Seven winners emerge from Mnet’s “I-LAND 2,” forming a new group, IZNA
The grand finale of Mnet’s K-pop survival show “I-LAND 2” aired on July 4, unveiling the final lineup of seven winners who will debut as the new group IZNA. This announcement brought both excitement and anticipation as the network shared not only the winners but also the debut group’s name and its significance.
Starting with 24 contestants, “I-LAND 2″ was a journey filled with challenging missions and intense competition. By the end of part one, only twelve participants remained. The final stretch saw two more eliminations, with Sujung and Suwon leaving before the finale.
The climactic episode featured ten finalists performing two new songs produced by YG’s acclaimed musician, Teddy. Ultimately, seven participants emerged victorious based on votes. The winners, ranked by their vote counts, are:
- Choi Jungeun – 823,393 votes
- Bang Jeemin – 591,495 votes
- Yoon Jiyoon – 471,699 votes
- Koko – 320,124 votes
- Sarang – 319,693 votes
- Mai – Producers’ pick
- Saebi – Producers’ pick
A recap of the finale
Choi Jungeun’s journey was particularly noteworthy. Initially falling to the bottom ranks during part two, she made a remarkable comeback, securing the top position by the finale with the highest vote count. Her performance impressed the judges and the audience, demonstrating her resilience and talent.
The finale showcased two teams, “Drip” and “Fake It,” competing to secure their spots in the winners’ lineup. Team “Drip,” led by Jeemin, with Jiyoon as the main vocalist, faced challenges with Teddy’s high-energy track. Despite initial struggles, their final performance captivated the judges, earning praise from Mnet producer 24 for its memorable execution.
Team “Fake It,” featuring Saebi as the center and Jungeun as the main vocalist, found their song more manageable. Adjustments made during rehearsals, such as swapping parts between Fuko and Jungeun, paid off, resulting in a flawless final performance that wowed the live audience.
Mnet revealed that the new group’s name, IZNA, symbolizes boundless confidence and versatility, meaning “anytime, anywhere, anything.” Hosts Somi and Hanbin emphasized that IZNA reflects a team assured of their success and victory. Managed by The Black Label and CJ ENM, IZNA is set to debut in the latter half of 2024, with YG producer Teddy playing a significant role in shaping their music.
Fans can look forward to energetic and dynamic tracks from IZNA, reflecting the vibe of Blackpink, given Teddy’s involvement. The debut of IZNA marks a new chapter in the K-pop scene, promising fresh and exciting talent.
