izna's Youngest Member Jeong Sae-bi Addresses '1 Million Won Tuition' Rumor

Jeong Sae-bi, the youngest member of the group izna, recently addressed the circulating rumor among fans about her '1 million won tuition' during an interview.

On the 25th of last month, izna members Mai, Bang Ji-min, Coco, Yoo Sa-rang, Choi Jung-eun, and Jeong Sae-bi were interviewed at the Ten Asia office in Jungnim-dong, Seoul. The interview took place on the day izna celebrated their second music show win since debuting. They first claimed victory on SBS M's 'The Show' on April 15, just five months after their debut, and later won on ENA's 'K-Pop Up Chart Show'. The members exuded fresh rookie charm and participated earnestly in the interview.

Formed as a multinational seven-member group through the Mnet program 'I-LAND2: N/a' in July last year, izna officially debuted four months later in November. As Wake One's first full-fledged girl group, they garnered significant attention even before debut, with Teddy, known for producing Big Bang, 2NE1, and Blackpink at YG Entertainment, overseeing their production.

True to their roots as a survival show group chosen by public vote, izna boasts individual talents and unique personalities. Despite not being a team assembled by the agency, they have forged strong teamwork, sharing a common dream and passion in less than a year since debut.

Among the seven members, Jeong Sae-bi ranked 6th in the final save vote of 'I-LAND2: N/a', making her debut uncertain. However, she was dramatically chosen as an additional member through a surprise announcement by producer Taeyang, successfully debuting.

When asked if she had ever personally thanked Taeyang, Jeong Sae-bi shyly admitted, "I always feel grateful to The Black and Wake One, but I haven't had the chance to thank them in person." She added, "I always hold them in high regard and respect, but I realize I haven't directly thanked them for choosing me. I'll make sure to do so next time I see them," she said with a smile.

Born in 2008, Jeong Sae-bi attended Hongik Elementary School before graduating from Munrae Elementary School. Throughout the interview, she maintained a shy smile and bright eyes. Regarding the '1 million won tuition' rumor, she stated, "I did transfer schools in the middle of elementary school, and it's true I attended a private school." She continued, "My parents paid the tuition, so I'm not sure of the exact amount," she said with a smile.

She explained, "I remember learning various foreign languages and a few instruments." She added, "There was an orchestra club at school, and I joined after passing an audition. I received basic education in piano and violin."

Having trained for 3 years and 8 months at Wake One, Jeong Sae-bi is the longest-serving member of izna under the agency. When asked if there was anything special about it, she thought for a moment and replied, "When entering, we use fingerprint recognition, and my number is notably early. It's number 17," she said playfully.

Jeong Sae-bi added, "Coco once saw my number and asked, 'Sae-bi, why is your number so early?'" However, Coco, present at the interview, humorously denied remembering saying that. None of the other members, except Jeong Sae-bi, remembered their entry numbers, creating a lighthearted atmosphere.

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