From 'Are You Next?' to izna: Bang Jee-min's Journey to Stardom

Bang Jee-min, who was eliminated from JTBC's 'Are You Next?' after not being selected by an agency, has debuted as a member of izna and expressed her affection for the group.

On the 25th of last month, Ten Asia met with izna members Mai, Bang Jee-min, Coco, Yoo Sa-rang, Choi Jung-eun, and Jung Se-bi at their headquarters in Jungnim-dong, Seoul. It was the day izna celebrated their second music show win since debut. After clinching their first win on SBS M's 'The Show' in just five months, they also took home a trophy from ENA's 'K-Pop Up Chart Show,' adding to their joy. The members showed their youthful charm and sincerity during the interview.

Formed through Mnet's 'I-LAND2: N/a' (hereafter 'I-LAND') in July last year, izna is a multinational seven-member group that officially debuted in November. As the first full-length girl group from WAKEONE, they garnered significant attention even before debut, with Teddy, known for producing BIGBANG, 2NE1, and BLACKPINK, overseeing their production.

As a group born from a survival show where debut was determined by public votes, izna showcases the outstanding talents and unique personalities of each member. Despite not being a team assembled by an agency, they have built strong teamwork in less than a year, driven by a shared dream and passion.

Bang Jee-min appeared on HYBE Labels' Belift Lab's next-generation global girl group program 'Are You Next?' in 2023, finishing in 4th place but not being selected by an agency, resulting in her debut being canceled. Following the debut of I-LIT in March last year through 'Are You Next?', Bang Jee-min ranked 2nd in 'I-LAND' and debuted as a member of izna in November.

Starting her trainee life in 2018, Bang Jee-min trained for about six years, passing through Source Music and Belift Lab, and spent three months as a trainee at WAKEONE before participating in 'I-LAND.' She is the longest-serving trainee among izna members and, aside from Mai, a Japanese member born in 2004, she is the oldest Korean member, born in 2005. Although there is no official leader, Bang Jee-min naturally plays a central role in the group.

Given the long trainee period and two survival shows leading to izna's formation, one might wonder if there was a moment that felt like destiny for Bang Jee-min. She smiled, saying, "At the beginning of 'I-LAND,' there were many trainee friends. Among them, I debuted with friends who left a strong impression on me."

Bang Jee-min shared, "We have gathered friends who are tall and have a cool vibe. Our tastes are similar, making activities fun and easy. I felt that izna is truly the place I was destined to debut." Bang Jee-min stands at 172.5cm, and izna is known as a tall group, with the majority (Bang Jee-min, Coco, Choi Jung-eun, Jung Se-bi) being over 170cm.

She also mentioned the special experience of working with producer Teddy. Bang Jee-min said, "I have always loved producer Teddy and BLACKPINK seniors," recalling her dance to Jennie's solo song 'Mantra' at their debut showcase. She added, "It's an honor and a precious opportunity to work with producer Teddy," smiling brightly.

Lee So-jung, Ten Asia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr