Tag: IZ*ONE

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Choi Yena Enjoys Chart Success in Japan

Yena

Choi Yena, also known as YENA, recently made headlines with her impressive performance on global music charts, particularly in Japan. Her second Japanese single album, DNA, climbed to No. 7 in the Oricon Weekly Single Ranking for the week of February 5 to 11, 2024. This achievement underscores her rising popularity and the enthusiastic reception of her music by Japanese audiences.

Moreover, DNA has shown robust global appeal, securing the top spot in the US J-pop ranking on iTunes as of February 8. It also garnered notable positions in Russia (No. 12) and Turkey (No. 25) in the J-pop rankings. These accomplishments highlight Yena’s expanding influence across various music markets worldwide.

The title track “DNA” resonates with listeners through its heartfelt lyrics, which reflect Yena‘s sincere appreciation for her fans and her unwavering determination on stage. Upon its release, “DNA” entered the Oricon Daily Single Ranking at No. 9, receiving a steady flow of positive feedback from fans and critics alike.

YENA「DNA」Music Video

Yena is poised to continue captivating fans

This isn’t Yena’s first time at the top of the charts. She previously achieved top ranks in the Oricon Daily and Weekly Single Rankings, as well as the Billboard Japan Top Single Sales chart with her first Japanese single “SMILEY-Japanese Ver. (feat. Chanmina)” last year. These successes have cemented Yena‘s status as a significant figure in the global music scene, continually attracting attention and setting records with her releases.

 

After wrapping up promotions for her third mini-album, GOOD MORNING, in Korea, Yena released DNA on February 5, further solidifying her presence in the music industry. Before embarking on her solo career, Yena was part of the project girl group IZ*ONE. They promoted together for two and a half years before disbanding in April 2021. Like her, the other members of the group have gone on to achieve success after IZ*ONE.

With plans to engage in various activities in the future, Yena is poised to continue captivating fans around the world with her talent and charisma. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Yena parlayed her IZ*ONE fame into a successful solo career. Source: X/@YENA_INTL.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Former IZ*ONE Member Honda Hitomi Reveals Final AKB48 Activity

Former IZ*ONE member Hitomi Honda has been a part of AKB48 since 2014 and only graduated from the group this year

Hitomi Honda has graduated from AKB48. The Japanese idol, who became a member of IZ*ONE as part of the program, confirmed her graduation in a social media post.

Hitomi Honda Officially Leaving AKB48

On August 30, Honda Hitomi delivered news of her graduation from AKB48 on X (formerly Twitter). In the post, she reflected on her time with the Japanese girl group.

“As a representative of Tochigi-ken in AKB48 Team 8, I joined the team at 12 years old and was promoted as a part of the group for 10 years,” Honda wrote. “As a member of AKB48, as a member of IZ*ONE, and as a selected member of the main team, not to mention being chosen as the center twice, I was able to grow while gaining valuable experiences.”

“Thank you so much for supporting me for the last 10 years, even though I was so inexperienced,” she continued. “I will be leaving this giving environment where I was so blessed, but I will not forget your love and support for me as I take on new challenges and test my capabilities.”

Hitomi Honda Reveals Final AKB48 Project

Honda then assured fans that they would still see her with the group. As it turns out, she will still be a part of AKB48 until next month.

“As the single set for release on September 27 will be my last activity as a member of AKB48, I will be participating in all group events currently being announced. Details on my graduation performance will be revealed at a later time,” she wrote.

AKB48 was established under the premise of being “idols you can meet”. In Japanese culture, idols are performers who rely on direct fan support. The close relationship between idols and their fans fosters a sense of loyalty and devotion. The group’s primary producer, Yasushi Akimoto, aimed to create a distinctive idol group that would perform regularly in its own theater, as opposed to other idol groups that only perform sporadically and appear primarily on television. The AKB48 Theater is located in the Don Quijote store in Akihabara, Tokyo.

Hitomi Honda debuted as part of IZ*ONE in 2018. She announced her departure when her contract expired in 2021.

Exit mobile version