, marking several months away from promotions.